Limerick manager John Kiely has revealed he had to step away from the role for a number of days in 2018 after needing acupuncture to release tension following an All-Ireland Hurling Championship semi-final victory.
Kiely had led Limerick to the All-Ireland final following an extra-time victory over Cork, the side they face this Sunday in a decider as they go looking for a third title in four seasons.
The 2018 season saw Limerick end a 45-year wait for a senior All-Ireland title.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport ahead of Sunday's final, Kiely spoke about how he views his role, believing care and support for his players in their lives is the real task, as opposed to a complete focus in winning.
He said: "There's a responsibility on us as a management team to ensure we look after our players. Really that is the full capacity of my role, to look after these bunch of men.
"If I was to describe what being a manager is, it's to look after a bunch of people. That's backroom team, players, coaches, keep an eye out for them all.
"I get a huge help in that regard from Caroline Currid (Limerick performance coach) from a performance perspective.
"Being able to recognise opportunities where we can help others within the group and maybe where others need help is important. At the end of the day, we all need a little help from time to time. I'm no different to the others."
After reaching that conclusion, Kiely quickly recalled the game with Cork three years ago where he was unable to find peace of mind after the dramatic encounter.
He said several of his backroom team, including Currid, took up some of the tasks and he was grateful for their support and wisdom to know he needed assistance.
"I'm minded to the All-Ireland semi-final of 2018. For three days after the semi-final I couldn't sleep. I had a rush of adrenaline after the game and I couldn't get it out of my system.
"I had to get acupuncture to get myself back down to a low ebb again. The backroom team picked up the reins from me for a couple of days and if they hadn't there would be normally fulfilling the roles I would fill in those days.
"I had to step away to make sure I got myself into a position to be able to contribute to the group. We all at times need people to step in and say what can I do for you.
"The lads recognised the need and stepped in and I was glad to have it."
Limerick are favourites to lift Liam MacCarthy once again but Cork's determination, fitness and physicality were very evident in the semi-final win over Kilkenny.
Kiely has warned that their Munster semi-final win over the Rebels counts for little now.
"We knew from the first round that Cork were a fantastic side. The game was very tight throughout and only in the last few minutes did it stretch out. The scoreline wasn't really reflective of the measure between the two teams on the day.
"They've obviously improved incrementally since then. We'd like to think we have as well. We know we played well in the Munster-final and the All-Ireland semi-final and we know we're going to have to play better again in the All-Ireland final.
"We will be very, very focused on our performance. We want to be the best team Limerick can bring to the field on Sunday. We have to produce our performance. The focus is on us because if we don't get our performance right, the rest doesn't matter."
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