LISTEN – John Kiely “This is the time of our lives”

A proud John Kiely spoke to the media following Limerick’s first championship win over Kilkenny since 1973.

The Galbally man says that he is relishing every minute of managing this Limerick side.

“It’s been a privilege for me to be involved with all the lads I’ve been involved with along the line, the management teams I’ve worked with, the players I’ve worked with, the backroom teams I’ve been working with. I said it to the players on Friday night, this is the time of our lives, mine included. Where else could you work with the likes of those guys, the character they have, the honesty they have. I cherish every minute of it.”

A quarter-final with Brian Cody’s Cats was always going to be as much of a mental battle as it was a physical one. A battle that Limerick were well prepared for.

“We do speak about certain aspects of mental strength and mental preparation, coping skills and triggers and so forth. It’s just trust, trust and honesty are the two main factors in that regard. Trusting yourself, trusting the men beside you and trusting the process.”

“The response and the leadership shown at that stage was decisive in the result. It wouldn’t come about only for that leadership and that confidence being their and ability being there. There’s thousands of people would love to be out there doing that type of thing but there’s very few that can do it.”

This competition within this Limerick side is fierce and when Kiely introduced substitutes Peter Casey, Shane Dowling and William O’Donoghue to the game they made sure to make the most of the opportunity.

“They did exactly what I would have liked them to do and that’s very rare that you get that. We spoke again about the subs at half time about the impact they were going to have to make in order to get over the line”

Limerick now face into another clash with Munster champions Cork in the semi-final at Croke Park on Sunday week a day that Kiely is looking forward to.

“Can’t wait to get out there. There will be a narrative out there based on history. Do them boys worry about history? Absolutely not.”

Listen to the full interview below.