WATCH: John Kiely fully focused on Carlow challenge

After a promising opening three results in the Munster championship, many Limerick fans expected Limerick to qualify for a first Munster final in four years when they travelled to Ennis for the final round robin game. As things panned out Limerick were unsuccessful against Clare and Cork went on to defeat the Banner to claim a second consecutive Munster championship.

However, Limerick are still well and truly alive in the All Ireland series and restart their quest to reach Croke Park this Saturday when they travel to Dr Cullen Park in Carlow to take on the Joe McDonagh winners. Limerick manager John Kiely outlines what preparation and training have been like since the Clare game.

“It was disappointing not to make it into the Munster Final obviously but attention quickly shifts away from that when the result is decided. The fact that we had qualified for the All Ireland series meant we had to quickly shift our focus to that.”

“They had been together for nearly eight weeks (prior to Clare game) so we were due a break. Had we qualified we would have pushed on again but the opportunity was there with a three week break and we took the first one off.”

Kiely was in attendance in Croke Park last Sunday as Carlow won the inaugural Joe McDonagh Cup with a well deserved victory over Westmeath. Kiely was impressed by the Leinster men and particularly their ability to create chances and take their scores. He certainly wont be taking anything for granted come seven o clock this Saturday.

“I was up there, very impressive, they played really well, very strong, very well coached, very well organised… It was great to go see them and see them in the flesh.