Limerick manager Kiely happy to have 'clarity' of Kilkenny challenge in All-Ireland final

LIMERICK manager John Kiely says that his side will be expecting another huge challenge from All-Ireland final opponents Kilkenny when they meet at Croke Park on Sunday, July 23.

Speaking at the Limerick press event on Monday evening, Kiely said that his bunch of players and his management team know what's coming from the Leinster champions. It will be the third time the sides have met in a final after the 2022 decider and the league final this year.

"It's great to have that clarity and we know exactly what we have to do in the next few weeks," Kiely told reporters at the TUS Gaelic Grounds. "It's going to be a very tough challenge for us but we are looking forward to it.

Kiely was impressed with how Kilkenny dealt with Clare's challenge in the second half of their semi-final and that their response is something that Limerick have to recognise.

"Fifteen minutes into the second half there were a lot of questions asked and they responded with all the answers that they needed. They possibly could have seen out the game a little bit easier in the final five minutes.

"A fantastic save, an absolutely incredible save. Their response to that challenge that came from Clare is a warning to us. We will bear that in mind and have it in the back our mind that the response is there and they have that capacity."

Kiely added that he hasn't given any thought to the differences between Derek Lyng's Kilkenny side that Limerick have faced in the league final this year and that of Brian Cody's team that they played in last year's All-Ireland final.

"From a team perspective, they are incredibly hard working. They are a very accurate team. Very efficient and they have an instinct for goal. I think you could have said that about all the Kilkenny teams over the last 25 years."

The Limerick manager also said that he isn't aware of any new injury worries following the Galway game and that physio Mark Melbourne provided a positive update earlier in the day. Captain Declan Hannon remains an injury worry ahead of the game with a knee injury.

Limerick play Kilkenny at Croke Park in the 2023 All-Ireland hurling final on Sunday, July 23 at 3.30pm.