Life getting more complicated for Limerick's lieutenants

It's almost blasphemous to state it but Byrnes is being targeted by opponents as the weakest link in Limerick’s venerable half-back line.

Diarmaid Byrnes and Cian Lynch of Limerick celebrate after 2021 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Pride swells in Patrickswell. In this golden era of Limerick hurling, their triumvirate have been chief alchemists.

Three men, 15 All-Irelands, 11 All-Stars, four hurler of the year awards. And counting. Surely, in a time a mural of Diarmaid Byrnes, Aaron Gillane and Cian Lynch will look down from a wall in the parish like Thurles Sarsfields’ greats Mick 'Rattler' Byrne, Jimmy Doyle and Pat Stakelum along with John Doyle do from the side of Barrett’s Bar.