Munster Branch release draft fixture list

THE Munster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland have released a draft copy of their 2017 fixture list which is of course subject to change before it is finalised but it does give club officials and players an idea of what is happening and where it’s happening for next season.

Beginning with the Cups and Shields and the Jimmy Bruen Shield gets the inter-club action underway for the new season on the weekend of May 13 and 14.

Two weeks later the action returns with the Pierce Purcell Shield on the weekend of May 27 and 28.

The Irish Mixed Foursomes is the next one down for decision on the weekend of June 17 and 18 followed by the Senior Cup the following weekend June 24 and 25.

The Junior Cup takes place on the weekend of July 1 and 2 and the final event is the Barton Shield on the weekend of July 15 and 16.

Some first round matches (preliminary matches) will be played prior to the hosting weekend in most of the Cups and Shields Tournaments to alleviate the burden on the host and participating clubs.

Killarney and Tralee have been selected to host Munster finals in the Cups and Shields for the new season with the provincial deciders of both the Jimmy Bruen and Pierce Purcell Shields played at Killarney on Sunday July 16 while Tralee host the Barton Shield, Senior Cup and Junior Cup deciders on the weekend of August 12 and 13 so it’s a great incentive for Kerry clubs and especially Tralee and Killarney, to get through the West Munster qualifiers.

The draws for the individual Cups and Shields plus the venues for West Munster will be announced in the coming weeks.