Brian Hurley never lost belief that Cork would return to football's top flight 

The Rebels booked promotion with a huge win in Omagh on Sunday. 

Cork's Ruairi Deane celebrates with Brian Hurley after the win over Tyrone. Pic: Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile

Brian Hurley never had any doubt Cork would return to Division 1 in his career.

The Castlehaven man turns 34 next week. Later in April, Brian O’Driscoll and Ian Maguire celebrate their 32nd birthdays. Ruairí Deane is 35 in September.

All four stalwarts were on the last Cork side to feature in Division 1 in 2016, and their enduring commitment was rewarded in Omagh as all contributed in the promotion-sealing victory over Tyrone.

Hurley always maintained they would get back to where they started their careers. “No, I didn’t (doubt it). I suppose if my body played ball with me, I would have liked to have been there a bit earlier.

“All you can do is really put the best version of yourself towards the team. I think if everyone did that and you get a bit of luck along the way, it happens.

“I think the last few years, there's been savage work being put in here. In fairness, John (Cleary) and the boys. He brought in a few extra fellas in the backroom this year. I think everyone really was accountable to themselves.” 

Hurley paid tribute to Maguire and Colm O’Callaghan for their graft in midfield. “I'll back the two boys to the hilt. That's when things are going bad or going good.

“I saw Mags get a knock in the first half. He was hobbling for 10 minutes. I knew he wouldn't come off the field. That's the kind of guy he is.

“When you have fellas like that and soldiers, they're the guys you want to go play with week-in, week-out. Colm has been really showing his power this year. He's been using it. The two boys just know each other inside out and they work great for us.” 

Hurley won’t be sad to see the back of Division 2 as competitive as it has been. “Don't get me wrong, Division 2 is as tough as it gets but when you're playing the top teams and All-Ireland contenders every day of the week, that's where you want to be.

“I love challenging myself, the boys do too, and if you're going to be playing the best and marking the best, it'll bring you on a bit as well.

“You've got (Dara) Sheedy and a few more fellas stepping up this year. He's still U20. People forget that. Him getting a taste of Division 1 next year is going to be massive for the likes of him.

“Besides that, Cork football needs to be back in Division 1. That's coming from a player and a fan myself. When I grew up, Cork were always Division 1. It's great to see the boys, all the hard work paying off.” 

As for Sunday’s final against Meath in Croke Park, Hurley is expecting another exciting game following Cork’s narrow win in the round game last month.

“We probably know enough about them, they know enough about us. It was a cracker the last day in Páirc Uí Rinn. Look, it's great to have a regular game. You'd probably playing a challenge game anyway, so to be playing Meath in Croke Park will be a good test for the championship.

“We've got a good following over the last few weeks when things started going well. Hopefully, that crowd will come to Croke Park next week, bring out the kids and show them the big house.”