These are special times for Kilmurry 

This afternoon, Kilmurry have a chance of making the AIB Munster Club JFC final for a third season on the bounce.

That in itself would be an historic achievement, but first the Muskerry team must negotiate past Tipperary outfit Cashel King Cormacs, which takes place in Fethard Town Park with throw-in at 1.30pm. The game was to be played in New Inn at 1pm, but due to an unplayable pitch, it has been switched to a 4G surface. 

Kilmurry are in a unique position, representing Cork for a third campaign on the trot at Junior level, something that more than likely won’t ever happen again.

Just to jog people’s memories, the team in green and gold have lost the last two Munster Junior finals. They qualified as County JAFC winners in 2022, which was Kilmurry’s first county title in 36 years. They were the last first team standing in the Premier JFC in 2023 after losing to St Finbarr’s second string in the decider. Now, they are in Munster as champions after defeating rivals Canovee in the final last month.

Cormac Linehan’s team got the better of Michael Cusack’s of Clare in the quarter-final two weeks ago and will be fancied to overcome Cashel King Cormacs later on.

Kilmurry are in a great period of their history and know they have to make the most of it. They can look forward to Intermediate A football in 2025, but in the short term, they will want to make the most of a fortunate position and make it to a third Munster final, but looking to finally claim the trophy.

If the team plays well today, another provincial decider should be in store. The likelihood is that it will be against Firies of Kerry who should beat Limerick side Cappagh.

Kilmurry have come a long way since losing to Aghinagh in the Muskerry JAFC quarter-final in 2021.

Speaking to this scribe before their Munster quarter-final game against Michael Cusack’s two weeks ago, Kilmurry boss Cormac Linehan was fully aware that they have to make the most of this position that they are in.

“It has been a hard road to get here. Everything else has been a bonus and we have had two previous Munster campaigns, we have been to two Munster finals. The big difference, the first Munster campaign was an adventure, last year was tough after losing the county final to St Finbarr’s second team, but this one means more again. Representing Cork is great every year, but this one means so much because we are going in as champions.

“I don’t think it can ever happen again that one club will be in a Munster Junior championship for three years on the trot. We have been very fortunate and it is unique. The players have worked really hard for this. This is a massive bonus. It’s different, but I think the players should cherish this. You have to be confident and we want to have a good cut off it.”

It's not just Kilmurry's Premier Junior footballers that are going well in the club. Their Junior B team are in the county quarter-final tomorrow where they will face Glenbower Rovers in Páirc Uí Rinn at 1.30pm. Kilmurry came through a tough Mid-Cork campaign where they ended up getting the better of Naomh Abán's second team in the final after a replay.

Tomorrow week, the U21 B footballers will take on Ballinhassig in the county semi-final with a venue and time to be confirmed in due course. Kilmurry already played a game in the county section after defeating Glanmire in the quarter-final last Saturday. Kilmurry won the Muskerry crown back in February after edging past Donoughmore after extra time in the decider. 

A rising tide lifts all boats.