John Kiely ‘offended’ when 10 Limerick players watch Munster final from home

An “offended” John Kiely has asked the authorities to allow more players from the team to attend the games.

The victorious Limerick coach was angry that for the third game in a row, 10 players were unable to enter the stadium due to the panel limit of 26 players on the day. Instead, they trained on Sunday morning and watched the game at home.

Kiely, who has been told the decision was made by the government, has taken steps to ease the restrictions.

Even today it’s a bit tainted by the fact that we don’t have our entire group with us. We have 10 players at home, which in my opinion is totally and absolutely unacceptable, given that I have 20 reporters in front of me and 10 from my panel at home.

“I am quite offended by the situation they have put us in. I would appeal to the authorities at the government level, at the national level, to put an end to this nonsense and allow the panels of all the county teams to be together. Because that unit that involves 36 players is crucial.

“Our players shouldn’t be at home when we have more than 200 people in a stadium watching the game. Our players should be here, with their teammates. As for me, that cup will not be presented until Tuesday night and we will start training with our full panel of players. ”

That 200 figure includes players, management and officials, but Kiely’s point is strong and his fellow managers are likely to echo him.

He continued: “I don’t think there is an inherent risk for 10 of those players to come with the rest of the group, in their own car like the rest of the group, sitting in the stands, watching the game and being part of our group after we’re done. I do not agree with that, I have a strong objection. I have taken steps, they have listened to me, but the situation still stands.