GAA
The Patrickswell man was named as the Pwc/GPA Hurler of the Month for April last week.
Diarmaid Byrnes is in the form of his life and one of the leading contenders for the Hurler of the Year award.
A three-time All-Ireland winner and back-to-back All-Star, there is no surprise in Byrnes’ recent displays as he has amassed 0-24 over four games from wing back that has seen him named on the Team of the Week three times thus far this season.
Last week he was crowned as April’s Hurler of the Month and there is no reason that the Patrickswell man won’t be nominated for the May gong.
But despite being one of the key cogs in the all-conquering Limerick team, Byrnes’ approach is refreshing as he takes each game as it comes, enjoying the moment.
He continued,
“Thinking about little things that could happen, this could happen that could happen rather than just enjoying the moment and living in the present.
“I’ll focus on my little routines I suppose leading up to match day, little routines before training, my little routines before training frees or sidelines whatever it is, my little things and trying to improve them.
“I’ll always focus on myself and the players to the left and right and in front of me and behind me but look who I’m on at that time is up to myself, no one minute no two minutes of the game are the exact same so you kind of have to adapt in situations.”
Byrnes and co re busy prepping for Clare in this Sunday’s Munster Senior Hurling Final. A first final pairing between the counties in 27-years will lead to history as Limerick seek a first four-in-a-row since the 30’s while Clare haven’t been provincial champions since 1998.
Public tickets for the game sold out within 11 minutes of release with excitement building on Shannonside following the pair of draws they played out in the League and Championship already this year.
And for Byrnes, he is hoping for a cauldron like atmosphere in Thurles.
“I train four or five nights a week for these days so why not let it be the best occasion it can be, like a gladiator going into the colosseum he want’s it to be as intense as possible so that’s kind of the individual I am.
“They’ve always been good opponents down through the years, and they games are always intense and enjoyable. Every game will take on a life of it’s own and this will be no different next Sunday I suppose.”
Listen to the full interview with Byrnes in full below.
Limerick take on Clare in the Munster Senior Hurling Final on Sunday 5 June in Thurles at 4pm.