LIMERICK Senior Hurling manager John Kiely reacted to his sides comprehensive semi-final win over Waterford yesterday in Croke Park.
Kiely and his side have now made it to their third All-Ireland final in four years, and at this stage of the Championship, Kiely knows better than anyone the importance of maintaining tactical efficiency while also enduring the pressure that come with playing in an All-Ireland semi.
Despite both sides failing to grasp an early lead in the game, Kiely remained unfazed, as his sides productive attacking structure “was only getting settled in.”
“It took us a while, the scoreboard was slow getting off the mark for both sides today…but at the same time we were creating chances, we were using the ball well and we’d a good structure”
Kiely said post game
Kiely had nothing but praise for his trusty goal keeper Nickie Quaid. The Galbally man acknowledged the unique challenges that often face an inter-county level keeper, and applauded Quaid for not only his skill and durability, but for his bravery and commitment to the often unglamorous position.
“Goalkeepers, I can assure you, work twice as hard as any other player on the field, they are obsessed with their aspect of the game and I can assure you there isn’t a keeper that works as hard as Nickie Quaid”
Kiely remarked about Limerick keeper Nickie Quaid
Kiely acknowledged the achievement of reaching a third All-Ireland final in four years, but he was careful to not let said achievement be the main source of motivation for his squad.
Kiely appears to value the consistent improvement his squad attains on a week to week basis, far more than a forecasted legacy revered before it’s even been established.
“I think the biggest achievement that this group have done this year is that they’ve managed to incrementally improve from game to game, and that for me is the most important thing…and for the next two weeks it’s about finding those improvements again to bring them to the table in two weeks time.”
Kiely on his squads consistent improvement
Have a look at the full press conference below:
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