Experience counts for a lot when entering into tournament football and the Munster Football Association may have an advantage in that area.

It was a wise move by the Munster FA to retain the coaching team, spearheaded by Jason Purcell, as they set their sights on winning the 2026 FAI Amateur Inter-Provincial Tournament in Donegal.

Four teams will play three games each over three days in what promises to be an action-packed series between the different provincial outfits. The utlimate prize is going on to represent the country in this year’s UEFA Regions’ Cup.

Purcell was in charge of the Munster FA team two years ago when they last competed at this level, so he knows what to expect and his assured approach is something that his players will surely respond to.

Munster have already had some games, taking on Cork City’s Under-20s, Cobh Ramblers’ Under-20s and the Defence Forces, which should stand to them ahead of their opening fixture against the Ulster FA on Friday, March 20th.

“We will just focus on our own performances and we won’t look any further than the first game against Ulster, which will be really difficult,” said Purcell.

“You have to be adaptable. You’ve got to be able to change and match teams up and make sure your formation is right on the day. But it’s the same for all of the provinces, we just have to go in with a positive attitude and try to win our first game.

“We will going to try to win the tournament but there will be no easy games. It’s a very demanding tournament with three games over three days, but we will go in with a positive attitude.”

Within the Munster squad are 10 players who featured in this tournament last time out, including the deadly duo of Jimmy carr and Eoin Hayes, who could provide the firepower required for their team to be triumphant.

Certainly Purcell will preaching a steady way forward and he will be ready to adapt to whatever is needed to get his team through what will be three tough games.

Munster Squad
Goalkeeper: Shane Hallahan (College Corinthians), Craig Dunphy (Villa FC)
Defenders: Adam Conway (Villa FC), Adam Delurey (Ringmahon Rangers), Cian Murphy (Rockmount), Sean Guerins (BT Harps), John Tamen (Villa FC), Jake Dillon (Fairview Rangers), Robert Walsh (Midleton)
Midfielders: Conor Kilgannon (Villa FC), Luke Walsh (Villa FC), Jamie O’Sullivan (Ringmahon Rangers), Luke Casey (Coachford), Robert O’Connor (Midleton), Matthew Keane (Killarney Celtic)
Forwards: Eoin Hayes (Newmarket Celtic), Jimmy Carr (St Michael’s), Eoin Murphy (Rockmount), Aaron O’Connor (Villa FC), Jake Hegarty (Midleton)

Fixtures
Friday, March 20th | Munster FA v Ulster FA, Diamond Park, Ballyare, Donegal, KO 19:00
Friday, March 20th | Leinster FA v Connacht FA, Dry Arch Park, Bonagee, Donegal, KO 19:00
Saturday, March 21st | Ulster FA v Leinster FA, Buncrana Hearts, Donegal, KO 13:00
Saturday, March 21st | Connacht FA v Munster FA, Aileach FC, Inishown, Donegal, KO 13:00
Sunday, March 22nd | Munster FA v Leinster FA, Diamond Park, Ballyare, Donegal, KO 11:00
Sunday, March 22nd | Connacht FA v Ulster FA, Leckview Park, Letterkenny, KO 11:00