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MUNSTER BRANCH REPORT
by Owen Kelly

Senior Events
Four senior events were held in Munster this season. 3 Senior Munster Rankings and the AIB Cork Closed. The first ever Munster senior ranking was held in West Cork at the Macroom club at the beginning of the season and had a good attendance. The second was held at the St.Angelas School and the third was held at the first ever West Cork Open in Ballydehob where the first ever Unified Doubles Tournament proved enjoyable for all, special thanks go to the Munster SO Committee for their assistance.

The Cork Closed was delayed this year and it was decided to use it as a chance for players to try out the 11 point, 5 set tournament format. This meant that there was an increase in events for senior players within the province from last year and this fulfilled this seasons objective of the Munster Branch.

The Inter University Championships were successfully held by the UCC Club, and much credit goes to the officers of the club for their excellent organisation.

The U21 Munster team retained their Interprovincial Title at Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey.

Congratulations to B.Fitzgerald, Mark White, Tom Conroy, Jonathan McCarthy, Rachael O’Connor & Linda Mountjoy collected titled at the AIB Munster Open. During the season Munster players Brian and Linda held both No.1 places at Mens' & Ladies in the Irish Rankings. Senior League

The Cork Senior League was revived this year with 2 divisions. A new “open” format was tried with teams of three playing, without handicap. Some problems were experienced and the start was delayed. At this time the play-offs have not been completed. A new “League Secretary” will be identified next season in order to solve the problems experienced. the new format and the fact that a Senior League was run at all fulfilled the objective of the Munster Branch.

A West Cork Interparochial League was successfully concluded with Kinneigh TTC winning for the second time in three years. A West Cork Knockout Cup was run for the first time this season and the final between Kinneigh and Buttimers is due to be played. a plate competition is also to be concluded.

Coaching
A number of Coaching Schemes took place in Cork City, Macroom, Kinneigh, Goleen, Skibbereen and Thurles. New Coaching Schemes were set up at Togher National School and CoAction, Bantry. An ITTA Level 1 Coaching Course was run at North Monastery School. The students are awaiting the results of their assessment. The two new coaching schemes have directly been instigated due to these Level 1 Coaching courses. A number of players attended National Training Camps this year, including a Special Olympics training day in Limerick.

Publicity
A number of prominent articles were featured in the Examiner, Southern Star and Echo as well as County Sound Radio and Cork FM. Two receptions were held at the City Hall in Cork with the Mayor and the Junior Interpros were attended by the Mayor and a photographer. Dave Barry Cork AFC Manager and sports personality attended a presentation at the AIB Munster Open. The Munster website was featured as part of TTIreland.com in PCLive Magazine in the top ten Irish sites for April. The website has proved to be of major benefit to the membership as a form of information distribution and tournament entry. Jenna Mehigan Collins became the first email entry to a tournament and was presented with a trophy by OKStudios to mark the occasion. The Munster newsletter the “JO!” was also a great success.

Junior Events
A number of events/rankings were held for Junior this season including a successful sponsored tournament and the series of Munster Rankings. The first ever Junior Munster Ranking event was held in West Cork. These are a popular series and it is the recommendation of the Munster Branch to increase the number next season. The first series of West Cork Junior Rankings were held around the County and proved to be extremely popular. The Cork Schools League had 7 Divisions and the Schools League Cup saw three events go to Midleton College.

The first West Cork Schools cup also took place in both Primary and Secondary events. A number of junior events were also held at Thurles CBS. A social outing to Trabolgan Holiday Centre was arranged and a second trip to Tralee is planned.

The Junior Interpros were held at UCC The Maltings and thanks goes to the UCC Club for the use of their excellent facilities. The Cork Closed was held on the day after and juniors were able to try the 5 set, 11 point format.

6 out of 6 All Ireland Schools titles went to Cork at the Finals held at Rochestown, Co.Cork.

Congratulations to Kinneigh TTC took all 12 Interparochial Titles this season

National Events
Munster players represented Ireland at virtually every level this season. Congratulations go to Brian Fitzgerald, Linda Mountjoy, Linda O’Sullivan, Jean O’Sullivan, Louise long, Mark White, Gary Noonan, Johnny McCarthy, Chris O’Brien, Jackie Rea, Andrea Shorten Rachael O’Connor and Con Higgins for their International achievements.

Development
A Munster Development Report and Strategy Document has been produced by the Munster Branch outlining the existing structure and proposed development strategy for the Munster Branch. The full report is available from the Munster Secretary.