John Kiely nominated for RTE Sport Awards Manager of the Year after leading Limerick to three-in-a-row

The Galbally native took charge of Limerick in 2017 and has heralded in an unprecedented level of success for the Shannonsiders.

After leading Limerick to a historic three-in-a-row of Liam Maccarthy titles, John Kiely has been nominated for the RTÉ Sport Manager of the Year. Kiely were crowned the winner in 2020 after winning the All-Ireland title in December of that year.

The Limerick manager is one of 11 nominees with the RTÉ Sport Awards taking place on Saturday 17 December on RTÉ One with Jacqui Hurley, Evanne Ní Chuilinn and Ruby Walsh set to present.

Awards being handed out on the night live in RTÉ Studio 4 in front of an audience of Irish sports stars include RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year, RTÉ Sport Team of the Year, RTÉ Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year and RTÉ Sport Manager of the Year.

“John Kiely’s Limerick men secured their fourth successive Munster hurling crown, and then went on to deliver their first ever three-in-a-row of senior All-Ireland hurling titles by beating Kilkenny in the final.”

Rte Sport

RTE Sport Manager of the Year nominees

• ZAUR ANTIA (Boxing)
• STEPHEN BRADLEY (Soccer)
• BRIAN DOWLING (Camogie)
• DOMINIC CASEY (Rowing)
• ANDY FARRELL (Rugby)
• JOHN KIELY (Hurling)
• WILLIE MULLINS (Racing)
• EAMONN MURRAY (Ladies Football)
• RONAN O’GARA (Rugby)
• JACK O’CONNOR (Gaelic Football)
• VERA PAUW (Soccer)

The Limerick manager faces competition with Kerry’s All-Ireland winning manager Jack O’Connor, Rugby duo Andy Farrell and Ronan O’Gara as well as Vera Pauw, who led the Irish Women’s National Team to next year’s world cup, all among the nominees. Last year’s winner Dominic Casey is also included in the shortlist.

RTE Sport Manager of the Year Shortlist.

This year, Kiely led Limerick to a third successive All-Ireland title in July where they beat Kilkenny in an epic Croke Park encounter. That was Limerick’s fourth title in five years with the Galbally man at the helm in 2018 when Limerick ended a 45-year-wait for Liam MacCarthy honours.

They also secured a four in a row of Munster titles with victory over Clare after extra-time in June.

Saturday 17 December on RTÉ One will see Jacqui Hurley, Evanne Ní Chuilinn and Ruby Walsh present the RTÉ Sport Awards 2022.