ON THE centenary of its first presentation (to Bob McConkey of Young Irelands), the Liam McCarthy Cup was presented to Limerick’s All-Ireland Senior Hurling winning captain Cian Lynch.
In his presentation address, GAA boss Larry McCarthy noted: “A wonderful season has come to an end. As I congratulate Limerick on their magnificent achievement of winning four in a row, it gives me great pleasure to hand over the cup to Cian Lynch, who becomes the first man from Patrickswell to captain an All-Ireland winning senior championship Limerick team.”
Subsequently, Lynch, in the company of injured skipper Declan Hannon, raised the roof off Croke Park.
In his well-prepared address, Lynch described the moment as “an absolute honour” and was quick to acknowledge those who were not immediately part of the panel due to injury, namely Hannon, Seán Finn, Mark Quinlan, Richie English, and Jimmy Quilty.
He added: “Looking down at this group of men in front of me, a panel of 37 lads, there has been a sheer honesty shown over the last number of years and months.”
“We may look like a team, but we are a family. We stand by each other in the bad days and even more so the good days.”
Lynch thanked many from selectors through to parents, and everyone else in between, holding strongest praise for the team’s inspirational manager, John Kiely.
“He is a spiritual guide, a spiritual leader,” Lynch declared. “John’s a man that has given all of us an opportunity over the last number of years. A man we all look to for guidance and support week in and week out – so John Kiely thanks a million.”
Not that they needed any encouragement, Lynch thanked “the best supporters in the world’”.
“You stand by us through thick and thin. Let’s go and paint Limerick green!”
Patrickswell starting trio Lynch, Diarmaid Byrnes, and Aaron Gillane were all key to Limerick’s triumph over Kilkenny.
