Limerick rebirth will come from selection, not the axe

Paul Kinnerk and Kiely’s brand of reinvention has so far been defined more by positional ingenuity.

LIMERICK REBIRTH: The measure of John Kiely is such that he is now regarded in the same breath as the other two architects of era-defining teams.

The measure of John Kiely is such that he is now regarded in the same breath as the other two architects of era-defining teams. Ruthlessness was the calling card for Messrs Brian Cody and Jim Gavin. It is by that same yardstick that he will now be assessed.

Squad regeneration is too often presented as some sort of zero-sum adventure game. Trust in the stalwarts and endure the consequences. Or swing the axe, show zero remorse, prune the deadwood. And lo, reap the reward.