Former manager Kiely reveals disappointment at losing Déise football job

JOHN KIELY has described the depth of his disappointment at being removed as Waterford football manager in a new book, to be launched in Dungarvan tomorrow.

“Working On A Dream” by GAA journalist Damian Lawlor follows last season with the Déise footballers, ending in Kiely’s removal, but the Kilrossanty clubman wishes his replacement, John Owens, the best of luck.

“It will be a tough job but I will be there supporting them all the way. When we took over five years ago the flame was nearly extinct, we lit that torch again and kept it burning. We narrowly missed promotion twice so obviously the board are bringing the new man in to get that promotion. And I will be the happiest man in Waterford if that’s achieved.

“As regards my own feelings, what’s the point in being bitter? This is the GAA and the GAA is my life, good, bad and ugly. I won’t be dragged down to the level of making outlandish statements. Looking back, I think we won more games in the last two years than Waterford did in the previous 30. So I am very disappointed. I am going to miss the job.

“After five years in charge I wasn’t even asked about staying on and that’s the most disappointing thing but we get on with it. It’s all about the friends I made in the GAA family, not about the people making decisions behind your back.”

Tom Cunningham, chairman of Waterford Coiste Peil and county board vice-chairman, explained the reason for Kiely being replaced with Owens.

“The delegates just felt that change was needed. John was terrific, he gave an unreal commitment and rose the standards, but there was a mood for change and that’s why John Owens was ratified.”

Meanwhile, Mayo manager John O’Mahony has confirmed that his selectors Tommy Lyons and Kieran Gallagher will be on board again next year.

* Working On A Dream: A Year On The Road With The Waterford Footballers by Damian Lawlor is published by Mentor Books.