GAA
Three time All-Ireland winner Cian Lynch helped Patrickswell book their spot in the Limerick Senior Hurling Championship Semi-final.
Lynch was on hand to knock over a couple of points down the stretch as Patrickswell overcame their rivals to seal a seventh successive semi-final spot.
The Hurler of the Year elect was awarded Man of the Match and reflected on the “battle” with Adare.
“We knew coming into it that it’s always going to be a battle against Adare, it’s a local rivalry we’ve had down through the years”
Patrickswell eventually overcame Adare 0-20 to 0-18, despite trailing by three approaching injury time. But four points on the trot by Jason Gillane turned the contest in the ‘Well’s favour with Cian Fitzgerald slotting over the insurance score.
With things not going their way, 2019 champions Patrickswell had to dig deep with Lynch reflecting on the importace of the support in the TUS Gaelic Grounds.
“You always kinda question yourself really if things aren’t going your way, you’re trying to wonder why and what you can do to push things on but great credit to the fifteen lads that started and the lads that came on, that’s the way it’s gone it’s a panel game now with the club and just pushing each other… this time of year hurling is a battle, and that’s what it came down to.
“It’s unbelievable, nothing beats your local village and your local community, and I suppose that goes for Adare and ourselves, and obviously South Liberties and Kilmallock, to have your own community here supporting and roaring you on even if thangs are going against you is special. To have your family and wider community is huge. Look, thank God we got over the line but it gives the supporters another day out so please god we can drive on again next weekend.”
Patrickswell are now set to face defending champions Na Piarsaigh in the semi-final, a repeat of last years clash at the same stage and the 2019 final.
Commenting on their recent form, Lynch acknowledged that there is work to do but insisted it was a bonus as “no one has perfected the game of hurling.”
“Against Doon we didn’t get over the line, nice win against Ahane, today is another game we’ve a lot to work on, but that’s the beauty of sport and beauty of hurling, after every game if you have stuff to work on it’s brilliant no one has perfected the game of hurling and we ourselves know we’ve a lot to do and a lot to drive on we know Na Piarsaigh are a massive team with massive aspirations and all we can do is focus on ourselves and keep the heads down.”