Ben O'Connor Questions John Kiely's Referee Comments After Sideline Clash

Ben O'Connor appeared to take a subtle swipe at John Kiely after Sunday's dramatic Munster final, referencing the Limerick manager's recent comments about respecting referees.

The pair were involved in an interesting sideline moment during Limerick's one-point victory over Cork in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Television cameras picked up John Kiely in discussion with the fourth official during the first half before Ben O'Connor approached the area. The fourth official remained between the two men, while Kiely appeared to extend a hand towards the Cork coach.

O'Connor did not engage at that point, although the pair were later seen shaking hands after the final whistle.

The incident gained further attention after Ben O'Connor was asked about it by Colm Parkinson of Smaller Fish.

His response appeared to reference comments John Kiely had made in the build-up to the game.

Well, I suppose he said during the week that he has fierce respect for referees, and I suppose he does, and that we should all leave them alone.

But he spent a lot of time having a word with him.

I suppose if you can get away with it, you can get away with it.

The comments were particularly notable given Kiely's remarks before the final about the importance of treating officials with respect.

Speaking during the week, the Limerick manager outlined how he had placed an increased emphasis on helping referees rather than becoming involved in disputes with them.

I've taken on, I won't say a different approach, but a greater emphasis on helping the referee to have the best day they can this year and for us not to be a distraction and for us not to get involved.

Just to trust him to get on with the job and do the best he can.

Despite O'Connor's post-match observation, John Kiely was not interested in criticising officials after the game either.

The Limerick boss admitted there were a couple of incidents his side felt aggrieved by but stressed that such exchanges are simply part of championship hurling.

There was just one or two pieces where 'Hego' got caught with a piece of contact in the tackle. Got a yellow straight away.

And we had a couple where we felt there was contact but there wasn't the same penalty. That was all.

Listen, everyone fights their corner outside there. That's just the way it is.

And in fairness to the lads, refereeing out there on a day when there's so much happening is a tough, tough job.

The exchange between the two management figures was one of several talking points from a gripping Munster final that also featured controversy over the closing seconds.

But while the Munster cup is heading back to Shannonside, O'Connor's post-match remarks ensured one first-half sideline interaction did not go unnoticed.