Yet another sporting element returns to this year’s Almonte Celtfest. On Sunday July 13, 2008 at 2:30 PM, in an appropriate “All Celtic” rugby match up, the local Lanark Highlanders will take on the Ottawa Irish.  Lucky spectators can witness these two Eastern Ontario Division I rivals battle it out for the “Celtfest Cup”.

The Lanark Highlanders, who play out of Perth, draw players from all over Lanark County and the Valley. The Highlanders were formed in 2005 and quickly asserted themselves in the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union, winning the 2006 Division II title. The Highlanders now play in Division I and are currently in second place.

Expect to see a hard hitting, hard running Highlanders team who have earned the reputation of being one of the least congenial teams on the field, and one of the most hospitable off of it.

The Ottawa Irish have a long and storied history dating back to 1963 and have produced some of the finest rugby players in Canada, principally Al Charon who was long time member of the National Men’s Team (over 70 caps, some which have been as Captain) as well as playing for the British Barbarians and other invitational All-World teams. He played professional rugby in Britain and France since December 1997 – and made a remarkable comeback from a serious knee injury to Captain the Canadian side in the 2004 World Cup. Expect the Irish to bring their Celtic pride; this is an event they will not want to lose.

The Celtic Cup promises not to disappoint, for old rugby fans or those new to the game, come on out and witness this exciting ‘Celtic’ sporting experience.