Limerick are through to an All-Ireland final for the first time since 2007. They defeated Cork on a scoreline of 3-32 to 2-31 in today's All-Ireland semi-final to set up a tie against Galway or Clare next month.
The final whistle had hardly echoed around Croke Park when John Kiely's attention turned towards that game. Three crucial weeks of preparation lie ahead as they look to bridge a gap that has existed since 1973.
After his superb performance, Shane Dowling gave a terrific interview to RTE Sport. Immediately, he issued a plea to the gathered fans as the build-up to the 19 August beings.
I will ask for one message. I'll ask the supporters to enjoy it and I hope they embrace it. But I do plead that they leave the players focus for the next three weeks. We've been here a number of times in the last 30 or 40 years and this time I really hope we're not just going to get to a final to march behind the band. I want Limerick to go all the way.
"I really hope we're not just going to get to the final to march behind the band. I want Limerick to go all the way." pic.twitter.com/EcM1Jc8sm3
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 29, 2018
Meanwhile, manager John Kiely issued a similar request to the media. Media will still be able to interview players at the official press night.
John Kiely asks the media not to contact any players between now and All-Ireland final. #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) July 29, 2018
It looks like Limerick are going to leave nothing to chance ahead of next month's crucial encounter.
