John Kiely opposes schedule change calls from Waterford boss

The two managers have different opinions on this issue.

Waterford boss, Peter Queally, has since come out and said the championship format is too severe.

With All-Ireland champions Clare crashing out at the round-robin stage also, Queally called for the format to be re-examined. The 55-year-old was concerned that players may not fully commit to inter-county duty if their campaign ended before June.

Limerick manager, John Kiely, revealed his sympathy over Waterford's struggles in the championship.

The 53-year-old said: "It's tough. It is tough. They haven't come out (of the province) yet. So it is very tough on them.

"They've made great progress this year. Peter has done really, really well. You just have to keep going back. And eventually you'll get the breakthrough."

With Limerick preparing for the Munster final, in just over a week's time, the Treaty County boss rejects the calls to change a format he believes is bringing in crowds.

Kiely said: "Do I think putting four teams out is going to improve it? I don't. I think it'll actually diminish the importance of the games.

"When you love sport, you want to be involved in a competition that has incredible standards, incredible competition, incredible rivalries. And real jeopardy."

He added: "We have to embrace the jeopardy and the desire to get out."