TODAY represents a fifth All-Ireland final for John Kiely in just six seasons in charge of Limerick.
He has won all of them so far, but they’ve been against very different opponents. In a few short hours, Kilkenny will be his first repeat customer, and the team that dominated the championship in the 15 years preceding Limerick’s explosion onto the scene.
“In fact, it will be the third decider between the sides in twelve months,” Kiely pointed out. “We met in the National League final as well earlier in the year.”
Limerick may be going into this one as favourites but they’re up against a county that enjoyed an even more fearsome reputation than their own as they put together an astonishing 11 titles, including a four-in-row that the champions are hoping to emulate, in just 16 years between 2000 and 2015.
“Fifteen minutes into their semi-final against Clare, a lot of questions were being asked. But then the real Kilkenny emerged and they answered them all. All the characteristics of the Cody era – accurate, efficient, the eye or the goal. A warning to us of what they’re capable of,” commented Kiely.
But, Limerick are also coming to the party on the crest of a wave. Their second-half demolition of Galway, arguably their most ruthless performance since their win over Cork in the 2021 final, showed that their performance was going in the right direction.
“That Munster final win over Clare was invaluable, gave us four weeks to prepare for the semi-final. It makes a huge difference in a season as condensed as this,” Kiely added.
Four in a row would put Limerick on the same level of immortality as Cody’s Kilkenny and the Cork team of the 1940s. But the Limerick boss does not want to hear about it in the run-up.
“It’s the same as in every game we play. It’s down to getting all the bases covered. It’s just another one we’re going out to give it our best,” he concluded.
