“It’s been very good overall” | John Kiely pleased with Munster Hurling League as attention shifts to Pairc Ui Chaoimh in a fortnight

Limerick were sixteen-point winners over Kerry on Sunday with the League opener with Cork next up for Kiely and co.

As expected, Limerick strolled to victory in their Munster Hurling League clash with Kerry on Sunday afternoon in Tralee. John Kiely’s men were made to work in the opening quarter but surged clear to take an eight point lead into the half.

By the full time whistle, the advantage had extended to 0-25 to 0-9 as the All-Ireland champions rounded out their preseason in style.

Kiely resisted the urge to use his frontline players with just two remaining from last year’s All-Ireland starting XV in the form of Dan Morrissey and Darragh O’Donovan, the former a late replacement for Richie English.

But the style of hurling remained as Kiely outlined his satisfaction with the improved “efficiency.”

“We worked very hard, created a lot of scoring opportunities, did a bit better this week in terms of efficiency wise. When we got the ball into the opposition’s half we were more accurate with our shooting.

“It was a tough physical battle in fairness as conditions were a bit sticky, particularly in the first half and both sides got involved in quite a few rucks. But overall it was a good day out, we have a good bit of work done and we haven’t picked up too many knocks so happy with that.” 

After handing out seven debuts in the first round clash with Cork, each of those featured once more with Jimmy Quilty, Micheal Houlihan and Conor O’Grady all handed first starts. Kiely also gave debuts to Monaleen duo Jamie Power and Donnacha O’Dalaigh a week after they helped their side to All-Ireland honours.

Each played their part in the win with Kiely pleased with the experienced garnered by the new faces in the squad.

“It’s been very good overall, in terms of our work. Getting a bit of game time and experience into them. They have a long road to go and they know that so everyday is another notch if you like and another opportunity to get experience.”

However, tougher tasks lie ahead for Kiely and co who begin their league campaign in less than a fortnight’s time with a trip to Cork, something that the manager and players are fully focused on.

“We look forward to our first game in Cork in two weeks time and that’s where our focus is going to shift to now.”

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