Galvanising moment at training that drove Limerick hurlers to glory
A LIMERICK hurling training session that will never be forgotten was pivotal in setting the team on the pathway to a historic fourth All-Ireland title in-a-row.
It is difficult to condense the team's success in 2023 into one moment, after months of hard work, but an inspiring talk from
John Kiely in the face of adversity on the Friday night - over a week out from the All-Ireland - had a galvanising effect on the players and backroom team.
Limerick kitman and our own Pallasgreen notes correspondent, Ger O'Connell, said it is a training session he will “never forget”.
“When the session had finished, John gathered us all round in a circle and delivered the shocking news that Richie English and Jimmy Quilty had suffered long-term injuries.
“John spoke so passionately about them and the disappointment for them, plus their families, but also for Declan Hannon and Sean Finn.
“It was a tough moment but one thing is for sure - the guys that would be lining out are the guys you want in the trenches with you, they would die for one another,” writes Ger.
That unity, team spirit and skill was exemplified by Limerick in coming back from a five-point deficit after Paddy Deegan had broken the back of the net with a rocket of a goal in the 42nd minute, and going on to win by nine points.
RTE Racing asked team sponsor, JP McManus, who was joined by John Kiely at the Galway Races on Monday evening, “what makes the Limerick manager so talented?”.
“We can't be telling you that,” laughed JP, before remarking on his great leadership qualities.
“We are very, very lucky to have John,” he said.
While chatting about the All-Ireland to RTE, the Galbally man said the team had a “very solid second half”.
“When it was really needed, they had it, and we are just delighted,” he smiled.
It has been a whirlwind week and a half for the team and management with homecomings in the city, Patrickswell and celebrations with families and friends.
While John Kiely was soaking up the atmosphere at the Galway Races, star half back Kyle Hayes was actually racing horses! He made his harness racing debut on Friday evening in west Cork and, by all accounts, was a natural just like he is in the backs or the forwards.
David Reidy and Nickie Quaid were back in action for their respective clubs at the weekend while a number of players had a much more relaxing trip to Croke Park as they watched the All-Ireland football final. And the Casey family had a wedding to remember (see story right).
But it is back down to hurling business this weekend for the majority of the panel with the senior club championship kicking off.