Robbie Egan happy to soldier alongside 'savage bunch of lads'

THE feeling around Kilmallock is one of optimism.

Why wouldn’t it be? The last team unbeaten in the Whitebox Senior Hurling Championship have overcome all challenges so far in 2026 - but are prepared for their biggest test come Sunday.

The defending champions Na Piarsaigh stand in their way at the TUS Gaelic Grounds. The two best teams in the county, all form will go out the window when the ball is thrown in at 3.45pm.

After losing three semi-finals in a row, the Balbec return to Limerick club hurling’s biggest day. Knocking on the door in recent years, major changes were not needed to return to the showpiece event.

“I don't think a lot has changed, I just think like maybe we just got to rub it a green this year whereas last year there were probably certain games that went away from us,” said defender Robbie Egan.

“The lads (James Hickey and Noel Mackey) took over from Peter (Queally) last year. So we've had a lot of work done with them in two years. They're two savage coaches. They really bought into the area and we bought in behind them.”

A strong coaching ticket, but on the field, no shortage of talent either for the south Limerick men,

“It's a savage bunch of lads that's there,” Egan said. “A lot of us are around a good few years and then there's a bit of youth coming through there with Pierce (Connery), Conor Hanley (Clarke), Shane O'Brien, Gearoid Enright freshening things up as well so nothing major has changed we just got back to brass tacks and that's the way we've approached the year.

Manager Hickey was also full of praise for Egan. A new role for the vice-captain has seen him at full-back, a move that has worked as Kilmallock have looked much more settled than 12 months ago.

“We tried it last year in the league and he just seemed to take to it with open arms,” Hickey explained. “Every day he’s playing, he's improving. He’s a great vice-captain for us, does anything he can for the team.

“He’s great around the dressing room and with the younger players.

“Any player who gets on the team, they don’t care where they play as long as they have a jersey on their back.”

There were similar messages coming out of both camps at the launch of the final, held at the impressive Autumn Fields Medical Facility currently finishing off construction in Ballygrennan, Moyross. Take it day by day. Concentrate on performances and let results look after themselves.

For a club as successful as Kilmallock, if the formula works, why change it?

“The goal for the whole year was to get out of the group and then after that be there for the last day of the championship,” Hickey said.

“There’ll be a great buzz around the place for the players and the whole parish is looking forward to it.

“We've just taken it day by day and game by game. Thankfully we’ve stayed winning so let’s try and keep it going for another two weeks if we can.”

While performances have improved compared to last year, the overall consistency the south Limerick have shown in being perennial contenders must be admired.

“It’s a great sign for any club to get to 15 county semi-finals in a row, especially in a championship like Limerick that is so competitive.

“There’s a new crop of players here since ‘22, probably seven or eight players gone off the team and another seven or eight replacing them.”

While it will be their first final, the experienced players like Robbie Egan will be hoping to guide the Balbec to a first title in five years.