"Definitely a motivating factor for me"

Kilmallock's Shane O'Brien ©INPHO/James Crombie

Shane O’Brien says Kilmallock’s rich hurling tradition has provided a major source of inspiration as the club look to make their own mark on the provincial stage.

As he and his team mates gear up for a Munster club SHC semi-final against holders Ballygunner on Sunday (1.15pm), O’Brien believes the achievements of previous generations have helped drive the current group, with the opportunity to add another chapter to the club’s history proving a significant motivation.

Having helped Kilmallock secure their 13th county title last month, the Limerick star is delighted to have played his part in bringing further success to the south Limerick club and hopes there is more to come from the group in the years ahead.

"Definitely a motivating factor for me, to be honest," O’Brien told RTE Sport.

"If you look on YouTube and stuff, you see Kilmallock and homecomings in the '90s when they got to the All-Ireland club final and the 2010s and stuff, it’s definitely a motivator.

"You want to write your own history as a team in the club as well, and I’m delighted we got to do that. It’s such a privilege to get the first one with a few of those lads and hopefully we can kick on in the next few years."