John Kiely says he is facing a tough call as to who will replace Nickie Quaid in goal for Limerick's Munster SHC opener against Tipperary on Sunday.
Quaid has played a key role in the Treaty's phenomenal success since 2018 - he has been nominated for an All-Star award in the last five seasons, winning three times - but the 35-year-old suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in November while playing soccer to keep fit.
Limerick remain hopeful that the Effin man could yet play a part this summer - he is already back in non-contact training - but Kiely will put his faith in either Jason Gillane (brother of Aaron) or comeback kid Shane Dowling between the sticks this weekend.
Former All-Star forward Dowling - who retired from inter-county action due to injury in 2020 before returning over the winter - started four games in the Allianz Hurling League, compared to two for Gillane, so may have a tighter grip on the jersey, but Kiely told RTÉ Sport: "It’s the toss of a coin. It's very competitive.
"The two lads have done great. We’re delighted with the effort they have put in, right across the winter.
"Nickie Quaid’s are not an easy set of shoes to fill. He’s back doing a bit of training, which is fantastic.
"All told we’re in a good state. We have plenty of players that we can use."
That includes a more competitive-looking panel, with the likes of Barry Murphy, Shane O'Brien and Adam English putting pressure on some long-time starters.
""It was one of the things we went after in this particular league," said Kiely.
"We tried to manage it as best we could so they [the younger players] could get some game time with us and some game time with their colleges.
"The lads have picked up valuable experience that they’ll take into the championship.
"It’s a competitive arena. They know that if they get a jersey, they need to mind it and do it justice on the day. That’s the challenge."
"Tipperary have had a fantastic league campaign"
Does Munster still get the blood pumping after winning a historic six in a row last June?
"If you haven't got passion for the Munster Championship… I hope I’ll have it until the last day I walk into a stadium," said Kiely.
"Every game brings a life of its own. It’s a special competition and one we’re very honoured to be a part of. It’s going to be incredibly competitive. Five incredible teams.
"It (winning six) is something we should obviously be extremely proud of. For this particular bunch of players that have, for the most part, been there for eight or nine years, it is a huge achievement.
"In time, I’m sure they’ll look back and say 'that was something special to be a part of’."
The first step on the road to retaining their provincial crown is Semple Stadium this weekend, and a Tipperary side who have shown signs of spring rebirth after a miserable 2024 season.
"Tipperary have had a fantastic league campaign," said Kiely. "They have introduced a lot of new, very talented, very skilful, very fast players into their team and they have a lot of success behind them at under age as well. So they know what it is to win.
"So we're under no illusions. This is going to be a real test for us. We’re looking forward to it but it’s going to be a tough game."
Cian Lynch has taken over from Declan Hannon as Limerick captain, having been the on-field skipper for the All-Ireland victory in 2023, and he is not shying away from targeting a record-extending seventh provincial title in a row.
"For any player, you want to keep pushing yourself as an individual," he said. "And as a group you want to keep pushing the boundaries and keep striving to be the best you can be.
"That's what we’re doing and we’re trying to enjoy every bit of it.
"A lot of new guys coming through. To have lads coming through putting their hands up, the competition for places is there and that’s what it’s all about.
"We know every game is going to be hard. That’s the beauty of the hurling championship."
The 29-year-old became a father to twin boys with his partner Dayna last June, which has given him "a different perspective on life".
"Life outside of hurling, life outside of sport. That’s what keeps me going. Being able to go home in the evening and see the two boys thriving. We’re blessed.
"They have been handed a few hurleys over the past few months but they’re kind of using them as weapons at the minute. Hopefully over the next couple of months they’ll start knowing what to do with it!"
Watch Clare v Cork in the Munster Hurling Championship on Sunday from 1.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Watch The Sunday Game from 9.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
Follow a live blog on all matches on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to updates from around the country on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
