Massive Christmas programme in jeopardy unless thaw sets in

All the major fixtures in last weekend’s bowling programme were abandoned because of the continuing severe weather. The massive calendar of events planned for the Christmas period could also fall by the way unless a quick and sustained thaw sets in.

The pause in activity allows for a prospective look at 2011 in the light of last Wednesday’s annual Senior and Intermediate grading. There were no major surprises in either, but both grades will benefit from the infusion of exciting younger talent.

The Munster senior championship is currently enjoying one of its golden periods. In 2011 it will have the defending All-Ireland champion Martin Coppinger; European champion and King of the Roads, David Murphy; European Moors champion Philip O’Donovan; two current World Champions Aidan Murphy (Road) and Éamon Bowen (Moors) and new entrant, Gary Daly, who is a World silver medalist.