Lovat Shinty Club unfortunately lost a legend on Sunday 21st June 2020, with the sudden passing of Mary Ann Henton. She was Lovat’s biggest fan, and will be sorely missed by everyone in the shinty community.
Mary Ann took over as treasurer of Lovat Shinty Club in the 60’s and carried on this thankless task for over 50 years. At home games she would walk the perimeter of the pitch catching up with friends and supporters, but more importantly talk them out of money for the collection. Her devotion to the club saw her travel far and wide to support all of the teams from kids right through to the ladies and senior teams.
Mary Ann served on the Camanachd Association Disciplinary Committee for many years, and she was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2014 for her services to shinty.
Mary Ann’s family history with Lovat Shinty Club goes back a long way including her father, Geordie MacPherson who was groundsman at Balgate, and then she went on to marry her late husband Jackie Henton, another Lovat legend who sadly passed away in 2014. Jackie was a famous goalkeeper for the club and the family connection continued with nephews George, John and Cameron MacRitchie having all playing for the club. John has since gone on to manage the senior team including winning the Camanachd Cup in 2015 and is now club President.
Mary Ann was thrilled to see the formation of Lovat Ladies and her great-niece Rachel MacRitchie was among the girls to make this happen. Rachel now sits on the committee as events coordinator and shows the same devotion to Lovat passed down from Mary Ann.
Everyone at Lovat Shinty Club is devastated, but we are full of fond memories that will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with Mary Ann’s family at this time.