Lynch privileged to be among Limerick's band of brothers
The good news for all Limerick supporters is that Cian Lynch has declared himself fully fit for Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final.
A leg injury before the semi-final against Clare saw him drop to the bench but he was called upon after 57 minutes and played his part as the Treaty wiped out a six-point deficit to win by two.
It's Galway who await in the Croke Park decider, a repeat of the 2018 finale, when Limerick ended a wait of 45 years to get their hands on Liam McCarthy. Lynch was involved that day, picking up a winner's medal, the first of five. The Patrickswell clubman is keen to add to his haul, with the drive, determination and desire still there in pursuit of further glory for him and his county.
Such single-mindedness was in evidence when the 30-year-old got the call to enter the fray in a last-four clash where the Banner, for a lot of it, had the upper hand.
"I was honoured and delighted to be asked to come in and do a job," he told RTÉ Sport.
"You start off every year with the intention of pushing yourself further as an individual and as a group.
"We knew coming into the game how good Clare are with the players they have, so we had to keep plugging away. We have a panel of 37 lads and everyone wants to put their hands up. The lads around me drove it on as well and I'm just delighted to be part of something like that.
"Thank God we got over the line."
Lynch, who was twice named hurler of the year, also hailed the positive impact the team's success is having. Clearly the people of Limerick are embracing it, with the player stating: "You can see what it means to the people of Limerick, the pride and joy they feel, and you can see it every day in the city and across the county.
"It's special, you grow up watching games, going to games, and then you have the opportunity to represent your club, your people in these massive games."
Limerick and Clare players battle for possession during the recent semi-final
Of course team unity is key in any pathway to eventual success and Lynch was at pains to emphasise what appears to be a harmonious collective.
"I'm grateful to be part of a special group, to be involved in Sunday's game and hopefully I'll get to enjoy it.
"We have new lads that have come in this year and lads that have been here a while, but above all we are so tight-knit and enjoy each other's company.
"Sport is great, winning is massive, but it's the craic we have together along the way that is very important. Massive memories to take from it all. It's the privilege of playing with great hurlers and great people, to be able to soldier with such people on the pitch."
And what of Sunday's opposition?
"We know how good this Galway team are and we are prepared for the intensity that they will bring," Lynch added.
"As we've seen in the championship this year, you can't take the foot off the pedal no matter what stage of the game it is.
"Galway are a great side, you saw the way came through the last day [against Cork] and through the Leinster Championship. They have to be respected."
Watch the All-Ireland Hurling Championship final, Galway v Limerick, on Sunday from 2.15pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on all matches on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on RTÉ Radio 1
