Cian Lynch is one of a crop of Limerick youngsters who are threatening to take the county to the next level in this year’s Hurling Championship.

Lynch lined up alongside Seán Finn, Richie English, Diarmuid Byrnes, Gearóid Hegarty, Darragh O’Donovan and Tom Morrissey as Limerick beat Tipperary in the Munster SHC nearly two weeks ago.

Those players also starred in the All-Ireland U21 Hurling final when Limerick triumphed against Wexford by a 16-point margin.

Speaking on Wednesday’s OTB:AM, Lynch believes experiencing success at youth level can propel the county’s senior team to similar heights.

“It’s all about belief – even at minor level and U21s – that you’re as good as the team you’re playing. And it’s about continuing that at senior level,” Lynch said.

“Playing Tipperary the other day we knew we were up against it. But it’s about getting over that line and getting over that hurdle.

“It’s just about keeping the head down, no matter what game it is.

“Whether it’s the first round of league or championship, we’ve just been told to keep the heads down and keep plugging away. Nothing changes.

“If you’re up five points or down five points – keep to the process and keep the head down.”

Lynch also touched on his change of position from corner forward to midfield and the necessary changes he had to make to his physique.

“That’s the way hurling has gone with the speed and the strength of players,” Lynch added.

“It’s about building yourself up. In my first round of the panel, I was about 76kg. Now I’m about 85 or 86kg.

“But lads can focus on it too much and then forget about the speed and hurling side of it. We have a great guy involved with us called Joe O’Connor, who does strength and conditioning with us.

“He lays it down for us and then we just have to follow what he tells us. It’s straightforward enough but you don’t lose sight of the speed or the hurling side of it.”

Written by James Hopper