Joy in the journey for Cian Lynch
Limerick's Cian Lynch pictured at the launch of the 2026 Munster Championships. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Click here to listen to the interview with Limerick senior hurler Cian Lynch.
By Cian O'Connell
More than a decade representing Limerick ensures Cian Lynch has learned many lessons.
There is still joy in the journey. That's what truly matters even though Lynch's perspective has altered. "I suppose you learn a lot more about what works for yourself, how to approach training sessions, approach games, and from my point of view, having a family, would change my perspective on things," Lynch responds.
Time management is key. "I'm at home, working is one focus, going home in the evening to the family, and then going training," he adds.
"You focus on each separately. Then, when you're switched off from training, you're back with the family. You're just trying to keep that balance."
Lynch appreciates the help provided by close family. "We're absolutely blessed with the support we've at home, my partner Dayna's family rowing in to give a hand, my mother, father, and sister and so on, giving a hand, too," Lynch says.
"If I'm gone training, helping to put them to sleep and around games. It gives you a whole new perspective when you're going training, that you've this hour and a half or two hours, you want to devote your time to the group.
"Obviously, when you're at home it might be bed time with the boys, it's devoting that hour to the kids and Dana herself. It's great."
Undoubtedly, Lynch will strain every sinew for Limerick, but he knows that there will always be a smile or two waiting at home. "In fairness, you'd walk in the door after a training that mightn't go so well, they two boys are staring up at you looking for a dinosaur or a car - it's great," he reflects.
So, the future glimmers with promise. Nonetheless, Lynch hasn't forgotten about the past.
The early days as a Limerick senior hurler were most worthwhile. Before the All-Irelands were captured, Lynch relished the advice and information provided. The memories count for so much.
Cian Lynch and John Kiely pictured before Limerick's Allianz Hurling League Division 1A game against Cork in March. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
"They do, of course," Lynch responds. "Even starting off with the Limerick team in 2015, I've some great memories from that year.
"Obviously, things didn't go well as a group, but I'd still have massive memories from playing with the likes of Donal O'Grady, James Ryan, Paul Browne, Niall Moran, and so on. These are the memories you have and you'll be able to reflect on in years to come."
Helping colleagues comes natural to Lynch. "Of course, if you can help anyone in any way possible, whether it's sport related or in life, you want to be that person that someone can reach out to," he adds.
Emerging players have contributed to Limerick's Allianz Hurling League campaign ahead of Sunday's eagerly anticipated decider against Cork at TUS Gaelic Grounds. "Every year takes a life of its own, too - you might have some lads that left the panel," Lynch says.
"Obviously, Declan (Hannon) retiring last year, and you've a new crop of lads coming in, lads that are there for a few years, who're pushing. That's just the competitive nature of the group.
"If there is a young fella coming in, you'd know him from playing with the club and so on. It's great, it just shows that, it's the nature of sport, the nature of teams that every year there is somebody else putting their hand up and someone else pushing with their club to get on an inter-county set-up."
Last year culminated in disappointing championship defeats to Cork in the Munster Final and Dublin in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final. How does Lynch deal with the setbacks? "Everyone wants to be winning, everyone wants to be getting to finals and winning the finals," Lynch replies.
"Obviously, you'd be disappointed after the Munster final last year and then going on to the Dublin game, but massive credit to Dublin, they beat us. For ourselves, personally it was just about reflecting, trying to move on, and trying to regroup again when we went back training following the club season, trying to get back on the horse."
Lynch's appreciation for the game remains undiminished. "All we want to do is to play the sport we love," he says.
"Why do you start playing it in the first place? You enjoyed it. You had fun. You made friends. You made memories. Thank God, I still feel the same way about it."
