FOR 14 years, James Hurley has been part of the Kilbrittain adult hurling panel, but this has been the standout season. This is the one he dreamed of.

Named man of the match in their 2-17 to 0-9 victory over Waterford side Kilrossanty in the Munster final, Hurley, along with the rest of his team-mates, has enjoyed his best season yet.

Cork champions. Kings of Munster.

They are riding the crest of a wave. These are days to cherish in a Kilbrittain jersey as they face Wexford outfit Davidstown-Courtnacuddy on Saturday (1pm) in Clonmel in the AIB All-Ireland Junior Hurling Championship semi-final.

‘There could be a lot of debate about that man-of-the-match performance! I’d argue there were a lot more who played better than I did,’ Hurley laughed.

‘I’ve been bouncing around since 2011 with the adult teams – I didn’t start until 2014. It’s been a long time. Winning the county was a huge relief off my shoulders, to say “you won one county at least in your career”.

‘My days are numbered now. I’m only hanging on by a thread. There are fellas champing at the bit to come on and take our places, which is what you need.

‘I’m so lucky to be on this team because there are some absolute stars out there. One to 15, plus the subs, we’re well balanced. Our forwards have been absolutely brilliant all year. The half-backs and midfielders are just powerhouses. To be part of that is a special feeling. We’re delighted with it.’

Kilbrittain’s winning run has been well documented on their journey. Seven championship games. Seven wins. Their form has brought them from a West Cork derby victory over Barryroe in Ahamilla in August to an All-Ireland semi-final in Tipperary in December.

Manager Joe Ryan has had a major impact on the group – a calming influence and a great motivational figure.

Kilbrittain's James Hurley in action.

‘You get on a roll and you don’t think about the momentum too much. We’re not thinking “keep the unbeaten run going”. Even in the group stages, Joe Ryan would tell us it’s one game at a time and to try our best to get over the line,’ Hurley outlined.

‘We try to utilise our talent as best we can. It’s frightening what a bit of confidence can do for fellas and a team. It’s so intangible, you can’t replicate it. When fellas are going well, they keep going well and they seem unstoppable.’

For the players, especially Hurley, gratitude towards their families is central. The rock-solid full-back has two small kids at home and his wife lets him out training twice a week and once at the weekend whenever there isn’t a game scheduled.

The joy the team has brought to the community cannot be understated, and Croke Park is now within touching distance.

‘We know how lucky we are. We’re delighted to be playing this weekend. We can’t wait. You’d be buzzing, but there are definitely nerves. All these games are important now and this is another step to get to where we want to be,’ the full-back said.

‘Trying to get over this hurdle will be the toughest. What it would mean to win is so important, so it adds a lot of nerves, of course. At the same time, you realise how lucky you are and you take it all in. Be happy that we are here. There is a lot of gratitude.

‘The weather hasn’t been great for the last couple of weeks, but our run has made the winter easier to get through. We love going training and winning every game has kept a good buzz around the place. Things seem great at the moment, so I can’t complain.’

It has been mentioned many times this year, but the losses the area has suffered in recent years have been tragic, and this run has given the people of Kilbrittain something to celebrate.

The passing of teenager Oisín Gillain from SADS (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome) in March this year, and Anne Enright in September 2024, were tough times for the community.

‘It’s been said before, but it’s well worth noting. It’s been a tough year in the parish – a tough two years, to be honest, with the passing of Oisín Gillain and Anne Enright. This championship run has been a huge boost to the parish,’ Hurley acknowledged.

‘You have all the kids’ jersey days at school. Older people love going to the matches and talking about the games. It’s a whole new territory. We have never been in this position ever as a club. We obviously played senior in the late 90s, which was huge, but this is different again. It’s untravelled territory, being in the Munster and All-Ireland series. It’s a great novelty.’

Kilbrittain are flying right now and go into this weekend’s game with confidence. The key, however, is to stay level-headed, with another tough test ahead against Davidstown – something Hurley fully recognises.

‘That’s the tricky part of it all. You are trying to keep yourself level-headed because you know you have to play this game. This will be the most important of all. If you don’t have hope, you have nothing. The dream is obviously to get to Croke Park,’ he said.

‘We know there is a big mountain in the way that we have to get over. At times, it’s hard not to look ahead, but that’s why we do it. That’s why we love it, it gives you challenges.

‘In the group stages of the county, you are dreaming of winning a county. This is just like that. You are dreaming of getting to Croke Park. Hopefully the dream can become a reality, but we have a lot to do yet,’ Hurley concluded, as another chapter is set to be written in this remarkable year for the Black and Amber.