Junior League Format Changed

The Munster Junior Committee of the Munster Branch have announced a major change to the format for Divisions One and Two of the Munster Junior League for next season.

The Munster Junior Committee of the Munster Branch have announced a major change to the format for Divisions One and Two of the Munster Junior League for next season.

This decision was taken at its recent AGM. Both Divisions have been amalgamated and the sides will be divided into three sections of eight teams. The top two sides from each section will go forward into a knock out competition to decide the league winners.

They will be graded on their results from their pool games, with the top two sides getting a bye into the semi-finals and will have home advantage against the winners of the two-quarter finals. The sides placed third and fourth will have home advantage against the sixth and fifth side in the quarter finals.

The two bottom sides in each section will play off in a Round Robin series to decide which sides will be relegated to the Third Division, while the remaining sides will take part in a Cup competition for the Liam Fitzgerald Cup, which was previously awarded to the winners of the Second Division.

The draw for the three Pool groups resulted in Cashel, Charleville, Clanwilliam, Crosshaven, Ennis, Fermoy, Kilfeacle and St. Senan’s playing in Group A. Abbeyfeale, Castleisland, Clonmel, Kanturk, Nenagh Ormond, Skibbereen, St. Mary’s and Youghal will contest Group B and Bandon, Cobh Pirates, Muskerry, Old Christians, Richmond, Thurles, Tralee and Waterford City will play in Group C.

There is no change to the Third Division, which will have thirteen sides battling it out for the two promotion places. The League will commence on the 10th October with the final pool games being played on January 23rd. The leagues will conclude on the 27th March.

The Fixtures will be published shortly.