WINLESS Waterford are next up for Limerick in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday, throw-in 3pm (referee: James Owens, Wexford).
Scheduled to come into the fold for the home side are two recent Player of the Year winners, Aaron Gillane (from injury) and captain Cian Lynch (suspension).
“Now, it’s for Aaron and Cian to get back and fight for their places again,” suggested Kiely in the aftermath of the runaway win in Clare.
The management team is in a good position with the knowledge that there’s a plethora of others, now including newcomers Fintan Fitzgerald and Hugh Flanaghan, along with the ever-improving Ethan Hurley, in serious contention for starting places.
Kiely, mindful that his side suffered an unexpected opening-round National League loss in Waterford, is seeking huge home support for Limerick’s first home fixture in the Championship 2026.
“We have an incredible support base. And we have had an incredible support base over the past number of years. But when you go home, you have to dominate at home. And it starts outside the wire. And the boys inside the wire respond,” stated the long-serving boss.
“There’s a lot of hurling to be done in this championship yet. A huge amount of it. The bottom line is that two points get you nowhere in this competition. You need at least five and ideally six. So, we have a lot of chasing to do. We have a lot to go after.
“But with everybody behind the team, and I thought the people who were here today (Ennis, versus Clare) in particular were great, I have to give them great credit.”
Aside from a third straight defeat, 8/1 shots The Déise suffered injuries to Ian Kenny, Iarlaith Daly, and long-serving All-Star Stephen Bennett in the defeat of Final-bound Cork at Walsh Park on Saturday night.
Limerick are also home to Tipperary in a concluding group phase tie on May 24.
Tipp host Clare this Saturday.
The Munster Final is pencilled in for the first Sunday of June at 2pm.