GAA

“You want to start every game” | David Reidy on his evolving role in the Limerick side

July 20, 2023/Darragh Moloney//GAA

From not starting a single round robin game in the Munster championship, the Dromin-Athlacca man was handed starts in the Munster final and All-Ireland semi-final victories.

Not a part of John Kiely’s maiden Limerick Senior Hurling squad, David Reidy took his talents to Kildare where he flourished under Joe Quaid.

Back in for the All-Ireland winning season the following year, Reidy has seen his role resigned to that of impact sub, something he has excelled over the past five years.

His importance to the side has grown substantially this year, from not starting a single round robin game in the Munster championship, the Dromin-Athlacca man was handed starts in the Munster final and All-Ireland semi-final victories, scoring 0-4 in the process.

The 30-year-old is hungry for more starts, and having missed out on things such as the parade before the All-Ireland final in recent years, he admitted he wants to start this year’s decider.

“Everyone wants to start as many games as you possibly can, the All-Ireland final is no different, you want to start every game, there’s incredible competition in the panel, we’re lucky. You’ve to knuckle down for two weeks, there’s no team picked until the Friday night before the final.”

3 July 2022; David Reidy of Limerick celebrates after scoring a late point during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final match between Limerick and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

John Kiely has been forced to chop and change his team this year, in response to injury, with Sean Finn ruled out for the entire campaign, and captain Declan Hannon facing a race against time to be fit for the final.

It has meant opportunities have arisen for the likes of Reidy, but the forward stressed that while he is ready to step in, he has “unbelievable respect” for his injured teammates.

“We have unbelievable respect for everyone in the group, it’s next man up. It’s unfortunate that Sean went down, and Declan went down, but last year it was the same with Peter and Cian. Everyone is ready, and that’s a testament to the character in the group.”

23 April 2023; Declan Hannon of Limerick leaves the pitch in a first half substitution during the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 1 match between Waterford and Limerick at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Speaking ahead of the final, Reidy sounded grateful to have any role in the current Limerick side, and said he is willing to do “whatever little job” to help the team.

In a squad packed with talent, the 30-year-old has had to be patient for his opportunity from the start, but the forward has took his chances well, and will be firmly in Kiely’s thoughts ahead of the clash with Kilkenny.

“You want to start, but it’s a privileged position where I am, to be in the 37 lads named on the panel. Obviously you want to get out on the field as much as you can, try and contribute as much as you can. Whether that be starting or coming off the bench, everyone is rowing in the one direction. Whatever little job I can do to help the team, I’m trying to do that as best I can.”

11 June 2023; The Limerick players and officials, including Chairman of the County Board Séamus McNamara, celebrate with the Mick Mackey Cup after the Munster GAA Hurling Championship Final match between Clare and Limerick at TUS Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Perhaps one of the reasons for the Shannonsiders’ great success in recent years is the selflessness of the players. There appears to be a lack of any egos at all, and you get the sense everyone is just thrilled to be involved in such a unit.

Reidy epitomises that more than anyone, a man who bided his time and helped out however he could, and is now getting a chance to star from the first minute, and live out his “childhood dream” of playing in Croke Park.

“It’s a massive privilege to be involved in such a great setup. Everyone is rolling the one direction, it’s a childhood dream to play in Croke Park, I thoroughly enjoy coming to training, going to the gym, the enjoyment factor is absolutely huge.”

Regardless of being a starter or entering as a sub, Reidy has made it clear he is willing to do whatever he can to help, and that is exactly the type of player Kiely wants at his disposal.

One of four Limerick men with six Munster medals, on Sunday he aims to further his incredible All-Ireland legacy.

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