Limerick’s Unyielding Spirit and the Journey from Doubt to Dominance
Kiely’s 2017 expectations: a simple ‘thank you’ phone call, but what followed was a historic transformation of Limerick hurling. Ahead of yet another Munster final, John Kiely’s men are seeking their seventh provincial title in a row a feat that once seemed unimaginable in a county that had only one Munster crown in the 20 years before his leadership. Their ruthless win over Cork in the round-robin stage served as a bold statement that the disappointment of missing a fifth consecutive All-Ireland title is behind them.
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From Setbacks to Steady Progress
Reflecting on the emotional weight of missing the five-in-a-row, Kiely admits it was painful but believes the silver lining is that public obsession with that record has cooled. This shift in focus, he says, has allowed the team to embrace the current campaign fully. Despite a bumpy spring, Limerick gradually found their form. He believes the season has been about embracing setbacks, learning from them, and improving a philosophy deeply embedded in their journey.
Debunking the Decline Narrative
Some doubted Limerick’s longevity after a lukewarm league performance, suggesting their golden era was ending. Kiely, however, quickly dismissed that storyline. The dominant 16-point win over league champions Cork shattered that theory. But it’s not just about one big win—Kiely highlights their consistent growth since the opening match against Tipperary, a performance he believes was undervalued. That steady rise has been at the core of their campaign.
Revisiting Humble Beginnings
Kiely’s early tenure in 2017 was rocky. After being eliminated early that year, he expected a thank-you call and possibly a dismissal. Fortunately, that call never came. He saw internal improvements even if results didn’t reflect them yet. The true turning point came in early 2018 with wins in the Munster League, and against Offaly and Galway in the League. From trusting his players in tough moments to building belief, these events laid the foundation for their historic run.
The Legacy and Perspective
Limerick’s transformation from underachievers to modern-day giants is staggering. Kiely emphasizes the importance of remembering the barren spells—like the 17 years without a Munster title before 2013 to appreciate today’s success. Hard work, not luck, has driven their dominance. He also reflects on personal memories of Munster finals past, including intense crowd experiences and emotional scenes on the road to matches. Above all, he cherishes the unity and passion that Munster finals bring, not just to Limerick, but to all who love the game.
