John Kiely looking forward to a “really tough game” against Kilkenny in league decider

Limerick are 70 minutes from a first league title in three years, with their 2023 campaign a far cry from where they were twelve months ago.

John Kiely’s comments may well have sent a shiver down the neck of the chasing pack following Limerick’s irresistible second half performance against Tipperary in the League semi-final.

Liam Cahill’s side put Limerick to the pin of their collar in the opening half of their TUS Gaelic Grounds encounter, deservedly leading by four at the break.

But their resistance didn’t last after the resumption with the Shannonsiders powerplay engulfing the premier men, as it has done in each of their recent meetings.

The reward for Limerick is a place in the League final with Kilkenny this Sunday and with the championship kick off just a fortnight after, Kiely is focused on the next block in their building phase.

“One thing we know, it’s going to be a really tough game and from our point of view it’s something for us to work towards now over the next two weeks.”

Limerick are 70 minutes from a first league title in three years, with their 2023 campaign a far cry from where they were twelve months ago. Last year, Limerick had to wait for the final round to pick up their first win of the campaign, a heavy victory against the relegated Offaly.

The Treaty regrouped for the championship as they would go on to win a third successive Liam MacCarthy title but this time around they look to have already found championship form with Kiely and co not resting on their laurels as they prepare for another tilt on all the silverware.

“It’s not over yet, there’s a bit to go. We just want to keep improving week to week that’s where our focus is at. The next two weeks, we’re going to see if we can try and just raise the bar a little bit further you know for ourselves. Hopefully the competitiveness within the group, I think a lot of lads have really put their hand up there now tonight for that second half performance and that’s only going to be good from a competitive perspective in terms of team selection for the next day.”

As the favourites for the All-Ireland, both Limerick and Kilkenny will be keen to strike the first blow this Sunday, nine months after their epic final encounter last year in Croker.

Whether it was the priority at the start of the campaign or not, the league title now presents the perfect opportunity to lay out their championship stall for whoever is crowned victorious in Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

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