Skye goalkeeper Murphy Henderson takes time out to explain the highs and lows of his career between the sticks.
The 20-year-old has just helped unbeaten Skye clinch the National Division title by one point ahead of Beauly to secure a return to the Premiership.
What is your earliest shinty memory?
My first training session at Portree Primary School. I recall it was indoors and I loved it right away.
Who was senior debut against and what was the result?
We played Kingussie at home in 2015 and I played for the second team. I remember Ronald Ross, Kevin Thain and Rory Fraser were playing for Kingussie that day. In some ways, I couldn’t have been chucked in for a worse game, but we actually only lost 2-1.
What is your best moment in shinty so far?
My best moment was being part of this season’s Skye team to win promotion to the Premiership by winning the National Division after a 0-0 draw at Inveraray last week.
Another special game was winning the London Shield in 2019. It was played in Portree and I was captain, which made it even more special. We beat Newtonmore 4-0.
And the worst?
The toughest defeat was losing the 2018 Under-17s MacTavish Cup semi-final 2-1 against Fort William in Glengarry.
What is the worst injury you have suffered?
Thankfully, I’ve never had any bad injuries so far – long may that continue. That’s a positive of being a goalie, I suppose.
Who is the joker in the team?
This was a tough one, because all the boys have their moments, but you can always count on Martin Pringle to bring the laughs.
What is your favourite away ground?
I’ll go for Braeview Park in Beauly. You always get a good game there and the crowd are brilliant.
Who is the rival player you would have loved in your team and why?
Kingussie’s Ruaridh Anderson, who I played against throughout juvenile shinty. I don’t think I could count how many times I’d picked the ball out of the net because of him. He’s the same age as me, yet he’s won a terrific amount in shinty.
Skye Captain Ali “Cloudy” MacLeod receives the Mowi National Division Trophy from John Angus Gillies from Mowi on 5th Nov 2022 #shinty pic.twitter.com/ZSBQ7385nG
— Shinty (@camanachd) November 5, 2022
What is the favourite goal scored by you or a team-mate?
I need to go back all the way to primary school. I once scored a half-volley when I played outfield. To this day, I’ve never seen a goal like it!
Describe the sport in three words?
Competitive, enjoyable and family.
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