Treaty stars buzzing for another year claims Kiely
LIMERICK hurlers have returned to pre-season training buzzing for the year ahead according to John Kiely.
The All-ireland champions got their 2024 campaign off to a winning start against Clare in the Munster Hurling League on Wednesday night.
Kiely used that game to hand out eight debuts while the rest of his regular starters undertook a training session as they get up to speed for their National League opener against Antrim next month.
Those new faces are battling for places in a squad that hasn’t seen any retirements since beating Kilkenny to land their historic fourth All-ireland title in a row.
“The boys have come back with a lovely energy and a lovely attitude about them,” he said. “They have a hell of a lot of work to do. It’s about getting down to it now, getting on with it and enjoying it. That’s the most important thing.
“It’s great to be back, great to be on the field and great to be playing matches again. We’re looking forward to the year ahead.”
The game featured prominent performances from Dan Morrissey, Colin Coughlan, and teenage whizz-kid Shane O’brien (inset), while debutant Luke Flynn grabbed a goal.
Kiely believes these contests have a role in ensuring the continued growth of Limerick hurling.
“We’ve always got to have an eye for the future and these guys are quality players,” he said.
“They’ve acquitted themselves very well and it’s all about getting them embedded into the group and learning the routines of match day. It will have been a learning experience for them.
“It’s great to get those guys on the pitch and get a bit of gametime into them and have a look at them. All told, it was a good workout.”
His Clare counterpart Brian Lohan pointed to 25 missed shots as evidence of room for improvement.
His nephew Darragh was excellent in defence, while David Conroy and David Reidy looked sharp in attack.
“We’re carrying a big panel at the moment and we’re looking at guys that can step up and get to another level,” said the Banner boss. “The whole group has been working real hard since we’re back.”