Latest news with #Kiely
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Don't Kill the Jeopardy' – Limerick boss John Kiely warns against expanding All-Ireland series
INCREASING the scope for qualification for the All- Ireland series would diminish the provincial hurling championships. That is the view of 2 Limerick manager John Kiely warned against expanding All-Ireland series 2 Limerick manager John Kiely says the current format must not be altered With the season already over for teams like Waterford, Wexford and All-Ireland champions Clare, the format has been called into question in some quarters. After last Sunday's loss to In each of the six editions of the round-robin system that have been played since its introduction, the Déise have yet to secure the top-three finish required. But allowing a fourth team to advance is not a proposal that Kiely would favour. READ MORE ON GAA He said: 'They've made great progress this year. Peter has done really, really well. It's tough. 'I suppose you just have to keep going back and eventually you'll get the breakthrough. 'Look at Tipperary last year, where they were bottom of the group and this year they've turned it around. 'They've got five points on the board. Most read in GAA Hurling 'The three teams tied with five points and it was only score difference that separated the three teams in the group at the top, so it can be done. 'Do I think putting four teams out is going to improve it? I don't. I think it'll actually diminish the importance of the games. There's great jeopardy there. 'It's tough, but it's a good tough. When you love sport, you want to be involved in a competition that has incredible standards, incredible competition, incredible rivalries and real jeopardy. 'That's what the Munster Championship has and that's why it's so special. That's why the crowds are turning out. We have to embrace the jeopardy with the desire to get out.' Kiely also empathised with supporters amid anger over another price hike for next Saturday's Munster final between his side and Cork. A €5 increase for the second year in a row sees adult stand tickets priced at €50 — €20 more than an equivalent ticket for the Munster football final. Terrace tickets will set punters back €40. Ahead of Limerick's fifth Championship outing since April 20, Kiely said: 'It's a lot of expense in a short period of time. 'People are looking towards the summer, looking towards summer holidays, kids going away on summer camps, all those types of things. 'It's just an added expense on a family, in particular, where you're trying to bring two adults, two or three kids to the match and it's going to cost you a nice few quid to go. I think that's the big piece. 'If the season was more stretched out, the expense is spread out as well with it and that's maybe something that needs to be taken into consideration — that it's a big hit for families all at the one time.' SELL OUT The ten games to date in this Munster SHC campaign have generated a combined gate of 285,717. Next weekend's decider is also set to be another sell-out at the TUS Gaelic Grounds. Kiely, who reported a clean bill of health for the Cork clash, added: 'I think the onus really goes back on the Munster Council now. "Ultimately they're the ones who are gathering this additional revenue. "And I think maybe in the course of the next 12 months, they need to make it visibly clear to everybody what the additional revenues went towards. 'I think that would be something that would be very much appreciated by the paying public, to know that the money is being put to very good use right across the association."
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
John Kiely doesn't want jeopardy of Munster championship lost
John Kiely insists the jeopardy of the current format of the All-Ireland senior hurling championship has to be retained. The Limerick manager sympathised with his Waterford counterpart Peter Queally whose county's season ended last Sunday and have yet to qualify from the provincial round-robin structure. However, he disagreed with Queally's call for the championship to be reviewed along the lines of the All-Ireland SFC format and the idea four teams from Munster and Leinster could qualify for the knock-out stages. At a press briefing in TUS Gaelic Grounds on Friday ahead of Saturday week's provincial final against Cork, Kiely supported the feature of two teams in Munster exiting the competition at the provincial stage. 'It is tough, they haven't come out yet so it's going to be tough on them, they've made great progress this year, Peter has done really well. I suppose you just have to keep going back and eventually you'll get the breakthrough. Look at Tipperary last year where they were at the bottom of the group and this year they've turned it around, they've got five points on the board. 'Do I think putting four teams out (into the All-Ireland series) is going to improve it? I don't, I think it will actually diminish the importance of the games. There's great jeopardy there. It is tough but it's a good tough. 'When you love sport, you want to be involved in a competition that has incredible standards, incredible competition and real jeopardy and that's what the Munster Championship has and that's why it's so special and that's why the crowds are turning out, so we have to embrace the jeopardy with the desire to get out.' However, Kiely believes the scheduling of the championship is worth debating in the context of the costs associated with going to games and the Munster final tickets going up by €5. 'It's a big commitment to be a supporter in the first place,' said Kiely of following teams. 'They're going to league matches, they're going to all the championship matches. There's a lot of those matches in a short period of time. That's the biggest piece, really. 