St Mary's manager Craig Hurley excited about their prospects ahead of the new season

As St Mary's prepare for another demanding Munster Senior League Premier Division campaign, manager Craig Hurley is embracing the challenge with optimism, ambition and a growing support team behind him.

Now entering their third consecutive season in the top flight, Hurley has overseen steady progress year on year, and while he knows the competition will once again be fierce, he believes the foundations are firmly in place for another positive campaign.

“Pre-season preparations have been in full swing since the opening week of July, with the squad training three nights a week while also fitting in a busy schedule of friendly matches,” said Hurley.

"The lads show so much commitment considering they are amateurs. I'm very lucky to have such a good group of lads."

That dedication has allowed St Mary's to build on the momentum generated last season, when the club reached three semi-finals and one final, narrowly missing out on silverware. 

They also remain in the Intermediate Cup, with a quarter-final against Corinthians still to come in August.

While disappointed not to lift a trophy, Hurley believes the campaign demonstrated the club's continued growth.

"This is our third year in the Premier Division now and we've improved every year so far, so it's important we keep moving forward.

Recruitment has once again been carefully planned rather than rushed. 

After strengthening significantly last season with the arrivals of goalkeeper Oisin Barry, defender Dan Ryan, midfielder Neil Cunningham and striker James O'Leary, Hurley was determined to retain the core of the squad.

The club has managed to keep the vast majority of last year's panel together, with only Jack Waters, Cian McCarthy and Shane Conway departing.

"We feel we're in a good place. We only added three so far and we're hoping to add another two or three in the coming weeks.

Among the new faces is exciting 17-year-old Alex Walsh, who has joined from Avondale and has already caught the eye during pre-season.” Hurley is equally pleased to finally secure the signatures of two long-term transfer targets in John Fitzgerald from Midleton and Jake Courtney from Ringmahon.

"I've chased those two lads for a long time," he admitted. 

"We're delighted to finally get them. Jake and John will definitely add goals and assists, which is crucial in such a competitive league."

Competition is something Hurley understands all too well. 

Last season highlighted just how unforgiving the Premier Division can be, with only six points separating second place from eighth, while St Mary's finished fifth.

"I think it's very hard to put specific targets on the season because of how competitive the league is. Mahon finished 20 points ahead of everyone, so for us it's about trying to close that gap and seeing where it takes us."

Perhaps the biggest transformation at the club during the off-season has come behind the scenes.

Following the departures of Ethan McCarthy and Ryan Daly, who are taking a break from coaching, along with Stuart Coakley and Maurice Kennelly stepping away for personal reasons, Hurley opted for a complete restructuring of his management team.

Former Cork City coach Eric O'Driscoll arrives as assistant manager, while Alan O'Flynn and former player Liam Hopkins have joined the coaching staff. Hopkins was forced to retire through injury but remains heavily involved with the squad.

Steven Moynihan has come in as goalkeeping coach after working with Cork City's Under-20 side, while Liam O'Connor takes charge of strength and conditioning.

Alongside existing staff members Micky Walsh, Aaron Walsh, Kenny Purcell, John Hurley and Pat McCarthy, Hurley now has an incredible 11-man backroom team supporting the players.

Hurley also remains committed to developing the club's next generation. 

Youngsters Craig Mostyn, Sean O'Keefe, Ryan Manley and Brady Walsh, all just 18 years of age, have been training regularly with the senior squad while also gaining valuable experience with the club's junior side.

"They're showing big promise. It's important to keep them around the group for their long-term development."

Personally, the 34-year-old Glen native balances life as a baker with the demands of managing one of Cork's leading amateur clubs. 

Despite the hectic schedule, he wouldn't have it any other way.

"It's a mental year, but I think I function through chaos," he laughed. Busy schedules seem to be my thing."

Family remains at the heart of everything. His children, Ali and Keela, now both play for St Mary's, making the countless hours spent at the club all the more rewarding.

"All three of us love football, so it helps that when I'm up there so much they enjoy being there too. I'm blessed to have the support from my family.” 

As another Premier Division season approaches, for Craig Hurley, the mission is clear: keep improving, keep competing and continue building something special.