LIMERICK MANAGER JOHN Kiely has praised the way forward Peter Casey has returned to bolster his options as they prepare for an All-Ireland semi-final showdown against Cork on Sunday week.
Kiely told a media gathering in Limerick yesterday evening that they have a clean bill of health as they prepare to try defeat the Rebels in the championship for the first time in 17 years.
And Kiely said that the way 21-year old Casey has battled back to give them more options is typical of the spirit and determination in the squad.
Limerick reached the All-Ireland semi-final for the first time since 2014 following last weekend’s 0-27 to 1-22 win over Kilkenny at Semple Stadium in Thurles.
Limerick’s three substitutes from Na Piarsaigh; Casey, Shane Dowling and William O’Donoghue scored three points between them last weekend.
And Casey, who was on target twice, has been a massive addition after he returned from a shoulder injury lay-off during the Munster round robin.
“We are good. We have a clean bill of health. We are very fortunate in that regard all year. Long may it continue,” said Kiely.
“We have been looking for that all year (the impact from the bench). Every team is looking for that at the end of the day.
“There’s a lot of credit due to the lads the way they did come in and get involved in the game as quickly as they did.
“It’s great to get Peter back on the pitch. We knew he was coming back off a really difficult winter from an injury perspective. He was always going to take a bit of time. And we have been very patient with him.
“We weren’t prepared to use him until we knew he was ready to get involved and make an impact. There was no point in asking him before he was ready.
“It was great for him. Great for his confidence as well and great for the team,” added Kiely, as he bids to plot Limerick’s first championship win over Cork since 2001.
Limerick recovered from a first half red card for Aaron Gillane when Kyle Hayes landed a late equaliser in their 1-25 to 0-28 draw with Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on 2 June.
And even though Kiely’s side have not played at Croke Park in the championship in four years he is confident his players won’t be overawed.
“It’s not a concern at all. All our lads have played in Croke Park on numerous occasions, minors, colleges, club All-Irelands, the senior lads have played there before,” said Kiely.
“It’s just another ground at the end of the day. None of us had played in the new stadium in Cork earlier in the year and we went up there and coped fine.
“So, I don’t see any rationale for any concern there. It’s not on our agenda really.”
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