'It's the fact that we're coming off the back of four round-robin games, and now we're into a Munster final, and it's all happened in the space of seven weeks. It's a lot of expense in a short period of time. People are looking towards summer holidays, kids going away on summer camps, all those types of things. 'If the season was more stretched out, the expense is spread out as well with it, and that's maybe something that needs to be taken into consideration, that it's a big hit for families all at the one time. 'I think people haven't been giving out about tickets too much. I think it's more about getting your hands on them what is the biggest problem at the moment. I think we're going to have a fantastic occasion here.' Kiely said the Munster Council 'need to make it visibly clear to everybody' where the additional revenue from the ticket price increases is going. 'I think that would be something that would be very much appreciated by the paying public, to know that that money is being put to very good use right across the Association.' Kiely reported no fresh injury concerns although he pointed out Limerick have three training sessions before the game. 'We've got a session tomorrow (Saturday) morning, session Tuesday night, session Thursday night, so we've a bit of work to get through yet.'
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
John Kiely: 'Embrace the Munster jeopardy,' as Limerick 'debunk' end of era talk
John Kiely is against four teams coming out of the Munster Championship, saying counties have to 'embrace the jeopardy.' Kiely also says the narrative that last year's All-Ireland semi-final defeat by Cork was the end of an era for his Limerick side has been proven wrong. 'Maybe that narrative is out there, or was out there,' said Kiely. 'I think that narrative has been debunked now so yeah, that's it.' Kiely's men are going for an historic first ever Munster seven-in-a-row when they face Cork at the Gaelic Grounds next Saturday evening in what promises to be a magnificent occasion. But with All-Ireland champions Clare and Waterford exiting the competition a fortnight ago, and Waterford bowing out last Sunday - both before the end of May, the cut throat nature of the Munster Championship has come into focus again. However, Kielty is against four teams coming out of the province. Speaking about Waterford, who have yet to get out of the Munster round robin in six attempts, Kiely said: 'It's tough. It is tough. They haven't come out of it yet. It's very, very tough on them. 'They've made great progress this year. Peter has done really, really well. I suppose you just have to keep going back, keep going back and eventually you will get the breakthrough. 'Look at Tipperary last year, where they were bottom of the group and this year they have turned it around. They have got five points on the board. 'Three teams tied with five points so only score difference separated the three teams in the group at the top. It can be done. 'Do I think putting four teams out is going to improve it? I don't. I think it will actually diminish the importance of the games. There's great jeopardy there. It is tough, but it's a good tough. 'When you love sport, you want to be involved in competition that has incredible standards, incredible competition, incredible rivalries and real jeopardy. 'That's what the Munster Championship has and that's why it's so special, and that's why the crowds are turning out. 'So we have to embrace the jeopardy with the desire to get out, that's my opinion.' Meanwhile, Kiely says the price hike for stand tickets for the Munster Final, which are now €50, having increased from €40 in 2023 to €45 in 2024, is part of 'a big hit' for families. Terrace tickets are €40. The student and OAP discount is only €10, meaning they will play €40 for stand tickets, while juvenile tickets are now €10. Kiely said: 'Listen, sure supporters are never going to be happy with a price hike in tickets. It's a big commitment to be a supporter in the first place and they are going to league matches. 'They are going to all the Championship matches and there's a lot of those matches in a short period of time. 'I think that's the biggest piece really, is the fact that we are coming off the back of four round robin games and now we are into the Munster Final and it's all happening in the space of seven weeks. It's a lot of expense in a short period of time. 'People are looking towards the summer, looking towards summer holidays, kids going away on summer camps - all those kinds of things. 'So it's just an added expense on a family where you are trying to bring two adults and two or three kids to the match and it's going to cost you a nice few quid to go. 'I think that's the big piece. If the season was more stretched the expense is spread out as well with it. 'That's maybe something that needs to be taken into consideration, that it's a big hit for families all at the one time. 'People haven't been giving out to me about the price of the tickets too much. It's more about getting your hands on one that is the biggest problem at the moment. 'I think we are going to have a fantastic occasion here (the Gaelic Grounds).' Kiely says the onus is on the Munster Council to explain where the additional revenue will be spent. 'I think the onus maybe goes back on the Munster Council now. Ultimately they are the ones who are gathering this additional revenue. 'I think maybe in the course of the next 12 months they need to make it reasonably clear to everybody what the additional revenues went towards. 'I think that would be something that would be very much appreciated by the paying public, to know that that money is being put to very good use right across the Association.'
