Hurt locker: How 2014 minor heartbreak was the making of this Limerick team

At the time, Limerick's 2014 All-Ireland minor final defeat felt like the end of the world for Brian Ryan's players. In fact, it was the making of them.

Ronan Lynch, after the 2014 All-Ireland MHC final defeat to Kilkenny. Picture: Ray McManus

In October 2013, the Limerick minor management met in the University of Limerick to plan ahead for the following year. The county had lost the All-Ireland minor semi-final to Galway after extra-time but preparations for the 2014 season had begun within six weeks of that defeat. With the bulk of the 2013 squad still available, the target was obvious – win the All-Ireland.

Brian Ryan, the manager, lined out a detailed training plan. Dates for trials were pencilled in. Names of potential new recruits were proposed. Every goal was clearly defined but just before the meeting concluded, Jerry Wallis, the coach, had the last word.