All Ireland Finals of AIG Junior Cup and Pierce Purcell facing delay

Declan Corcoran (Athlone) reacts to his putt on the 19th green in the semi final of the Pierce Purcell Shield at the 2018 AIG Cups and Shields Finals at Thurles Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

The Golfing Union of Ireland may have to move the date for the All Ireland Finals of the AIG Junior Cup and Pierce Purcell Shield following delays to the provincial stage in Leinster due to the coronavirus restrictions.

Both the GUI and hosts Donegal Golf Club continue to plan for the All-Ireland Finals of the AIG Senior Cup, AIG Junior Cup, AIG Jimmy Bruen Shield, AIG Pierce Purcell Shield and Irish Boys Inter-Club Championship. 

However, the Union is monitoring closely the progression of the provincial stage of these competitions and it appears there could be a delay in the Junior Cup and the Pierce Purcell.

While most events are proceeding smoothly, the localised restrictions that applied to Kildare, Laois and Offaly for two weeks from 7 August, and which were extended on 21 August for another two weeks in Kildare, have affected the completion of the provincial stage in Leinster.

Leinster Golf believes the provincial sections of the AIG Senior Cup, AIG Jimmy Bruen Shield and Irish Boys Inter-Club Championship can be completed in time for the winners to advance to the All-Ireland Finals at Donegal from 17-18 October.

But the dates for the AIG Junior Cup and AIG Pierce Purcell Shield, initially pencilled in for 15-16 October, will be revised to take place as soon as possible thereafter. 

“We are working with Donegal Golf Club on this scheduling matter, and intend to confirm the dates for ALL five competitions in early September, after a further assessment of the public health outlook and the continued progression of the competitions,” the GUI said in a statement.

“To facilitate forward planning and logistics, the Union is planning to stage the All-Ireland Finals behind closed doors with only those essential to the running of the events in attendance. 

“This planning decision has been taken with regard to the current public health restrictions which do not permit spectators, as well as to reduce the logistics involved for two reasons – to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those involved in planning and to facilitate scheduling decisions to be taken at short notice as necessary. 

“Live scoring will be available during the event, in addition to our normal comprehensive coverage across social and conventional media channels.”