Kiely hails Limerick players following stunning All-Ireland victory
Kiely spoke to the Sunday Game panel following Limerick’s 11-point win over Galway in Croke Park
LIMERICK manager John Kiely couldn’t pay enough compliments to his group of players following their 1-29 to 1-18 win over Galway.
Kiely’s men blitzed Galway in the second half to win their 13th ever Liam MacCarthy Cup, sixth under his management, and their first since 2023.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Sunday Game following the final whistle, Kiely paid tribute to his group of players following two years of hurt at GAA HQ.
'I’m just thrilled for them. The last two years were very, very difficult to take. We just died in terms of energy when it mattered most and it really hurt us.
"I suppose that was always going to happen, but to come back for this year, everybody really had to dig very deep, everybody.
"And they did, right throughout the year. They never left the night go without giving all of their energy on the pitch.
"Everything that Paul (Kinnerk) put in front of them, everything that Adrian (O’Brien) put in front of them, everything that Caroline (Currid) put in front of them, they bought into every piece.
"And you don't get days like today without going to the well as deep as they've gone to it. So I'm just really thrilled and so proud for them.”
Limerick were on the front foot from early on in the contest. Gearóid Hegarty was denied twice by two outstanding saves by Galway netminder Darach Fahy in the early minutes of the contest.
Kiely’s charges hit four points on the trot to lead by three after 17 minutes and never really looked back.
The Limerick manager was full of praise by how they went about their business.
"They deserve this moment, you know, they really do. It was full of conviction. They knew exactly what they had to do.
"In fairness to Galway, they bring an incredible challenge. Athletically around the field, the use of the ball, the numbers where they put them around the field.
"They've got Jason (Rabbitte) inside and he's a tremendous young man, They have a serious side.
"We knew coming in after the back of their last two performances, it was going to be a huge challenge. So just really proud.”