All-conquering Aghabullogue hurlers taking every game as it comes 

Everything that could have gone right for Aghabullogue last year most certainly went right.

The Muskerry outfit won everything that was on offer in both codes as they won the championship and league double.

The Coachford-based club will find it a step up in class in 2026, but they should be well equipped for it.

Especially their hurlers who bounced back to the Co-Op SuperStores PIHC at the first time of asking last year after suffering demotion in 2024.

For one of Aghabullogue’s key players, James Lane, it’s still hard to believe to a certain extent.

“It was probably the best year of my life last season,” the forward says.

“I came into the squad in 2023 and all I know is just winning to be honest. It has been incredible.

“Two championship doubles in three years, it’s some achievement for our group of players. It was just a fantastic year, I must say.

“Balancing both can be challenging nowadays, but lads that are coming up, it’s more like, I think training now is just so much more enjoyable. The whole team is just so tight, we’re all best friends. We just get along so well and I think because of that, because we get along so well, we just click so well on the pitch.” 

It hasn’t all been rosy in the garden in recent years, relegation back down to the IAHC grade in 2024 was a tough one to take for Aghabullogue, albeit it was fine margins.

They recovered in style.

“We bounced back very well. We knew at the end of 2024 after we lost against Kilworth in the relegation final that we were good enough to come straight back up. One of the players actually said that we’re going to go back up again next year and that we’re going to win the cup.

“It’s easier said than done of course, but we managed to do it anyway."

Aghabullogue will face Muskerry rivals Cloughduv in their opening RedFM Division 4 Hurling League fixture. It takes place in Cloughduv on Sunday with throw-in at 11.30am.

This first game will be great preparation for Aghabullogue with what’s coming down the line.

They face Éire Óg, Bishopstown and Ballincollig in their championship group. 

“The approach will be the same as always, just take every game as it comes,” Lane said.

“It’s definitely going to be a step up in class now from last year. Going from Intermediate A to Premier Intermediate, the game is going to be a lot quicker and it’s going to be a lot more physical. Training is going to be harder.

“We have a few local derbies to deal with in the championship, but I know that’s a long way down the line, but a lot of interesting games. We have a very similar group to two years ago, except for Bishopstown.

“It’s just a case of train as much as we can and just taking it day by day starting in the league. We want to do well in the league and championship again.”