THEIR first Munster adventure has already tested them, but Kilbrittain face their biggest step up yet when they meet Waterford champions Kilrossanty in Saturday’s Munster Junior Hurling Championship final in Mallow (1pm).

The Carbery side hit form at the right time in their 1-23 to 1-16 semi-final win over Knockaderry.

After shaking off any county-final cobwebs, Kilbrittain produced a polished performance in Limerick, with standouts Mark Hickey (0-47 this season), Luke Griffin (2-11) and Conor Hogan (2-10) again central to their progress.

Joe Ryan has a full panel to pick from, with Sean Sexton a minor doubt after he picked up a knock in the semi-final.

While Knockaderry provided a tough battle at times, the final meeting against the Waterford champions will be far from simple. They beat Cahir of Tipperary in the other semi-final by 4-14 to 0-11 and saw off The Banner from Clare 2-14 to 0-19 along the way.

Kilbrittain boss Ryan is expecting a worthy final challenge.

‘It’s a definite step up. They made the Munster final last year against Russell Rovers and I think the scoreline didn’t do them justice (3-12 to 1-7). They had a lot of wides that day and when you look at their team, it’s very similar this year,’ Ryan explained.

‘They have the three Fitzgeralds who are very prominent players for them. They have Caoimhin Walsh, (Martin) Dunne at centre-back, the Powers (Eoin and Jack) up front as well. They have a nice balance to their team and real quality in Padraig Fitzgerald and Seamas Fitzgerald. The two of them would be knocking around Waterford panels. It’s definitely a step up. And it’s a Munster final. That brings extra pressure as well.’

As crucial as this game is, it also presents an opportunity. Kilbrittain are the only Cork hurling club left to represent the county outside its boundaries and have the chance not only to win more silverware but also secure an All-Ireland semi-final place.

‘Both clubs will see it as an opportunity to kick on that maybe neither will get again. We’ll give it our best shot, and see if we’re good enough,’ Ryan said.

The performance the Black and Amber produced in their win over Knockaderry was ideal preparation. Considering they were ahead for most of the game and were away in Limerick, it was a strong showing in their first outing in Munster.

‘It was very pleasing. It was a unique occasion for the club in the sense that it was the first time they played in a Munster championship,’ the Kilbrittain manager added.

‘We were going into the unknown, so we didn’t really know where we were at fitness and hurling-wise after the county final. With all that in mind, it was very pleasing to come out and play the way we did.’

It wasn’t just the performance that satisfied Ryan. The way they carried momentum and handled the away trip was equally impressive.

‘There is momentum there after winning a county. There is a good buzz around the place and within the group,’ Ryan noted.

It may be winter, but there is still a hunger to push on and create history for the club. Training together remains a driving force.

‘I know it sounds a bit clichéd, but we’re playing to win in order to get the group back together again the following Tuesday. This is a Munster final, which is a nice occasion for everybody in the club.

‘It is genuine that I’m looking forward to the game and hope that we can win. This is a tight-knit group. We’ve had great times over the last few weeks and months and created memories. It does make the winter shorter. It’s very enjoyable,’ Ryan concluded as they aim to create more history and memories.