Kerry Federation opts to cancel all events for 2020
THE 2020 Federation Committee of Kerry clubs has decided to cancel all events including the Dr Billy O’Sullivan, JB O’Shea, and the Nines of Kerry Shields as well as the Captains Day due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
In a letter sent to each of the county’s clubs on Monday, Federation Captain Fionán O hÓgain stated that the decision was reluctantly taken following consultation with the Federation Trustees and with Ceann Sibéal GC.
Events were cancelled according to the letter because of the difficulties involved in the with running of the events in the proper spirit of the Federation. It was felt that given issues such as the decision of some clubs not to participate in interclub golf competitions this year, time issues with starting and finishing out competitions, the requirement for team members to travel individually to events, and especially the difficulties of hosting after match dinners and social gatherings mitigated against the enjoyable and successful running of the events in the current climate.
The options regarding the hosting of the Federation events in 2021 are to be discussed between Ceann Sibéal and Waterville Golf Clubs (2021 hosts) and it is hoped that if all parties are in agreement, that a motion can be put before Federation members that Ceann Sibéal Golf Club would act as Hosts in 2021 and that each subsequent host would host as previously agreed a year later i.e Waterville in 2022, Ballyheigue in 2023, etc, and given the practical difficulties posed with organising an EGM, such a motion would likely be put before the Federation members via email for their consideration.
The letter further stated that all clubs are facing difficult challenges in the coming months and years due to the impact of Covid-19 and the Federation would like to wish all Kerry Golf Clubs and golfers the best for the remainder of 2020.
In particular, the Federation wished the very best to Maine Valley Golf Club which was formed following the closure of the Killorglin
and Castleisland clubs and they are also asking Federation members to support last year’s Federation hosts, Kenmare GC, in their fundraising activities to rebuild their clubhouse which was lost in a fire on June 1.
Fair play and well done is what I say to those who took the decision which can’t have been, but it is in my opinion the right one.
As I stated previously on more than one occasion, I think the year 2020 should have been devoid of all inter-club competition purely on the grounds that events could not be played in their traditional format.
I also suggested months ago that 2020 Captains, Lady Captains and Presidents should remain in office for 2021 because their year in office has been ruined by the pandemic and the cancellation of so many events, and while several clubs around the country have opted to do this, I haven’t heard of a Kerry club that has, but perhaps now after the cancellation of the Federation events, some might yet take that decision.