'We took our chances today': John Kiely most pleased with Limerick's accuracy against Clare 

The Limerick boss was impressed with his side's shooting improvement since the Cork loss

Limerick manager John Kiely. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

John Kiely lauded his team’s conversion rate as they responded with a massive performance in Ennis to get their Munster SHC campaign back on track.

Shot-taking was never the issue against Cork – shot-scoring was (55% accuracy) – but here their finishing was excellent, 76% with 32 scores from 42 attempts.

“Our use of the ball was very good, our support play was very good. And I think most importantly, compared to last week, was our shooting, our efficiency in front of goals. We created a lot of opportunities last week, and we just didn't take them. And it hurt us badly. You lose matches when you don't take your chances.

“And today was the opposite, we took our chances today. I think our efficiency will be up around 80% this week, so I think that's where the difference is.” 

Kiely was delighted with how Limerick absorbed Clare’s mini-revival early in the second half when the margin fell to 10. 

“When we needed to intervene and break their flow, we were able to. I think that string of four points (Limerick scored) in the middle of the second half was a critical period in the game. Whatever oxygen they had garnered in the earlier 15 minutes, we were able to neutralise it.

“And I think, for me, one of the most pleasing pieces was our young men coming off the bench today. Dan Morrissey included in that. The impact off the bench was outstanding today. Delighted for the lads, delighted for the group, because that's a piece we'll be going after as well. And it was critical in closing out the game today the way we did.” 

Aaron Gillane and Cian Lynch’s absences were never going to be excuses for Limerick. “Now, it's up to Aaron and Cian to get back and fight for their places again,” said Kiely.

The performance of Nickie Quaid, with two superb saves from Mark Rodgers, was a standout for the manager too. “I think he's really finding a new lease of life for himself. His shot-stopping was off the charts today. And his decision-making and his timing on the puckouts is fantastic also. So, listen, delight for him. You know, he just gives you everything he has in the tank every day he goes out. He's an incredible guy.”

Kiely is looking for huge home support in the forthcoming games against Waterford on Sunday week and Tipperary in the concluding round game.

“We have an incredible support base. And we have had an incredible support base over the last long number of years, right. But when you go home, you have to dominate at home. And it starts outside the wire. And then the boys inside the wire respond.

“And there's a lot of hurling to be done in this championship yet. A huge amount of it. The bottom line is two points gets you nowhere in this competition. You need at least five and ideally six or seven. So, we have a lot of chasing to do. We have a lot to go after. But with everybody behind the team, and I thought the people that were here today in particular, I have to give them great credit.”