John Kiely and Paul Kinnerk, the management duo behind Limerick’s All-Ireland victorious hurling team, will stay at the helm for another two years. They have held their roles since 2017, during which time Limerick has bagged five All-Ireland and six Munster championships. This year, however, they experienced an unforeseen hiccup in their quest for a premier five-in-a-row hurling streak when they were defeated by Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final. As a result, they had to stand by as neighbouring team Clare walked away with the trophy.
Following a monthly meeting of the county board at Woodlands House Hotel, Limerick GAA gave the green light to another two-year stint for Kiely and Kinnerk, adding that announcements about additional team staff are impending.
Meanwhile, Niall Ó Ceallacháin has been handed the reins of the senior hurling team of Dublin GAA, taking over from Micheál Donoghue. Confirmed in his new position on Tuesday, Ó Ceallacháin has a history of success, having guided his club, Na Fianna, to a Dublin title last year before progressing to a fiercely contested Leinster final against the ultimate All-Ireland finalists, O’Loughlin Gaels.
His new three-year term sees him joining forces with a management staff made up of David Curtin from Ballyboden St Endas, Kilmacud Crokes’ Donal McGovern, and Na Fianna’s own Nigel O’Hara. The county board’s chairman, Mick Seavers, voiced his anticipation of a fruitful partnership with Ó Ceallacháin and his management team, eulogising their fervour for Dublin hurling and extensive knowledge of the local club scene. He also extended his best wishes for the team in forthcoming seasons.