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Former All-Ireland winning S&C Coach the latest to depart Connacht Rugby
After a season of upheaval and disappointment, Connacht Rugby are set to lose the services of highly rated Head of Athletic Performance, Mikey Kiely. It is understood that the Limerick man is set to vacate the role having joined the province in 2022. Previously with Ulster Rugby, where he was Senior Athletic Performance Coach, Kiely is perhaps best known for his role with the Limerick senior hurling team, where he was Strength & Conditioning Coach for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. During this time, the Shannonsiders won two All-Ireland titles, two Munster Championships and a National Hurling League. A key part of John Kiely's backroom team, the Ballybrown native played his part as Limerick won all nine championship games to collect those 2020 and 2021 Munster and All Ireland titles. Kiely, 36, first came to prominence with Clare's U21 hurling team in 2013 – working with the likes of Podge Collins, Tony Kelly and Shane O'Donnell as they won All Ireland honours. He then returned to his native Limerick and worked with a variety of inter-county sides before moving to the senior set-up, taking over from Joe O'Connor. As well as this departure, Connacht lost Pete Wilkins earlier this season. He stepped down as Head Coach, in April, before joining Italian outfit Benetton as their new attack coach earlier this month. In January, the westerners confirmed that Mark Sexton, their Attack Coach was departing the side at the end of the 2024/2025 season. Cullie Tucker concluded the season as Interim Head Coach, before Defence Coach Scott Fardy – the former Leinster and Australian lock – was next to leave the Galway-based side. This leaves Tucker and John Muldoon as they only two senior coaches still at the Sportsground. Last weekend, in more positive news Connacht announced that talents John Devine, Finn Treacy and Harry West have been awarded their first professional contracts. Connacht finished their 2024/2025 URC campaign in 13th place, having won six times in18 outings, while Racing 92 ended their Challenge Cup aspirations at the quarter-final stage. Under the stewardship of Andy Friend, they reached the 2022/2023 URC semi-final, but haven't failed to qualify for the knockout phase of the 16-team competition in the most recent two installments.
The Irish Sun
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
John Kiely was smart to make Cian Lynch captain – Limerick are playing for him and want him to win the All-Ireland
THEY say revenge is a dish best served cold — but ravenous Limerick served it up to Cork on a piping-hot day in the Gaelic Grounds. The Treaty slipped up in last year's All-Ireland semi-final against the Rebels at Croke Park but their 2 Cian Lynch succeeded Declan Hannon as Limerick captain Credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile 2 Babs Keating believes it is spurring them on Credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile John Kiely's side had Cork on a plate, dishing out a 3-26 to 1-16 roasting to the side that beat them — twice — in the Championship last summer and consigned Limerick's five-in-a-row bid to the bin. The six-in-a-row Munster champions can still add to that provincial tally but a sixth Liam MacCarthy in eight seasons is what really gets their juices flowing. Having been joint-captain with Declan Hannon last year, Kiely has promoted Cian Lynch to skipper and it's a smart move. Not only is the Patrickswell man one of the most respected hurlers in the country, he is clearly revelling in the responsibility and leading by example. Read More on GAA The team is playing for him. They want the two-time Hurler of the Year to be climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand in July to take back Liam MacCarthy. Kiely is in an enviable position — any casual performance from his 15 starters and they are out and they know it. When you go training in Limerick, you are looking over your shoulder because someone is waiting in the wings if you mess up. Kiely has Most read in GAA Hurling It's a luxury I don't believe he has ever had before, with prized and proven — and injury-free — players in every position. Front-line stars Lynch, Kyle Hayes, Seán Finn, Nickie Quaid and Aaron Gillane are not even in the match-day 26. Limerick GAA fans troll RTE pundit Donal Og Cusack after win over Cork Peter Casey, Séamus Flanagan and Cathal O'Neill all got game-time off the bench last weekend and now get their chance in attack against the Banner. Shane Dowling replaces Quaid in goal and four-time