Limerick hurling boss John Kiely says 'time will tell' if he enters politics 

Limerick hurling manager John Kiely could throw his hat in the ring for the position of the city's first directly elected mayor, due to be contested in June 2024. 

Limerick's All Ireland winning hurling manager John Kiely has said "time will tell" if ever enters politics amid confirmation that he has been approached to run in elections. 

Kiely, a former school principal who has become one of hurling's most successful ever coaches, said politics is not on the horizon for him, with the GAA still his main focus. 

Many believe that Kiely, who achieved celebrity status after helping to break a 45-year All-Ireland hoodoo for Limerick, would be almost certain to succeed if he ran in local, national, or European elections. 

He could also throw his hat in the ring for the position of Limerick's first directly elected mayor, due to be contested in June 2024. 

For now, though, the GAA is his main concern. 

"My wife tells me politics is out for me," he said, but he doesn’t completely rule it out, adding, "time will tell, time will tell”.

“Some people have asked (about running for elections), but they haven't gotten an answer. Lots have asked, who knows what’s down the road, and hopefully opportunities will come my way. 

"I’ll assess them as they come, and hopefully, I’ll make the right decision for me and for whatever organisation that might be.”

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The former principal of The Abbey School in Tipperary has also criticised the points-focused nature of the Leaving Cert exams, describing it as harmful to students, parents, teachers, and society at large.

“It takes the focus off of what is the core purpose of education, which is personal development, and the enhancement of our young people to serve our community. Whether you got 200 points or 600 points, it shouldn’t make any difference at all, and in my eyes, it doesn’t.

"You can’t measure success in terms of grades or points or going to college."

Kiely was the special guest speaker at the 15th All Ireland Scholarships Awards, held at the University of Limerick on Saturday.

Almost €43m, sponsored by JP McManus, has been disbursed to 1,674 winners of the scholarship programme.

The programme is confined to students who attend non-fee paying schools and are in receipt of a third-level education maintenance grant.