Limerick All Star Séamus Hickey is happy to have a home-grown manager remain in charge of the county's senior hurling team although he welcomes Anthony Daly's appointment as academy head coach.

Hickey hopes the experience the former Clare hurler gained as a manager, with both Clare and Dublin, will help take Limerick hurling the vital t extra mile.

“I would argue that any job that came up this year he was going to be a candidate for it. When he took himself out of Clare and put himself in that job in Dublin it showed an ability to step outside that comfort zone where he’d be familiar with his surroundings and really make hay,” said Hickey.

“I speak very highly of the guy because I think very highly of the guy . . . .”

Yet Hickey says the Limerick panel are lucky to have one of their own, TJ Ryan, currently at the helm.

“At the moment, at home we’re blessed to have a Limerick man leading a Limerick team and we’re delighted.”

The 27-year-old corner back added: “ I’ve been speaking with Anthony since he left Dublin and he’s just a tremendous character.

Great leader

“He’s a great guy to be around. I looked at the book and thought it was great. I would consider him a great leader within Clare and what he’s done for Dublin it’s very hard to quantify. Away from the GAA, his charisma and what he’s done for hurling in Dublin, I think it’ll leave a very telling mark.”

Limerick have won the last two Munster minor titles, and talking at the GPA's launch of the Jim Madden Leadership programme, Hickey has emphasised the importance of a fervent leader to guide the transition through to the senior ranks. .

“We were wondering where we could get the impetus to drive this programme forward and there’s no better person. I’m really chuffed for Limerick hurling.”