Cian Lynch on form as Patrickswell open hurling championship campaign with win
Cian Lynch and Diarmaid Byrnes were in top form for Patrickswell
PATRICKSWELL shook off a stern test from a dogged Newcastle West to secure a 1-21 to 0-20 win in the Whitebox Limerick Senior Hurling Championship in Kilmallock on Thursday evening.
After six consecutive defeats in the SHC, this was a timely win for the Well to get their 2026 campaign off to a positive start - with Limerick captain Cian Lynch striking 0-3 from play.
The ‘B’ section is new ground for the 20-time champions who will have a target on their back throughout the round robin stage.
Meeting Newcasle West for the first time in 50 years in senior championship, this was a tough battle that went down to the wire. This was despite the city division side looking like they were in control in the opening period where they were wind-assisted.
The Well were sharp from the off.
Patrick Kirby, Diarmaid Byrnes (after quick thinking from Aaron Gillane) and Jason Gillane got them off to a flying start.
While Ethan Hurley replied for the Magpies, a pair of Cian Lynch scores stretched his side’s advantage.
The west Limerick side - searching for a first win at senior level since 1988 - were reliant on their All-Ireland medalist Hurley for their early scores.
Aaron Gillane was the main playmaker for his side while younger brother Jason was reliable from placed balls.
When Byrnes hit over a monstrous point from his own ‘45, the Well were 0-13 to 0-5 ahead and in control.
But the 2025 Premier Intermediate champions didn’t panic. They had Cathal Hayes (free), captain Bryan Nix and Mike McMahon all chip in with scores late in the first half.
The younger Gillane hit two late frees - bringing his first half tally to 0-7 - to ensure an eight-point advantage at the change of ends.
Newcastle West were a different animal in the second half, however.
They scored seven of the first eight points after the break to reduce the gap to just one.
Cathal Hayes, Con Hayes and Mike Dee all stood up to be counted, coming up with crucial scores.
But the Well fought back.
With less than 10 minutes to go, they got the game’s crucial score. Liam Ftzgerald was bearing down on goal, but his effort was well saved by Mike Quilligan.
However, Jason Gillane was best placed for the rebound to get the goal that proved decisive.
SCORERS - Patrickswell: Jason Gillane 1-9 (7f); Cian Lynch and John Kirby 0-3 each; Patrick Kirby and Diarmaid Byrnes 0-2 each; Aaron Gillane and Hughie Maher 0-1 each.
Newcastle West: Ethan Hurley 0-8 (5f); Con Hayes 0-4; Cathal Hayes 0-3 (3f); Mike Dee 0-2; Bryan Nix, Mike McMahon and Eoin Hurley 0-1 each.
PATRICKSWELL: Adam Carrig; Eoin Harmon, Cian Fitzgerald, Billy Earls; Evan Fitzgerald, Diarmaid Byrnes, Mark Carmody; Patrick Kirby, John Murray; Jason Gillane, Cian Lynch, John Kirby; Kevin O’Brien, Aaron Gillane, Liam Fitzgerald.
Subs: Hughie Maher for Murray (40 mins); Andrew Carroll for Liam Fitzgerald (60 mins).
Newcastle West: Mike Quilligan; Jody Woulfe, Michael Cremin, Steven Brosnan; Aaron Neville, Diarmuid Lyons, Ruadhan O’Connor; Eoin Hurley, Ethan Hurley; Brian Foley, Con Hayes, Mike Dee; Bryan Nix, Mike McMahon, Cathal Hayes.
Subs: Brian Hurley for Brian Foley (temporary 42-46 mins); Brian Hurley for Hayes (46 mins).
REFEREE: Liam Berkery (Ahane).