Kiely expresses disappointment over lacking acknowledgment following his actions in 2017, stating he was only seeking a simple thank-you phone call.
In Limerick, the narrative has changed after their heartbreaking loss to Cork in the 2025 Munster Senior Hurling Championship final. With a newfound focus, John Kiely's side is poised to create history once more, aiming for an astonishing seven consecutive titles in the fiercely competitive Munster province.
With just two days to go before their next Championship battle, the hunger for silverware in Limerick remains undimmed. Despite missing out on a fifth Liam MacCarthy in a row, the team has turned the page and looks forward to starting anew.
"The disappointment is behind us," Kiely tells RTÉ Sport. "The narrative has changed. Everywhere you go, the chit-chat is no longer about the five-in-a-row mania. It's definitely no harm that it's finished."
The Cork showdown will be the third final of the current run to be played in the TUS Gaelic Grounds. Limerick and Cork still operate by the home and away arrangement for Munster finals, a tradition that pre-dates the current round robin structure.
Remembering their previous Munster title victory in 2019, Kiely is quick to remind his players of the uncertain times in Limerick hurling's past. "The new generation must understand the long periods of time that Limerick experienced without a Munster title," he says.
Limerick's team for the final will be led by captain Cian Lynch, with several key players returning to the starting lineup after their defeat to Clare earlier in the championship. The team includes notable names such as Aaron Gillane, Aidan O'Connor, and William O'Donoghue, who returns from injury.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, as Limerick aims to regain their Munster title and continue their legacy as the new masters of the sport. Tune in to RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player to witness the climactic battle between Limerick and Cork on Saturday from 5:15 pm. Follow the live blog on our website/sport and the RTÉ News app, and listen to commentary on RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport.
Sports enthusiasts in Limerick eagerly anticipate the Munster title bout, with captain Cian Lynch and key players like Aaron Gillane, Aidan O'Connor, and William O'Donoghue gearing up for the encounter. As they aim to regain their title and carry on their legacy, the team envisiones a thrilling contest against Cork, a much-awaited event set to unfold on Saturday at 5:15 pm.
