Dr Billy O’Sullivan draw

THE draw for the 2017 Dr Billy O’Sullivan Shield was made over the weekend and has thrown up some very interesting fixtures in the opening round which must be completed by June 30.

Kerry Federation hosts Parknasilla were first out of the hat and have a home tie against neighbours Waterville.

Dooks play last year’s finalists Killorglin in another local derby while Ballyheigue meet Ross.

Castlerosse take on Ring of Kerry, Castlegregory face Kenmare and Castleisland have a home tie against Ballybunion.

Reigning champions Tralee are home to Killarney in possibly the biggest of the first-round games while Beaufort entertain Ceann Sibéal to complete round one.

Although there are eight weeks or so to the completion date of round one, its no harm to have a little look at the possible contenders for this year’s event.

So, let’s begin with the first game where I see Waterville beating Parknasilla.

Dooks v Killorglin is a tricky one and although Killorglin reached the final last year, I fancy Dooks with home advantage.

Again, home advantage should see Ballyheigue over the line against Ross while I fancy Ring of Kerry for an away win at Castlerosse.

I think Castlegregory will beat Kenmare and though it pains me to say it, Castleisland should go through against Ballybunion who don’t travel well, of late.

Tralee versus Killarney is really a clash of the giants, but the home side are very hard to beat in Barrow, so its Tralee for me and I fancy Ceann Sibeal to upset the odds and win away from home at Beaufort.

In round two I’d fancy Waterville to see off Dooks, Ballyheigue to beat Ring of Kerry, Castlegregory to beat Castleisland and Tralee to beat Ceann Sibeal all with home advantage.

The semi-finals and finals will of course be played at Parknasilla, and on a neutral course anything can happen, but I quite fancy Waterville to beat Ballyheigue and Tralee to beat Castlegregory with Tralee going on to win it and successfully defend their title.

Of course, it most likely won’t happen like that but it will be fun to keep an eye on the results as they happen over the coming months, just to see how many predictions I get right or wrong.

The Castlegregory Golf Club JB Carr team who took on Ceann Sibeal at Castlegregory on Friday last, front from left: Jim O’Sullivan, Michael Burrows, Michael Spillane, Eamonn Reidy, Sean O’Connor and Sean Spillane. At back, from left: John Rowan, Sean...