Kiely honoured to be named Limerick boss

John Kiely is honoured to have been appointed manager of the Limerick senior hurlers.

Kiely's appointment was ratified at a meeting of the Limerick County Board on Tuesday night after the five-man selection panel recommended he be named as TJ Ryan's successor.

The former Under-21 manager has agreed a three-year term with the Treaty County and he is looking forward to leading the senior hurlers.

“I’ve been involved in seven of the last eight years at some level or other, between intermediate, U21 and senior," Kiely explained. "As time went by, the possibility of doing this particular role grew in the back of my head.

"I did keep my cards very close to my chest right through the process.

"There was enough of speculation and so if you put your name out there that you’re interested or want to be involved, it creates a difficult arena and I didn’t want that to happen."

Kiely will work alongside coach Paul Kinnerk, strength and conditioning expert Joe O’Connor and selector Jimmy Quilty, while another selector will be appointed in due course.

“All we would ask of the Limerick supporters out there is that they would support the team as best they can and in particular, by coming to the games," he is quoted as saying in the Irish Examiner.

"We’re committed to a three-year process and while things won’t happen overnight, we will do everything in our power to put together the best group of players and create the best environment for them to be successful.

"It’s a huge honour, no doubt about that and it doesn’t matter when you get this role, it still carries the same responsibilities and respect no matter what.

"I’m absolutely thrilled but I’m not blind to the fact that it’s going to be a major challenge in our lives.

"As Limerick hurling people, we want to see Limerick compete at the highest possible level.

"I’m very much looking forward to getting on with the job, meeting the players and assembling our panel for next year. We’re operating from a blank canvass and building our panel as we see fit ourselves."

Setanta Sports is now eir Sport. We have 6 great channels of live sport including eir Sport 1 & 2 and all 4 BT Sport channels. The eir Sport pack is free to all eir broadband customers. To learn more about setting sport free visit www.eir.ie/sport .