Stunning year topped off for Lynch with Hurler of the Year Award

Cian Lynch has been named as the 2018 GPA/GAA Hurler of the Year, beating off competition from Galway’s Joe Canning and Padraic Mannion.

Lynch had a superb year in midfield during Limerick’s All-Ireland success, scoring 1-12 during the campaign. His goal came in the extra time victory over Cork in the All-Ireland semi final.

The Patrickswell clubman contributed scores in all but one of Limerick’s games and becomes the first Treaty County man to win the award.

Eamonn Grimes received a similar award (Texaco Hurler of the Year) when he captain the Treaty County to All-Ireland glory in 1973.

Lynch first came to prominence with Ard Scoil Ris in the Harty Cup, captaining the team in 2014 when they beat fellow Limerick school Scoil na Trionóide of Doon.

He made his Limerick minor debut as a 16 year old in 2012 and was a member of the side that won the Munster Championship the following year.

Lynch played a crucial role in 2015 when Limerick won both the Munster and All-Ireland U-21 Hurling Championship and also in 2017 when they repeated that success.

His debut at the senior championship grade came in 2015 when he scored three points against Clare at the Gaelic Grounds. Lynch has been a mainstay of the team ever since, culminating with the red letter 2018 season.