Yesterday's heroes...

Heroes Index

Boleskine 1966

Pictured, Back Row, L to R; Ken Ross Senior, John Murray, Teep MacDonald, Hugh Fraser, Leslie Stoddart, Alister Forbes, Bobby MacLeod, John Brown, William Batchen.
Front Row L to R; Johnny Kennedy, Donnie Fraser, Ken Ross, Charlie Kennedy, Billy MacKay.

Boleskine Camanachd 1966 with The Sutherland and MacGillivray Junior League Cups

The year 1966 was a very successful year for Boleskine, winning the Sutherland Cup by 4 goals to 2 against Kyles Athletic at Fort William. And the MacGillivray Junior Cup with an emphatic 6 goals to 2 against Lochaber Camanachd at Glenurquhart. Kenny Ross (front third left) was the young Captain that proudly lifted the cup along with the treasured silver mounted 'Caman'. His father, Kenneth senior, who was the club President at the time is also pictured on the far left of the photograph. Kenny was known as a prolific goal scorer and he held shinty's top goal scorer record for a full seven years. He went on to play for Beauly when Boleskine folded in 1967 and returned immediately after they reformed in 1969. He was also a keen footballer and played summer league football in Inverness for many years.

George (Teep) MacDonald, (back third left) in his second season back from retirement at the age of 43, helped himself to a hat-trick on the day to crown a long and distinguished career with the club. Still in great shape to this day, he finally retired in 1969. This was , remarkably the first important winners medal he ever won ! Having played for both Foyers and Stratherrick during Boleskine's many splits, he was regarded , in his day, as the one of the most revered players in the sport. He is the present Chieftain of the club.

Also pictured is Alister Forbes, (back fourth from right) one of the most robust and dedicated players of his generation and the first local player to gain a full International cap, against Ireland in 1969. He also went on to win a Camanachd Cup medal with Glasgow Mid-Argyll in 1973.

Billy MacKay (front far right) also went on to represent his country in the International series against the Hurling team from Ireland. His cap was gained in Cork (Ireland) in 1977. An abundance of skill and guile were enough to make him one of the best players ever to grace a Shinty field. He went on to play for Glenurqhuart alongside Hugh Fraser (Toots) and was arguably the most talented player to don the colors of Boleskine. He made a come-back to Boleskine in the late 70's and played on until 1988. During the period this photograph was taken he played at wing back for the team but soon progressed to the mid-field area where his creative style was of more benefit.

Charlie Kennedy (front second from right) was the young star of the team and his talent for scoring goals with the larger ball did not go unnoticed. He was soon snapped up by Clachnacudden F.C. and went on to become one of the most revered strikers in the Highland League, in fact he went on to score 63 goals in one season for 'Clach'. A record that may never be beaten. He also returned after his retiral from competitive football and played on, well into his forties. A great motivator, his experience is very much missed by the team of today. There are not many sports that Charlie did not excel at, even turning his hand to Cricket at one stage. A handicap of seven at golf is testimony to his skill and determination. His son Graham is also a promising footballer in the making.

Hugh Fraser (rear fourth from left) played in the  Center position. An excellent hitter of the ball as well as strong runner ensured a constant supply of ball for the forward line. His career was hampered in it's later stages by knee problems. He and Billy MacKay joined Glenurquhart as part of their formidable 'team' in the mid seventy's and both  returned in the 78-79 season to play for  Boleskine .

Charlie's brother Johnny is pictured front left, was a hard working player with no shortage of skill and determination. An eager runner he was a first class wing center. He went on to work in the Fort William Aluminium factory after the closure of the Foyers Plant and turned out for Kilmallie during the seventies. Still a keen follower of the sport, he attends many shinty matches in Fort William and runs a critical eye over Boleskine when they visit. He also likes to ride motor-cycles even though they have less mechanical parts than he does! Charlie and Johnnie's father 'Jock' played in the final of the Camanachd Cup in Glasgow in 1928-the only appearance that Boleskine have made in this final.

Donnie Fraser (front second from left) developed an understanding in the forward line that was, at times, uncanny along with his brothers Hamish and Alfie, who was noted for heading the ball. His brother Alfie had won medals in both the Sutherland and Strathdearn Cups during season 63-64.. Donnie continued to play for Boleskine for many years becoming one of their best sharpshooters.

Leslie Stoddart (goal keeper-centre rear) was groomed from a very early age to take over from his older brother 'Scoopy'. The Stoddart Clan are very much alive and kicking in Stratherrick and James is the most recent member being the Secretary of the Shinty Club from 1995 to 1997. Leslie was a fierce competitor and a first class full back. In-fact if it wasn't for the presence of Alister Forbes then Leslie would have been the first choice defender during the Sixties. He is still keeping fit today and turns out on special occasions when the 'youngsters' try to put one over on the old boys.

John Murray (rear second from left) who played in the forward line for most of his career, played on for Boleskine into the mid Seventies gaining a Dewar Shield medal into the bargain. He also had a spell with Inverness, along with Alister Forbes.  Honest and hardworking, a real 'team player'. He still lives in the area today.

Bobby MacLeod (rear third from right) played in the defence and was noted for his reliability and strong tackling. He left the area shortly after the closure of the Aluminium Works at Foyers and went on to the newly developed works at Invergordon, now also closed. There is no record of him playing for any other team after leaving Foyers although we may be wrong.

John Brown (rear second from right) played in the defence, strong and very quick, he was able to support the centre line at every opportunity . His brother Gregor was a first class amateur golfer. As far as we know he is still involved in checking invoices in the Customs and Excise Dept which was his chosen, and I believe, very successful career.

William Batchen (rear far right) was the club secretary who organized and molded the team into a force to be reckoned with during the sixties. He went on to emulate his father in being one of Shinty's top referees and became secretary and treasurer of the Camanachd Association, a post he held for twelve years. He was also a very good footballer and played for Inverness Caledonian for many years. He is still active in shinty circles to this day.
Enough could be written about Willie to fill a book; possibly controversial, sometimes outspoken but always with passion and genuine belief, this man is legend, along with the team he undoubtedly had a huge part in creating.

© D M D 2000