Kiely builds his Treaty legacy from the back

IN THE two minutes before half time, and little more than 10 minutes after the resumption, Limerick scored 2-9. Kilkenny managed a solitary point in response. This game was done with perhaps 20 minutes still left to play. Limerick’s attack was excellent and they created space Kilkenny could not fill. But that was not the most impressive part of their performance. The defence that John Kiely (right) has fitted together looks like it will be central to their bid for back-to-back AllIrelands. Tom Condon was named man of the match from corner back and, as a unit, the fullback line was outstanding. They never looked seriously ruffled, and the capacity of his defenders to win their own battles is a vital part of the side Kiely has shaped. It is said, correctly, that beating Dublin in football will require a team that, almost above anything else, has defenders that can win one-on-one battles. The need is even more marked in hurling given the speed of the game, and Kiely’s backs can all survive in isolated combat against opposing forwards. That strength is enormous, and it makes Limerick formidable opponents for anyone who crosses them in the League or later on in the Championship.