Stephen Lucey: The Limerick public knew 2007 couldn’t be repeated

Former Limerick full back Stephen Lucey on the hype that surrounded - and unsettled - the team that faced Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final 15 years ago

UNDER PRESSURE: Stephen Lucey of Limerick playing in the 2007 All-Ireland final. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

In 2007, John Kiely was three years shy of taking over the Limerick intermediates but the circus of distractions that drowned the county before that year’s All-Ireland final clash with Kilkenny left an indelible impression on him.

Less than an hour after qualifying for their next final in 2018, he was setting the rules of engagement with the media before he started his post semi-final press conference.