Modest Kiely plays down his role in Limerick’s golden era

John Kiely is happiest when he’s going to training. Whether it’s traversing the regional roads of south Limerick from his work base in Tipperary town to Rathkeale or the shorter trip to TUS Gaelic Grounds when the clock go forward, the anticipation of what is to come excites him.

HUMBLE LEADER: Limerick manager John Kiely feels he is more inspired by the players than they are by him. ‘I’m not a vital cog in the wheel. Nor do I want to be,’ he insists. Picture: Inpho/James Crombie

For a man who in his first season in charge paced his backyard staring up at the starry sky above the Galtee Mountains wondering if he was the right man for Limerick, it’s not surprising to hear John Kiely hasn't lost the self-deprecation.

He is hardly along for the ride but feels as if he is more inspired by the players than they are by him. “I keep telling the boys, they would have done all of this without me,” he insists. “I’m not a vital cog in the wheel. Nor do I want to be. I shouldn’t be. In an effective organisation around this team, they should be able to cope without me being present at all. I would hope that they enjoy having me around at the same time.