Muskerry continuing to battle in Premier SHC despite so many changes from last year

Last year, Muskerry reached the final of the divisions and colleges section of the Co-op SuperStores Premier SHC.

While they were well beaten by a strong Imokilly side that would go on to county glory, the year as a whole was encouraging, featuring wins over Carbery and UCC, and was seen as something to build on.

However, of the 19 players who saw game-time against Imokilly in Páirc Uí Rinn last August, just six were involved at Coachford on Tuesday night as the mid-Cork side opened their 2025 campaign.

One of the six, Matthew Bradley, was the start turn as he landed 13 points, including the injury-time winner for a 1-23 to 2-19 win after it seemed like a late Duhallow fightback might yield a draw.

Manager Diarmuid Kirwan was relieved to have got the two points on the board.

“We were put through the ringer alright!” he laughed.

“We seemed to be very comfortable in the first 20 minutes of the game, you were saying, ‘We’re going well here’.

“Then, Duhallow came back at us big-time and, I tell you, it was anyone's game, it was the last puck of the game and we had a bit of luck in the end.

“We eked out the victory – I mean we had to use everything, bringing on 40-year-olds and all, the guys got it over the line.”

That they managed to come good when it mattered despite not having had any opportunity to gather together beforehand was the most satisfying aspect for the manager.

“Well, you know, that was the most pleasing thing for a team that was never together before,” Kirwan said.

“They actually came together as a team in the last 15 minutes and they really worked hard for one another.

“It's a victory in the championship and last week, or even up to 48 hours before the game, we didn't know whether we would be able to field a team or not.

“The players that were there deserve huge, huge kudos. I’ve said it all the time that I’ve been involved, our whole thing is just giving young fellas a chance, an opportunity to play senior hurling.

“There were fellas out there against Duhallow that were absolutely delighted with themselves to get the win and that's what it's all about.”

With two to qualify from the group and progress to the second phase of the competition – where Imokilly and UCC lie in wait – Muskerry are now in a strong position.

“We’ve Carbery in two weeks and that's a Muskery venue as well,” Kirwan said.

“We’ll just try to keep the momentum going and hopefully build on that and see where we go.

“Numbers are tight, but you know, you just have to work away with what you have.

“There'll be a few more coming back now for the match on the 24th, a few fellas from injury and things like that.

“Hopefully we'll have a stronger hand the next night as well.”