John Kiely cut a contented figure after Limerick claimed a fourth Allianz Hurling League Division 1A title under his tenure.

Following a disappointing 2025 by their lofty standards, the Treaty men returned to the winners’ enclosure after leading holders Cork from pillar to post at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

"I'm delighted to get the result and to get the win, first and foremost," the Limerick manager said in an interview with RTÉ.

"15-20 minutes in, we had done some really, really good work. And we just dropped off a little bit for 10-12 minutes maybe. Cork being the quality side that they are, took advantage straight away.

"So, disappointed with that aspect of it. Composure and control were two of the words I'd use to describe our second half performance against the breeze. I thought our energy was much better as well and more consistent in the second half. The issues we had leading up to half-time, we had addressed."

Kiely was already looking forward to a Munster SHC rematch with Cork on April 26 – the Rebels play All-Ireland champions Tipperary before then.

“All told, just really, really happy to get the result. But that parks the league for us now,” he continued.

"We've got three weeks to get ready for a championship. We know that what we did today will not be good enough in three weeks' time. We've plenty of appetite for work now for the next two weeks.

"But, listen, we'll enjoy tonight. The boys have put in a good shift over the league and it's over now."

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