Limerick coach Paul Kinnerk played key role in shutting down Galway's system
LIMERICK senior hurling manager John Kiely spoke about the level of preparation his side went through in order to shut down Galway’s system in the All-Ireland final.
Kiely’s team physically dominated Galway, and their 41 turnovers led to 1-17 during Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling final, as the Tribesmen struggled to cope with the physical exchanges and get their gameplan flowing.
Kiely was quick to praise Limerick senior hurling coach Paul Kinnerk in the aftermath of their 11-point victory over Galway.
“It’s joy really, I’m just so happy for the lads to produce that level of performance in a final takes great satisfaction. It takes an incredible level of preparation, Paul Kinnerk deserves an incredible amount of credit for the manner in which he had the team prepared for the challenge,” Kiely told the assembled media in Croke Park.
“Galway bring a very difficult tactical challenge to the table and we’ve seen the last two games what that can look like when you don’t control it or impact it in any way. They’re incredibly good on the ball, they get numbers behind the half way line, they are strong opposition puckouts, they are brilliant at shooting from distance.
“They have a target man inside (Jason Rabbitte) who is super at holding up the ball inside. They have so many feathers to their bow. It is credit to Paul in terms of the result we got on the pitch in terms of how we were able to gain control of the game, keep control of the game and limit Galway in the areas that they are strongest in,” said Kiely.
The Limerick boss put his side’s relentless work rate all over the pitch down as one of the key factors to Limerick tasting All-Ireland glory for the first time since 2023.
“It’s our identity. Their identity is based on how hard they work, in training and in matches, and how committed they are to doing the right thing for the group at all times. Whatever it takes, whatever they have to give, that’s what makes them special.”
The Shanonsiders are showing no signs of slowing down and it’s now up to every other team to get to their level heading into the 2027 season.
“They have an incredible desire and hunger, there’s no doubt. I think a lot of it is based on the level of enjoyment they get, you can hear them next door. You can’t do this if you’re not enjoying it, you can’t make those sacrifices unless you’re enjoying it.
"Everybody contributes to a happy environment, there’s great mutual support for everybody in the group no matter what’s going on in your life. We have a lot of fun, that’s critical,” concluded the Limerick manager.