“We have very few issues injury-wise” | John Kiely provides injury update after return of quartet in Mullingar

John Kiely was able to hand out seasonal debuts to three of his All-Ireland-winning XV, Diarmaid Byrnes, Mike Casey and Aaron Gillane.

Limerick made it three wins on the trot in the National Hurling League on Sunday afternoon with a 12-point win over Westmeath in Mullingar.

The Treaty men proved too strong for their hosts to move within a point of the knockout stages of the league ahead of their final round clash with Wexford next Sunday.

In Mullingar, John Kiely was able to hand out seasonal debuts to three of his All-Ireland winning XV with Hurler of the Year Diarmaid Byrnes named from the start with Mike Casey and Aaron Gillane coming on in the second half.

Cathal O’Neill also made his return after missing out on the league thus far with injury as Kiely spoke of his delight to have his squad in “good shape injury-wise.”

“We’re in good shape. We have very few issues, injury-wise so it’s a healthy place at the moment. Very competitive and the next six weeks will be very competitive, I’m looking forward to it to see where the boys can drive each other in terms of performance and competitiveness.”

The return of that quartet means every player that featured against Kilkenny in Croke Park last July has now played some league action this year. One that hasn’t been seen since the opener in Cork is Declan Hannon but Kiely says the All-Ireland winning captain is good to go after recovering from a hand injury.

“Declan (Hannon) is perfect. Declan is 100%. He just wasn’t part of the group today but he will be chomping at the bit again on Tuesday night.”

Kiely also provided an update on the fitness of Gearoid Hegarty who was a late withdrawal from the squad after being named from the start but replaced by Tom Morrissey prior to throw-in.

“Gearoid went over his ankle taking a shot on Friday night. it was a very minor injury and we’re hoping with a couple of days rest, he will be fine again.”

Limerick will conclude the group stage of their league campaign this Sunday home to Wexford where anything other than a loss will see them into the semi-finals.

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