GAA
Despite being five point favourites to claim a fourth successive Munster title at the weekend, Clare will provide Limerick’s sternest test of the season when they meet this Sunday, something John Kiely will be keenly aware of.
In his five years in charge, the Galbally native has transformed Limerick into the head powerhouse in hurling, not only ending a 45-year wait for All-Ireland honours but leading the side to back to back titles and a trio of Munster championships on the trot.
Yet, Clare have proved awkward customers for Kiely’s men and were victorious in his first game in charge of the Treaty men in 2017.
In this weekend’s venue, sloppy Limerick defending proved costly in a 3-17 to 2-16 defeat. A reversal against Kilkenny followed as the Shannonsiders bowed out of the championship without a win.
However, the following year, Limerick rebounded in style to claim Liam MacCarthy honours, ending the famine. Clare did get one over Limerick in Munster that year as they fell just short of a rematch in the final as they were defeated in a replay by Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Clare are one of just two teams to beat Kiely’s men on more than one occasion since his appointment alongside the Cats. While Limerick won in successive ties in 2019 and ‘20, Kiely is aware of the Banner’s prowess under Brian Lohan as they topped the round robin table in Munster.
“They’ve got class players all over that pitch, they’re working really really hard, they’re putting in huge shifts out on the pitch. Any team that’s doing that gives themselves a chance. They’ve been the best team in Munster to date this year. That’s just the facts, the challenge is there for us to go and take them on Sunday week, see can we find a better performance to challenge them more.”
The last time the stakes were this high between the neighbours, Kiely was a part of the Limerick squad as he hopes to emulate the team of 1996 and not of the previous season.
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