The LAME Maccarthy Cup is next
GAELIC GROUNDS, 2PM LOW-KEY KIELY CLAIMS IT’S JUST ONE GAME AT A TIME BUT BELIEF IS NOW GROWING THAT LIMERICK CAN END WAIT FOR ALL-IRELAND SUCCESS
MUNSTER SHC ROUND ONE
The Shannonsiders were among the success stories of spring as they stole in under All-ireland holders Galway’s nose to pinch promotion to Division 1A.
Now they’re being talked about as potential dark horses for Munster success and even an All-ireland title tilt – 45 years after their last Maccarthy Cup triumph.
The county has won two of the last three All-ireland U-21 competitions, though Kiely insisted there’s no grand plan for the senior team. He said: “Our focus in the League was to just take it one game at a time. If you could call that a strategy it was a very lame one, but all we wanted was to gain a bit of momentum and confidence and that then gave us a chance when we came to the Galway game.
“The mood on the bus going back from the Galway game was fantastic. Apart from the manner of the win, coming back from eight points down at half-time, it was just a huge relief for the players to get this promotion thing off their backs.
“A number have been around for a long time, have played their whole careers in Division 1B and were fed up with it. They thought their careers might end without ever playing in Division 1A.
“That’s something they’re looking forward to next year because you want to play in the most challenging and difficult competitions.
“It was all about building confidence ultimately and it was a great endorsement of the character and spirit of the group that they were able to turn that around.”
Limerick ended up exiting the League after an epic semi-final against today’s opponents Tipperary.
That game went to extra-time though Limerick fans weren’t too downbeat afterwards and took it as a sign that they’re inching closer to the very top level. Their side is stuffed with rising star talent as well as All-ireland club winners from Na Piarsaigh. And having dominated the All-ireland U-21 grade, it’s seen as only a matter of time before the big breakthrough comes. Mind you, they’ve been saying that for over 40 years now in Limerick. Kiely shrugged: “I am sure if you go back to 1980, 1994, 1996 and 2007, when the county reached All-ireland finals, you will find that there was some reason somewhere why they didn’t win. Talk to people involved and they will have their own thoughts on why it didn’t happen. Certain people might have been injured, or whatever might have happened before or during the game.
“For us, that’s in the past and it is of no consequence.
“We are looking to make our own stamp on what we can influence, hopefully not just this year but over the next few years.”
When these sides met in 2015 it was a bruising encounter and Seamus Callanan (inset) ended up losing several teeth in a sickening clash.
Kiely expects another fierce clash and will happily take a one-point win.
He said: “I will take it any way it comes, it doesn’t need to be wrapped up too neatly for me. Whichever way you can win, I will take it.”
Cork Clare Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 4pm