Limerick hurling captain Cian Lynch takes ‘every game as it comes’

LIMERICK senior hurling captain Cian Lynch said nothing changes for the Shannonsiders’ ahead of their All-Ireland quarter-final clash with Dublin at Croke Park this Saturday, 4pm throw-in.

“We know ourselves, nothing changes. You take every game as it comes. It's knock-out hurling now and once the Munster championship is over, it is knock-out hurling, so that's it,” said Limerick senior hurling captain Lynch at the launch of the All-Ireland senior hurling championship.

Limerick are favourites to reach the All-Ireland senior hurling semi-final against Kilkenny, but Patrickswell clubman Lynch said all the focus is on this week's clash against Dublin at GAA HQ. Dublin finished in third place after the robin robin phase of the Leinser championship.

“For us, it's just focusing on the next team, the next opposition, the next game. That's where we approach it, no matter what game it is. You're just focusing on yourself, working hard and trying to move forward.”

READ NEXT: Referee appointed for Limerick's All-Ireland hurling quarter-final clash with Dublin

Players are hungry to break into the Limerick team and Lynch said that the players in the Limerick panel are pushing each other.

“We have such a big panel there, a strong panel of lads, that are champing at the bit and pushing each other.

“I suppose, as players, you love hurling, you love playing the sport and you love training as much as you can and playing as much as you can, so we're grateful to be where we are,” added Lynch.

Limerick senior hurling captain Cian Lynch was last week named PwC GAA/GPA player of the month for May.  It was a month in which Lynch delivered commanding performances for Limerick in the Munster Hurling Championship.

Two pivotal wins over Waterford and Cork kept the seven-in-a- row Munster dream alive for Limerick with Lynch being the focal point in each game.

Three points accompanied by an array of immaculate skills earned Lynch the Man of the Match award after a six-point triumph over Waterford at Walsh Park.

In the next clash against league champions Cork in the TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick and Lynch in particular impressed right from the opening whistle.

The Limerick captain and playmaker was instrumental in a decisive 16-point victory over ‘the Rebels’.Lynch revealed at the All-Ireland senior hurling championship launch that he wasn't aware that the Munster senior hurling final could go to penalties. Limerick's bid for an unprecedented seventh Munster senior hurling title in a row was scuppered when they suffered a 3-2 penalty shoot-out loss to Cork.

“It's something new to everyone, really. Was it the first penalty shoot-out in the Munster championship? That is new to all players. But you just have to accept it, great credit to Cork and obviously the five boys for us that stood up and their five lads as well, it's massive responsibility for the goalkeepers.

“It's just the way it is and we just have to accept that, there's no change in that. Hurling is instinctive so you'd love to obviously get another crack at it,” added Lynch at the launch of the All-Ireland championship.

He didn't feel penalties was the right way to decide the Munster senior hurling championship decider.

“I wouldn’t be taking one anyway, I wouldn't be asked to take one. Of course, it's something different. It's something we're not used to. On the winning side of it, you're delighted with it. It's great credit to Cork.

“They got the victory on penalties and the game could have gone either way. Look, it's something to obviously review. Penalties, like, hurling is so instinctive. It's an art form, it's an expression.

“Why do people play it? It's because it's a 15-man game. It's a chance to have a man on the shoulder to support. But when it comes to penalties, other than the five guys and the goalie, I suppose you’re helpless standing on the sideline watching. It's tough for guys, but it is what it is,” said Lynch.

Lynch doubts he would have been asked by John Kiely to take a penalty if he was still on the pitch. 

“If you were asked to take one, I'm sure 100% you'd do anything you can to help the team, But I wouldn't be someone that's known to stand over a free or a penalty, to be honest with you.”