JOHN KIELY HAS expressed his gratitude to Ireland and Munster star Keith Earls for coming in to have an ‘informal chat’ with the Limerick hurlers during their All-Ireland SHC championship campaign.

Kiely’s charges booked their place in a first All-Ireland senior final since 2007 following an incredible extra-time victory over provincial rivals Cork last month, and will face the reigning champions Galway in the decider.

Earls’ teammate Conor Murray recently revealed that the Moyross native had dropped in to offer a helping hand to the Limerick hurlers as they seek to win a first All-Ireland crown since 1973.

And while Kiely insists it was a ‘brief encounter,’ he says that it gave his players the chance to take some lessons from someone who played a pivotal role in Ireland’s Grand Slam success earlier this year.

“He only called in to say hello and give us a bit of support,” says Kiely.

“It wasn’t a big deal at all. He had a chat with the lads, a very informal chat really. He just sat down and had a chat, maybe told us a few experiences that he had along the way in his career.

“We’ve a lot of young players, so if they can listen to another player from another code then it’s a nice opportunity for them. But it was only a very brief encounter, and he’s just been following us since. It was nice of him to call in and support the lads.

It was just nice to meet him and for the lads to meet him and for them to hear his experiences. For him to drop in and say hello and to offer his support, it was a nice thing for him to do.”

Limerick will face Galway in the All-Ireland final on Sunday 19 August at Croke Park [throw-in, 3.30] after the Tribesmen overcame Clare in a thrilling semi-final replay last weekend.

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