A DEDICATED Cowal shinty volunteer has received a major boost to her coaching work after local sponsors came together to fund a brand-new set of portable shinty goals.
Doreen Macdonald, a well-known figure in the local shinty community, has spent years giving her time to promote the sport across Cowal. Working in her own time, she delivers coaching sessions in schools and community settings, introducing children from across the area to the game and helping them develop their skills.
Her efforts have now been strengthened thanks to generous backing from a group of local businesses, who funded the purchase of equipment that will make training more realistic and accessible for young players.
The new portable goals will allow sessions to be more dynamic and flexible, with the equipment able to be transported easily between schools, clubs and community events. For Doreen, it marks an important step forward in improving the experience for youngsters taking their first steps in the sport.
She also plays a key role in encouraging wider community involvement, having already helped recruit a number of volunteers to support her sessions—though she insists there is always room for more.
She said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the support from our community.
“These new goals are already making a huge difference to the sessions and I can’t thank our sponsors enough for their donations.
“Thanks to Western Ferries, Blacks the Bakers, John Tyre and Sons, JM Plant Solutions and The Lorne, Dunoon. Their help has meant we can give the kids the experience they deserve.
“Shinty is thriving in the community but there’s always more work to be done so I’d encourage any volunteers or children who are keen to try out the sport to get in touch through their local school.”
The initiative has been warmly welcomed locally, with the investment expected to support grassroots shinty development across Cowal for years to come.
