Kilbrittain forward Mark Hickey: We're making history and it's class, an unreal feeling

Another outstanding performance from Mark Hickey helped Kilbrittain to more glory last weekend.

The forward was Player of the Match in the Co-Op SuperStores Premier JHC final back in October and he put in another eye-catching display in Mallow as the team in black and amber won the AIB Munster Club JHC title for the first time last Saturday afternoon.

Kilbrittain defeated Kilrossanty of Waterford on a scoreline of 2-17 to 0-9 with Hickey hitting 1-9 (0-9 f).

“Look, it's unreal, it’s the first time we have competed at this kind of stage,” he said post-match.

“Obviously, there were a lot of nerves beforehand and excitement, everything really. We were lucky to have had the wind in the first half. We were kind of able to kick on and it did help us settle.

“We led by eight points at half-time and we were obviously oozing with confidence and just buzzing with adrenaline. 

“It took us some time to settle after the break, but I suppose eventually then we kind of calmed down, got our heads right, and started kicking on again.

“I thought it was a very mature performance from us on such a huge occasion. It was nice to enjoy the final few minutes.

“I think in previous years, when we would have gone up, whatever, five, six points, we would have maybe let teams back into the game. I think this year, compared to other years, we are able to finish out games and I suppose that was shown today.” 

When Hickey woke up last Saturday morning, he couldn’t have wished for a better display. It wasn’t just his frees, his overall play was excellent and his goal after an outstanding team move was a thing of beauty.

“If you look at the work the backs did, and the forwards, it has been a real team effort this season. We really have backed each other this year.

“I have full faith in every single fella that I'm playing with this year, that they'll give it their all when I'm playing with them. It's just class to have that trust in everyone. It shows on the pitch.

“The goal I scored there in the second half, we were kind of itching for that goal to put the game to bed. We couldn’t get it and eventually we got it. I was just there to put the ball into the net, the hard work was done in defence.” 

Kilbrittain will shortly focus on their next target, an All-Ireland semi-final against the Leinster winners, Clane or Davidstown-Courtnacuddy.

They will celebrate this first though.

“I suppose what we’ve been through this year as a team and as a group and as a parish, it’s just so special to look around here today and see everyone so happy.

“Even when we’re going out to the post office and the shop and walking around, everyone’s just buzzing when you’re doing well.

“We’ll enjoy this. If you don’t enjoy it, what’s the point? We’ll have a day or two off anyway, and I suppose we’ll be back training next week.

“I suppose a quote that Joe [Ryan, manager] has been saying all year is, ‘We want to be training in poor weather’. This is unreal.

“We’re making history and it’s class to be a part of it.”