Tipperary Town CBS Principal honoured by University of Limerick

All-Ireland winning hurling manager John Kiely was the star attraction at a sports award ceremony of a different kind in University of Limerick .

The Galbally man and the principal at the Abbey Secondary School in Tipperary Town , John Kiely was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by UL President Professor Mey at a UL ceremony .

During the ceremony, there was a moment’s applause to remember UL alumna, former staff member and honorary doctorate recipient Dr Vicky Phelan, who sadly passed away this week.

It was the first time that UL’s Sports Scholarship Awards were held in conjunction with an Honorary Doctorate Conferring Ceremony and over 100 elite athletes from various sports were in attendance alongside the three-time All-Ireland winning manager for Limerick John Kiely.

The new Dr John Kiely was hailed by Professor Mey as “one of the great sporting leaders of our time” as he received the highest honour the University can bestow.

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Speaking at the ceremony, John Kiely said: “It is a great honour for me today to have this honorary doctorate conferred on me by the University of Limerick. To have it bestowed in the University’s 50th year makes it all the more special. Thank you most sincerely.

“I have been very fortunate to lead the Limerick senior hurlers during a time of great success over the last six years. I have enjoyed working with a very special group of young men, many of whom have graduated during that time from this University.
“My being honoured today is a recognition of what the group has achieved over the last six years and the deep impact it has had on the people of Limerick far and wide. Our spirits have soared, past wounds healed, and a new generation inspired. Young and old have come together to support and celebrate as they had only imagined.
“I want to thank the University for acknowledging my part in this wonderful group.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to join a group of people from all walks of life, many of whom I have admired throughout my life. I am very honoured and grateful,” he added.

The Galbally man was watched by a host of his famous charges including Limerick captain Declan Hannon and teammate Cian Lynch, GAA President Larry McCarthy and JP McManus, sponsor of the Limerick hurling team.

“On this day of sporting achievements, it is only fitting that you join on stage with one of the greatest sporting leaders of our time – multiple All-Ireland hurling manager John Kiely. I am delighted to welcome John and his family here today to join us in celebrating his own phenomenal achievements and those of our 107 sports scholarship recipients,” Professor Mey added.