John Kiely looking to 2027: ‘Last year is behind us’
The July victory over Galway in Croke Park was a sixth All-Ireland title under Kiely for the Shannonsiders as they claimed all trophies on offer this year
LIMERICK hurling manager John Kiely insists his side will begin 2027 “at the bottom of the mountain” alongside all challengers as they bid to retain provincial and national honours.
The July victory over Galway in Croke Park was a sixth All-Ireland title under Kiely for the Shannonsiders as they claimed all trophies on offer this year.
Enjoying some down-time during the off-season, the Galbally man was spotted as the Listowel Races this Friday afternoon.
“It was a great season for us, lads worked really, really hard,” Kiely reflected talking to TG4 at the Co Kerry racecourse.
“It’s not long turning around, here we are facing into another season again. Last year is behind us at this stage and we’re looking forward to 2027.”
Speaking of the longevity of his panel - backboned by players who featured in the 2018 breakthrough success, Kiely noted the “great bond between the group”.
“They really want to stay together as a group. That's evident, I think, particularly over the last three years. You know, they could have, maybe over the last two years in particular, before this year's success, decided to maybe walk away from it.”
With a lot of the successful 2026 team now in their 30s, Kiely points to another famous Irish athlete for inspiration for sporting longevity.
“I think athletes as a whole are moving on longer into their careers. We saw Katie Taylor at 40, boxing in front of 82,000 people at Croke Park. So if she can do that, I think the boys can do a bit of hurling at 32 anyway.”
Off the hurling field, Kiely is working with Ryder Cup organisers as the countdown to the Adare Manor event begins in earnest as we are now less than a year away from the USA taking on Europe for golf’s most famous prize.
“I think a year from now we'll appreciate how big an event the Ryder Cup actually is and the impact it's going to have on Ireland as a whole, as the Midwest region, Limerick City, and Adare as a village,” Kiely said.
“I think there'll be memories made for a lifetime from the event next September. We really look forward to it.
“So many people have put in a huge, huge effort into making sure that this is one of the greatest Ryder Cup ever. I think the American team are going to have the welcome of a lifetime, but the challenge of a lifetime as well.”