Kiely aiming for further Limerick improvement after league victory

DESPITE winning the Allianz Hurling League Final by an 11-point margin against Kilkenny yesterday, Limerick manager John Kiely insists that further improvement will be needed if his side are to repeat Munster and All-Ireland glory this year.

Goals in either half by Barry Nash and Aaron Gillane helped Limerick to a 2-20 to 0-15 win against Kilkenny at Páirc Uí Chaoimh but Kiely was disappointed with the wayward shooting in the final quarter as the Shannonsiders headed to their 14th ever league title.

"It's a mixed bag reflecting on it," Kiely told journalists after the game. "We controlled parts of the game quite well. We had to work hard on their puck out.

"The wides were disappointing. Absolutely. While we are happy to be creating those scoring chances, we need to be taking more of them. Our shooting efficiency was the worst it's been all year.

"At the same time, very happy to be league champions. We went after it. We worked hard throughout the campaign.

"All i can ask is for the players to work hard, for them to have good attitudes, application for the work we are doing with them and I think they have answered all the questions for us so far this season."

The Limerick manager also played down any injury concerns surrounding Declan Hannon and Kyle Hayes who both cried off before throw in. Hannon was down with flu all week, while Hayes was nursing a slight strain. 

Limerick's next game is their Munster SHC opener against Waterford in Thurles on Sunday, April 23 and both should be available for selection in that game.

Elsewhere, Limerick's senior footballers will play Clare in the Munster SFC semi-final following the Banner's one-point win over Cork at Cusack Park in their quarter-final clash.

Limerick have home advantage for the game on Saturday, April 22 and a win over Colm Collins' side would guarantee a spot in the provincial decider for the second year running.