All-Ireland-winning captain Hannon makes his first start of the year. Colin Coughlan, Barry Murphy and Darragh O'Donovan were given a few minutes against the Rebels and, again, have an opportunity to stake their claim. Two-time All-Star O'Donovan comes in for Adam English. I have criticised the youngster before but to be fair, he put in a serious display last Sunday, chipping in with 1-2 from midfield. He knows he must maintain that standard as his Doon clubmate O'Donovan gets his crack in the middle alongside Will O'Donoghue today. Shane O'Brien had his poorest performance of the Munster campaign to date against Cork. But he didn't get the full 70 minutes to fix it. Flanagan, the man who replaced 'The Bull', is no longer an automatic starter but the 2021 All-Star forward is still only 28 and has put in a huge effort in recent months to dislodge O'Brien. Both start this afternoon. Dowling was outstanding and grabbed his chance to shine during the league before Quaid's shock Championship comeback. PLAYING FOR PRIDE Clare are out of the Championship and are playing for pride. They must resurrect themselves for a trip to the lion's den — and in the wake of what Limerick did to the Rebels, that is a daunting task. It's rebuilding time for Brian Lohan and I'm not sure if we'll ever see David McInerney, 32, or John Conlon, 35, in saffron and blue again. After picking up their first All-Star awards last year, Adam Hogan and Mark Rodgers didn't step up to the mark in the early rounds this season. I don't see Limerick being beaten today. Fresh off last week's battering, Cork must pick themselves up off the canvas and welcome Waterford to Páirc Uí Chaoimh. A draw will secure third place, victory secures a Munster final spot — surely against Limerick — in two weeks. If Waterford win, the season is over for Pat Ryan's men. The one thing Cork don't need is Limerick in a Munster final at the Gaelic Grounds. No one on Leeside could have the stomach to go through that again. The big prize is on All-Ireland final day. Limerick won Munster last year, but that counted for little in Croke Park on semi-final day. Cork were beaten in every part of the field, from No 1 Patrick Collins up. His short puckouts and poor use of the ball are criticisms I levelled at him two years ago. The Ballinhassig man corrected that last season, right up to the All-Ireland final, but reverted to old habits during this year's league. MOVING FORWARD In the modern game, backs have to be able to play like forwards and vice versa. But the Cork attackers don't know how to play like defenders. You must stop your opponent and keep the ball in the area — Darragh Fitzgibbon is probably the only Cork player capable of that. He had the thankless job of shackling Hayes in a match-up of two of last year's nominees for Hurler of the Year. Not many players can go toe-to-toe with Hayes. If I was managing, I wouldn't waste my best player trying to stop him. I'd be putting in somebody to make it awkward for him, but Cork don't have one of those players. They're all fancy hurlers but the ability to play the dropping ball isn't in their locker — and hasn't been for years. While they have been putting up high scores, they have also been shipping them and something's not right about that. Look, it's difficult for any team to succeed against this Limerick side. They are so mature. They're coming back to their peak fitness-wise and have more options than ever. It will be interesting to see if Waterford take a leaf out of the Treaty playbook and go with all-out aggression at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The Déise have a history of being able for Cork — look at last year's Munster clash — and they do not fear the Rebels. I was in Thurles last Sunday and fully expected a performance from the visitors against Tipperary but we just didn't get one. They are one of the best GAA counties in the country with wonderful people, and their supporters deserved better last Sunday. Years ago, I watched an American sports show with Michael Jordan. An audience member asked him to name six key areas for performance. Jordan hesitated, then said the word 'preparation' six times. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail — that was Waterford against Tipp. They looked like world beaters at the start, 1-1 up after two minutes. And it ended there. It's a big ask to beat a Cork team that are really hurting. Cork will win on their own patch, but the victory could be a poisoned chalice. If the Rebels don't get their house in order, they're wasting their time playing Limerick again in the Munster final — or further down the line for that matter.
