WATCH John Kiely thanks Limerick supporters who turned out in huge numbers

WATCH Limerick hurling manager John Kiely thanks Limerick supporters who turned out in huge numbers. Photo: Cian Reinhardt/ilovelimerick

Limerick hurling manager John Kiely thanked Limerick supporters for turning out in huge numbers for ‘surreal’ homecoming celebration

Limerick hurling manager John Kiely has thanked Limerick City and County’s supporters for their incredible support through a season which saw them win three titles, including the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

John Kiely spoke with I Love Limerick at the homecoming celebrations on Monday, July 20, which was a “surreal” moment for the Senior Hurling Manager and his players in a moment that “would lift your soul”.

John told Richard Lynch, “ We’re over the moon! It’s almost surreal to listen to music in the background knowing why we’re all here and that so many people would turn out for the team.

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“I’m really, really grateful. I know the team and the boys are so grateful to the supporters who travelled to all our matches this year, and who have turned out again this evening in huge numbers to acknowledge their amazing achievement. We’re very proud, very happy, and it would lift your soul.”

Acknowledging the backroom staff as well as the extended panel, Kiely spoke about the work of performance psychologist Caroline Currid who was back in the staff this season.

“ Caroline is an amazing woman, and she has a special place in our group. Always has and always will,” Kiely said, adding, “We’re great friends as well as everything else, she has done a fantastic job, and we’re very grateful to her for what she has brought to the group. She’s really joined the group seamlessly again, very grateful.”

Reflecting on the campaign, he said he spoke about the moments that might not make a highlight reel but played an important part of the season.

He said, “ There are a few pieces I’m particularly proud of. We’ve always remained very calm, even when things have gotten difficult and even when we’ve lost. We’ve always accepted it and taken it on the chin and moved on and tried to learn from it.

“But I think we have had a lot of people in training this year behind the scenes. People who’ve had their own challenges going on, be it illness or whatever. And the way they welcome everybody into our group, even for those couple of short hours, they’re so open, so welcoming, and they’re very generous with their time, and I think that’s one thing the people of Limerick really appreciate from this bunch of players. They’re just so generous with their time.”

He also paid tribute to the backroom team, thanking the volunteers for their dedication, before wishing the supporters happy weeks celebrating the victory.

 ”On behalf of all the players, the backroom team – we’ve a fantastic backroom team – we’re so grateful to all volunteers working their asses off. We’re so grateful to them.

“To the people of Limerick, our supporters, it means the world to us to be able to bring back the Liam MacCarthy Cup to them, and we hope they have a fantastic evening and couple of weeks ahead celebrating the return of the Liam MacCarthy Cup to Limerick.”