Scrap the academy and give power and resources back to the clubs and you will help to solve some of the problems besetting Munster Rugby, writes Charlie Mulqueen

More than 24,000 of the 26,500 tickets available have been snapped up for Friday’s Guinness Pro12 clash of Munster and Leinster at Thomond Park.

If enthusiasm and commitment prove determining factors in Friday’s Pro12 clash with Leinster at Thomond Park, Munster veteran second row Donncha O’Callaghan will have been a central figure.

The fee-paying members of the Golfing Union of Ireland and its constituent clubs have dropped by 43,795 (or 5%) over the last 10 years, according to the union’s financial controller, Michael Malone.

Golf membership in Munster continues to decline, according to figures released by provincial officials.

Niall Kearney, the 26-year-old European Challenge Tour player from Royal Dublin, achieved an ambition he has chased since turning professional in 2009 when he birdied the 18th hole at Adare Manor yesterday to capture the 104th Irish Professional Championship.

Legends like Harry Bradshaw, Fred Daly, Christy O’Connor Senior, Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke and Pádraig Harrington have won the Irish PGA Championship over its 104-year history.

The draw for the West Clare hotels South of Ireland Championship beginning at Lahinch on Saturday suggests the event is again attracting some of the biggest names in amateur golf.

At 66 and with his sights firmly trained on a top 10 finish in this week’s British Seniors Open at Royal Porthcawl, Cork’s Denis O’Sullivan is focused.

It was only pro-am day at Fota yesterday but already the support for Pádraig Harrington was palpable.