TWO TEENAGERS HAVE broken through in the Limerick senior hurling setup this year and more could join after the Leaving Cert.
Cian Lynch and Tom Morrissey have both graduated from last year’s successful Limerick minor side that won the Munster title and reached the All-Ireland final.
Manager TJ Ryan called up the pair and they’re part of the squad gearing up for next Sunday’s Munster semi-final against Clare.
Other talented members of last year’s minor squad like star forward Ronan Lynch, who hit 0-9 in last September’s decider against Kilkenny, are currently focused on sitting the Leaving Cert.
Ryan has elected to let them focus on their studies but hasn’t ruled out any new recruits after the exams finish in June.
“We’ve got two of last year’s minors in our squad. Both of them were ready physically and mentally for the step up. They’ve been well capable and well ready for the step up.
“I think as time goes on for the summer, you’ll see plenty of them and more of them. Obviously there’s a learning curve for them but I think the summer hurling will suit them.
“There’s a couple of other guys there that maybe because of the Leaving Cert aren’t involved with us, that might be involved with us later in the summer hopefully.
“I’ve got a son myself doing the Leaving, so it brings it’s own pressure. I haven’t spoken to any of those guys doing their Leaving Cert. I think it would be just too difficult. In fairness to the guys you mentioned there, they would be top drawer.”
Limerick selector Paul Beary believes it is a big adjustment for younger players.
“Tom and Cian in fairness they got good exposure during the league campaign. They’re fairly well blooded at this stage.
“People underestimate the adjustment as well in terms of walking into a dressing room and a lot of the guys that they would have been supporting for the last four or five years going to matches are there.
“You can’t underestimate the adjustment of walking in and seeing these big personalities as well. It all takes time.”
