Limerick senior hurling manager John Kiely has revealed that goalkeeper Nickie Quaid is making a full recovery and expressed his delight at the progress.
The Treaty lost their first-choice goalkeeper, Nickie Quaid, who was ruled out of the 2025 campaign with an ACL injury—a significant blow for Limerick as they aim to reclaim the Liam MacCarthy Cup next year.
Limerick began pre-season training this week, and Kiely provided an update on Quaid’s condition during an interview on Limerick's Live 95FM. The manager shared positive news about the Effin clubman’s recovery.
“Nickie’s great, actually, Luke. Thanks for asking. After having his operation, he’s recuperating now, and it went well,” said Kiely.
“He’s happy with it, and his medical team is happy with it. So we’re delighted with that. It’s really important that he makes a full recovery—not just for Limerick, but for Nickie himself. On a personal level, it’s vital that he gets back to full health. We’re thrilled for him and his family.
“He’s recuperating at the moment and doing really, really well. We’re delighted with that. We wish him all the best in his recovery, and we know that when he starts his rehab, he’ll give it everything. There’s nobody better for that than Nickie, that’s for sure.”
Kiely was also asked if Quaid could feature in the latter stages of the Championship, but the Limerick boss stressed that his main focus was on ensuring Quaid returns to full health first.
Na Piarsaigh goalkeeper Shane Dowling (Photo By Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images)“No, at the minute, it’s just about getting him to recover and seeing where he goes from there,” added Kiely.
“I’ve no doubt that he will challenge himself during rehab, but these things are very subjective and uncertain. You can’t predict how the body will respond to the work ahead.”
Na Piarsaigh’s Shane Dowling has stepped in to deputise in Quaid’s absence. Kiely expressed confidence in Dowling’s ability, noting that the former Sunday Game pundit has the skills and experience to make an impact for Limerick next season.
“Yeah, listen, Shane has been involved with his own club over the last three or four years, playing in goals,” said Kiely. “Anyone attending club games in that period would know that Shane has had a huge impact with Na Piarsaigh. He’s been exceptional in the role he’s taken on.
“Not just with his puck-outs, but also his ball distribution, his ability to take long-range frees, and his shot-stopping. Shane is a super goalkeeper, and that’s why we spoke to him.
“It was a huge decision for him to return to the group and have a shot at this. But as a management team, we had to explore every avenue available to us, and Shane has proven himself capable.”
Limerick’s Allianz Hurling League Division 1A campaign continues on Sunday, 1st February, when they face Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Throw-in is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
