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Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan

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After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork and Kerry separate in the 2026 Munster Football Championship.

The new seeding system – which gives the two highest ranked Munster teams in the National League byes to separate semi-finals – will now come into play in 2027, twelve months later than initially planned.

This will give Clare and Limerick a chance to earn promotion to Division 2 of the league, potentially overtaking Cork if the Rebels were to get relegated to Division 3.

Despite traditionally being the two main contenders for Munster football honours, Kerry and Cork haven’t met in a provincial decider since 2021. The Kingdom have won each of the finals since then (one versus Limerick and three versus Clare) by an average margin of 15.75 points.

More high-profile Kerry v Cork finals might be desirable for fans of those teams, businesses in Killarney and Cork, and neutrals alike but Munster GAA’s plans to effectively keep the great rivals on opposite sides of the draw understandably drew criticism from the other participating counties. A statement by the GPA confirmed that players from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipp had met via Zoom to discuss the matter. They were said to be “deeply disappointed and concerned” by the decision.

The 12-month delay will at least give two of those disaffected teams an opportunity to benefit from the new seeding process.

The draw for the 2026 Munster Football Championship will take place on November 27 under the old rules. As 2025 finalists, Kerry and Clare will get byes to the last four (but they will not necessarily be kept apart).

Nine members of Kerry's squad are up for All-Stars at tonight’s awards ceremony in Dublin with Joe O’Connor and David Clifford also in contention for the prestigious Footballer of the Year award.

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Cyclists urged to support Kerry Hospice in 2026 Ring of Kerry Cycle

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The Kerry Hospice Foundation is appealing to cyclists taking part in the 2026 Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle to choose the foundation as their designated charity.

The iconic 170km event is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, and remains a vital source of funding for palliative care services across the county.
The foundation was recently confirmed as one of the six Tier 1 main beneficiaries for this year’s cycle. Funds raised by participants will go directly toward a major €6.5 million expansion of the specialist palliative care inpatient unit. Work has already begun on adding five new bedrooms and enhanced family support facilities to meet the growing demand for end-of-life care in Kerry.
Since opening its 15-bed unit in 2017, the facility has consistently operated at full capacity, prompting the foundation to fast-track these latest development plans.
“Each year thousands of cyclists take on this iconic route around the Ring of Kerry. It would be amazing if you can do so, while raising essential funds that help us provide Palliative Care and support to patients and their families throughout Kerry and beyond,” a foundation spokesperson said.
“This is where we need your help. We would love it if you can cycle for us; if this isn’t practical, please support us in the form of sponsorship or other direct contributions.”
Registration for the event is now live at www.ringofkerrycycle.ie. When signing up, cyclists have the option to select the Kerry Hospice Foundation as their chosen beneficiary to ensure 100% of their voluntary donations go toward the local hospice project.

Cyclists urged to support Kerry Hospice in 2026 Ring of Kerry Cycle


The Kerry Hospice Foundation is appealing to cyclists taking part in the 2026 Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle to choose the foundation as their designated charity.

Kerry Hospice launch their Ring of Kerry Cycle fundraiser at the unit on Monday evening. L to r: Andrea O’Donoghue, Robaird Pierce, Jack Shanahan, Maura Sullivan, Jenny Tarrant, Eileen Sheehy and Dr Patricia Sheehan.

The iconic 170km event is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, and remains a vital source of funding for palliative care services across the county.
The foundation was recently confirmed as one of the six Tier 1 main beneficiaries for this year’s cycle. Funds raised by participants will go directly toward a major €6.5 million expansion of the specialist palliative care inpatient unit. Work has already begun on adding five new bedrooms and enhanced family support facilities to meet the growing demand for end-of-life care in Kerry.
Since opening its 15-bed unit in 2017, the facility has consistently operated at full capacity, prompting the foundation to fast-track these latest development plans.
“Each year thousands of cyclists take on this iconic route around the Ring of Kerry. It would be amazing if you can do so, while raising essential funds that help us provide Palliative Care and support to patients and their families throughout Kerry and beyond,” a foundation spokesperson said.
“This is where we need your help. We would love it if you can cycle for us; if this isn’t practical, please support us in the form of sponsorship or other direct contributions.”
Registration for the event is now live at www.ringofkerrycycle.ie. When signing up, cyclists have the option to select the Kerry Hospice Foundation as their chosen beneficiary to ensure 100% of their voluntary donations go toward the local hospice project.

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Killarney Golf and Fishing Club becomes PGA training hub

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Killarney Golf and Fishing Club becomes PGA training hub


Killarney Golf and Fishing Club has gained Professional Golfers Association (PGA) status. It is now one of only two PGA training establishments in Ireland.


The PGA Training Programme is a respected global qualification. It includes a Foundation Degree in Professional Golf Studies from the University of Birmingham. This three-year course focuses on coaching, sports science, business, and tournament play. Around 300 students from across Europe enrol each year.
The addition of Killarney means year-one and year-two trainee professionals from Ireland can complete their practical and theoretical work in Killarney.
This removes the need for them to travel to the UK. The club was chosen due to its high-quality training facilities and available local accommodation.
Killarney head professional Mark Heinemann has also been named as a PGA Tutor and Assessor. He will mentor young Irish trainees through their three-year journey to becoming qualified professionals. His role will involve leading both individual and group coaching sessions.

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