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Former Tipperary hurling manager Eamon O'Shea and 2026 All-Ireland camogie champion Ger Manley have been chosen to helm Ireland's men's and women's teams for a double‑header of shinty‑hurling and shinty‑camogie against Scotland at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on 24 October. The roster includes experienced coaches and management from across Ireland. The event promises to showcase Gaelic and Scottish traditions, deliver competitive sport, and boost local commerce. O'Shea emphasizes the fast‑paced, skill‑ful nature of the games, while Manley highlights the opportunity to represent Ireland at the international level. The matches serve as a cultural bridge, offering insight into the future hybrid sport partnership between Ireland and Scotland.
Eamon O'Shea, former Tipperary senior hurling manager, and Ger Manley, 2026 All‑ Ireland winning camogie manager for Cork, have been confirmed to head the Irish men's and women's teams for the upcoming international hybrid sport matches against Scotland.
The games, a shinty‑hurling and shinty‑camogie double‑header, will take place on Saturday 24 October at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, a venue that promises to host a showcase of the two historic Gaelic and Scottish sports. O'Shea, who led the Tipperary hurling team to a national title last year, will take charge of the men's side. In his inaugural interview, the Kilruane McDonagh's coach expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity for Irish hurlers to demonstrate their skills on an international stage.
He said the match would be "exciting, fast and skillful," and that Páirc Uí Chaoimh would provide an ideal setting to illustrate the fundamental elements of hurling and shinty combined. O'Shea also highlighted the importance of the event for the development of the sport, noting that it would allow players from across the country to experience high‑level competition and showcase their technical prowess.
Ger Manley, who has worn the Irish jersey as a player during his playing career, will lead the women's squad. Manley has previously guided the camogie team to victory in Inverness in 2025. He shared his excitement, calling the 2026 internationals a "brilliant opportunity to represent your country" and praised the support of coaching colleagues Gemma, Elaine, Jennifer, Pat and Kieran.
Manley stressed that the preparations over the coming weeks would be intensive, with a focus on building a cohesive unit capable of competing against the seasoned Scottish side. The Irish management structure for the men's team includes a cohort of seasoned coaches and managers.
In addition to O'Shea, the coaching duties will be handled by Tommy Dunne of Toomevara, Tipperary. The support team comprises John Considine from Kilbrittain, Cork; Seamus 'Cheddar' Plunkett of Portlaoise; Patrick Hannon of Monaghan Harps; and Conor Hayes from Kiltormer, Galway.
For the women's side, the management group stands as robust with Ger Manley at the helm, assisted by Gemma O'Connor from St Finbarr's, Cork; Elaine Dowds of Dunloy, Antrim; Jennifer Mehigan of St Finbarr's, Cork; Kieran McCarthy of Douglas, Cork; and Pat O'Neill of Young Irelands, Kilkenny. Páirc Uí Chaoimh, a historic stadium with a long tradition of hosting Gaelic games, will once again act as a crucible for the hybrid sports.
The facilities are well‑suited to accommodate the mix of field dimensions and equipment used in shinty and hurling/camogie, ensuring that players from both sides can play comfortably. The double‑header is expected to draw a sizeable crowd, offering a unique chance for fans of both sports to experience the thrill of seeing Gaelic and Scottish traditions collide. Political and cultural implications of the matches are also significant.
The collective effort of Irish and Scottish players in this hybrid format reflects a broader movement to strengthen ties between the two nations and promote the appreciation of folk sports beyond their traditional boundaries. By marketing the event as a friendly yet fiercely competitive showcase, organizers hope to attract new audiences and potentially secure future international fixtures. The preparation for the Irish squads will involve intensive training camps in the weeks leading up to the day of the matches.
According to O'Shea, player fitness, skill drills, and tactical sessions will take precedence in order to align the men's team with the fast-paced nature of shinty. Manley has stressed that the women's training will similarly focus on endurance and precision to counteract the Scottish camogie team's strengths.
In addition to the sporting aspects, the economic impact associated with the event will not be overlooked. The influx of teams, support staff, and spectators is expected to boost local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services around Cork. The authorities have also earmarked funds to improve match day operations, ensuring spectator safety and providing provisions for the teams. The partnership between the Irish and Scottish associations suggests a long‑term vision for continuing these hybrid international competitions.
With the backing of both Gaelic Athletic Association bodies, the Irish men's and women's teams can be supported further through research into best practices and coaching innovations, potentially creating a model that can be replicated worldwide. As preparations draw to a close, the anticipation for the 24 October double‑header continues to grow. Both O'Shea and Manley have reaffirmed their commitment to excellence, promising a compelling and memorable spectacle for fans and participants alike.
The Irish side's ability to combine hurling's speed and precision with shinty's power and endurance will be essential to secure a win, and the upcoming matches will test the ingenuity and adaptability of both squads. The stage is set, and the stage will be brimming with talent, tradition, and the promise of a historic encounter.
Shinty Hurling Camogie Ireland Scottish
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