KILBRITTAIN have enjoyed a stellar season across both codes – and now, in the Co-op Superstores Premier Junior Hurling Championship, they stand on the brink of glory. 

The Black and Amber have been flawless so far, winning all four of their games to reach Friday night’s county final against Glen Rovers’ second team.

Their route to the decider has been impressive: victories over Barryroe, Cloughduv, Nemo Rangers and Ballygarvan have underlined their consistency and quality. They’ve grown stronger with each outing, and the signs suggest they’re peaking at just the right time.

Mark Hickey has led the charge up front, top scoring with 0-26 in the championship – including a remarkable 0-12 in the semi-final win over Ballygarvan. Around him, there’s been no shortage of support. Josh O’Donovan has been a real livewire from play, while Conor Hogan, Luke Griffin, Philip Wall and Bertie Butler have all found the net this season.

Even impact players have stepped up when needed – none more so than Conor Ustianowski, whose late goal against Ballygarvan sealed Kilbrittain’s passage to Páirc Uí Chaoimh. It’s a hallmark of a good side when different players can deliver big moments, and Kilbrittain have that spread of contributors.

Defensively, too, they’ve tightened up. Having conceded one goal in each of their group games, they kept a clean sheet in the semi-final – a sign that the backline is finding form when it matters most.

Still, they’ll know that this Glen Rovers side will pose serious questions. The city club’s defence has been mean all season, conceding just one goal in four matches – and that came in their only non-victory, a 2-15 to 1-18 draw with St Finbarr’s.

For Kilbrittain, a goal could again be the key. They’ve hit the net in three of their four championship games, and when they’ve managed it, they’ve won comfortably. 

Hickey, O’Donovan and Wall all have the accuracy to point their way to victory, but one green flag might make all the difference on the night.

Kilbrittain’s average winning margin of six points compares favourably to the Glen’s three, underlining their form and ability to close out games. On that evidence, they deserve to carry the favourites’ tag.

If their key forwards fire and they make their goal chances count, Kilbrittain could be celebrating another famous night for the club. Win or lose, they’ll still represent Cork in the Munster Junior Hurling Championship next month – but make no mistake, they’ll want to go into it as county champions.