Updated at 18.20
THE NEW SENSATION of Limerick hurling was in ecstatic form following the Treaty men’s one-point win over Clare at Semple Stadium yesterday.
Nineteen-year-old Cian Lynch chipped in with three points in a man-of-the-match display and admitted after that he was just overwhelmed to be playing on a ‘field of legends.’
When it was put to him that he looked right at home in his first senior game, Lynch responded: “Thurles, the field of legends. It’s where you dream of playing, do you know, right from 14s, 15s.
“It’s your dream come true.”
“You’ve seen players gone before. You’re playing with the likes of Donal O’Grady out there. You only dream about it.
“Going out there today and seeing what happened, it’s brilliant.”
Lynch grew up with Limerick legends in his family — former captain Ciarán Carey is his uncle — and the young debutant explained that Carey had some advice for him before the game.
“He called down this morning now as I was going to mass and gave me a few quick words but sure, Ciarán’s great. All the uncles are brilliant. They come across with advice, and sure look, thank God it paid off there today.”
There were two major talking points during the game. Clare captain Pat Donnellan was sent off for a striking offence just before half-time and then Limerick’s Sean Tobin received his marching orders moments after coming on. Lynch said he didn’t see either incident but would respect referee Colm Lyons’ judgement.
“I didn’t see either of them now but Colm Lyons, what can be said, he obviously thought it was two sending-offs so we’ll have to respect his view.”
Treaty manager TJ Ryan felt that Donnellan’s sending off was harsh but claims to not have seen Tobin’s.
“I think Pat was unlucky. I did see it all right and it did seem to be a blow to a head. It was called, that is the way it was. I would have disagreed with a few decisions but it is swings and roundabouts . But that is the beauty of it, isn’t it.”
Ryan also had glowing tributes to pay his newest star Lynch, saying: “He is a real gem.
“You have to give real credit to the minor set up for the past couple of years. We have Tom Morrissey on the panel as well and they are two physically and mentally seasoned players having been through that set up. Cian is a gem.”
Limerick will now face Tipperary in the Munster semi-final on 21 June in the Gaelic Grounds.
– First published at 10.33