'We know we're up against a really formidable side'
July 15, 2026
Limerick's manager John Kiely and Diarmaid Byrnes celebrate after the All-Ireland SHC semi-final ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
John Kiely is expecting a huge challenge from Galway in Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC final.
Limerick are widely fancied to repeat their 2018 victory over the Tribesmen and complete a clean sweep of Allianz League, Munster and All-Ireland successes. Their manager, however, is taking nothing for granted.
"We know from watching Galway over the last number of games as well that they're superb hurlers," Kiely told RTÉ.
"They love being on the ball. They love running with the ball. They're very accurate when they shoot. We know we're up against a really, really formidable side. Micheál Donoghue knows Galway hurling inside out.
"He's a student of hurling in general and I have great respect and regard for Micheál and what he's done for hurling in Galway and outside of Galway over the last 15 years. We have a formidable challenge, but both sides will look forward to putting their best foot forward on the day and going for it.
"We've played many times, but against this side playing in the system that they play right now, we’ve only met once. There are aspects to how they play the game that are accentuated and it's going to be a challenge for us, but we'll embrace that challenge now and we'll take it on.”
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