No opposition as Kiely replaces Carey as Limerick U21 manager
Former senior and U21 selector Kiely replaces Limerick legend Ciaran Carey in the position just days after Carey hit out at his treatment by county officials.
Carey spent a single year in the role and though their campaign lasted just one game against Clare, the Banner went on to win the All-Ireland.
“Looking at Limerick hurling down through the years, a pattern has developed around managerial positions whether minor, U21 or senior,” said Carey earlier this week. “They don’t seem to have enough respect for the past players and the past managers and they are getting away with it all the time.”
County board vice-chairman Pat Heffernan stated ahead of last night’s meeting that the situation was ‘very disappointing for Limerick hurling’. He revealed his desire that clubs would ‘go against the officers on this and stand up and be counted’.
However, there were no dissenting voices to Kiely’s appointment during a meeting of delegates and All-Ireland minor final manager Brian Ryan was also replaced.
Ryan guided a talented Limerick side to the 2013 semi-final where a HawkEye error cost them a final place and they were defeated by Kilkenny by four points in this year’s year decider last Sunday week.
Ryan has been replaced by Leo O’Connor, though county officials have stated it is their policy to rotate the position to allow new managers to develop their skills.
Similar to Kiely’s appointment, there were no votes registered against O’Connor. Limerick officials met on Monday evening and confirmed that they would not be proposing either Carey or Ryan for reappointment.
