Cork teams in action early as Munster Council set hurling and football fixtures

THE Cork U20 footballers will defend their Munster and All-Ireland titles from February 19.
Keith Ricken’s charges are in action far earlier this season with the U20 series brought forward and they were drawn against Clare or Waterford, setting up a likely provincial final in Kerry on February 26.
The U20 hurlers, who next season will be managed by Pat Ryan, open with a clash with Kerry on July 1 and then a semi-final away to Limerick eight days later.
All-Ireland U17 champions three years ago, the team will be among the favourites for glory.
The Munster GAA Competitions Control Committee have also confirmed next summer’s senior fixtures, with Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosting the hurling opener on May 10 against Limerick and a football semi-final with Kerry on May 24.
The minor hurlers will be in synch with the seniors as per the past two seasons. The football competition will be run off separately with the final on alongside the senior decider.
The preseason competitions kick in from December with Kieran Kingston's hurlers hosting Kerry on December 18 and away to Waterford two nights later. The final is on January 12 if Cork win their games.
Ronan McCarthy and the footballers travel to Tralee on December 29 and are at home to Tipp on January 2.
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