GUI President-elect John Moloughney is backing Thurles Golf Club to keep up the high standards of the AIG Cups and Shields finals when they are staged at the Tipperary club in 2018.

Thurles Golf Club celebrated a third Pierce Purcell Shield All Ireland title and a second in three years as team captain Jimmy Ryan praised his players’ battling qualities and work ethic.

As one of 20 teams still standing from a starting field of 1,800, Thurles Golf Club have plenty reason to be proud heading into this week’s AIG Cups and Shields finals at Carton House.