Like a lot of underage freetakers, Ronan Lynch was slightly overhyped due to racking up big tallies. Mark Keane was similar. I’m sure there’s plenty in other counties: people read the headlines about a player scoring 11 or 12 points without actually watching the performances properly.
Cian Lynch was the standout player on the Limerick minor teams of 2013 & 2014, and I would have said Barry Nash was better than Ronan too.
Not that Ronan was poor, he scored some excellent points and was a lovely stickman; still is.
EDIT- Bobby Duggan in Clare was another one; a grand player but definitely overrated based on underage performances.
Tommy Lennon, Bennettsbridge. Nearly bate Limerick on his own in the drawn 1984 minor final. In fairness Limerick won and won well in the replay, my first All Ireland. Would have been one of the greats if it weren’t for the drink*
*drink may not have been the reason he didn’t make it
Disagree. Lynch’s performances were generally excellent. I’d say he suffered from his versatility and not having a single position, he also had too much pressure put on him too young. Even in the last 21s win, he performed far far better over the year than most others, while lads like Colin Ryan hurled in fits and starts and yet got loads of chances for Limerick.
He was very good, don’t get me wrong; he was an important player on what was a very strong minor team.
But he was 100% overhyped due to racking up big frees tallies and because he made his debut aged 15.
Cian Lynch was on another level completely, even as a minor; I’d have him in the same bracket as Hannon & Shaughs.
Ronan was good but Nash was always better at minor, Finn too; by 2014- Morrissey & Casey were also more obvious standout players.
He should never have been a forward really but obviously he was so good on the frees, they wanted him up there. I always thought he impressed more when around the middle of the field but the game has moved on a lot in the last 10 years, players like him don’t really work in midfield these days.
And talking about players whose versatility hurt him- no better example than Malachy really. Being played midfield for the 21s in 2017 hurt his long-term prospects, I think.
The year of the 21s? He missed the trainings leading up to the game. Think it was against tipp. I’d say we bait cork each the first day. Oisin o Reilly scored a great goal. Maybe I’m mixed up.