He played a prominent role in the War of Independence as leader of a flying column in the Third Cork Brigade.
Following this, Hurley returned to his native Clonakilty where he became town clerk and shortly afterwards, he enrolled as a night student at University College Cork.
It was here that his sporting career began in earnest as he won a Fitzgibbon Cup medal with UCC's hurlers.
Hurley was also successful in terms of club football winning Cork SFC titles with UCC in 1927 and 1928.
He quickly joined the senior team and in 1926 captured his first National Hurling League, Munster and All-Ireland honours.
Hurley captured his second Munster medal in 1927, however, Dublin accounted for Cork in the All-Ireland final.
Hurley won his fifth Munster title and once again qualified for the All-Ireland final, this time against Kilkenny.
Following his retirement from inter-county hurling and football, Hurley had a distinguished career as a public servant.
In 1944, Hurley returned to Cork and was appointed Secretary and Bursar of UCC, a position he held until his death.
His return to his native county coincided with a great era for Clonakilty's and for Cork's footballers.