John Kiely believes that the upcoming Munster SHC could be the most competitive ever. PICTURE: Sportsfile
LIMERICK senior hurling manager John Kiely feels that the 2023 Munster SHC has the potential to be one of the best ever as his side look to defend their title.
Kiely believes that there is nothing between the five sides competing for the Mick Mackey Cup and says that the round robin aspect of the competition has brought it to a new level.
"Everyone has bought into it," Kiely explained to reporters at the launch of the Munster Championship at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
"Supporters, players, management - everyone has bought into it as being a fantastic competition. It's one to savour, one to enjoy.
"It comes at you fairly quick and smart as well so you don't get too much time to lick your wounds if you happen to have a bad day at the office.
"Likewise, you don't have too much time to get carried away when you get a win either because you're literally six days away from possible your next competitive game and that's a huge challenge."
Limerick come into Munster with all three major trophies in the cabinet after adding the Allianz Hurling League to the Munster and All-Ireland titles won in 2022.
There is a target on Limerick's back heading into the provincial campaign but the Limerick manager says that his panel of players are well used to that at this stage and looks at it as a positive.
"It's a great privilege and a great honour to have that. It's the way we view it. It's something that we carry very easily and very lightly.
"We know it won't last forever so for as long as it's there, they will be very happy to carry that tag."
Kiely is expecting a very tough test from Waterford first up on this afternoon. The sides have been major rivals in recent years and with Davy Fitzgerald back in charge of the Deise, he is predicting that rivalry to continue.
"It will be a really strong challenge. I've no doubt about it. We saw glimpses during the league when they were trying different things.
"We know they will bring great energy but our focus is on ourselves and being the best team that we can be. Being able to bring the experience that we have gained in recent times but also that hunger and appetite that we have always shown for championship matches.
"It will be a tremendous game with two really hungry and very strong teams going at it. We just want to make sure that we get our preparation right and be the best possible team that we can be."
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