Shane Stapleton, Michael Verney and Leo O’Connor discuss the recent form of Hurlers of the Year Cian Lynch and Gearóid Hegarty.
Former Limerick underage coach and current Offaly Under-20 boss Leo O’Connor believes that Cian Lynch may be carrying too much muscle.
The Patrickswell supremo has twice been named Hurler of the Year and is on course to go down as one of the game’s greats, but his form has dipped in recent outings.
Lynch, who has suffered a number of injuries in recent times, didn’t have a big impact in the draw with Tipperary on Sunday, and was withdrawn early in the second half.
“I’m going to say something and I won’t be the most popular guy in the world for saying it,” says O’Connor on our Monday Show.
“With Cian being out last year, when you’re out injured and off the pace of an inter-county hurler and he worked the whole way through, I think Cian got a little bit muscle-bound.
“I think he has put up a few pounds, and it’s not in weight, it’s in terms of strength, and I think he’s put up a little bit too much muscle.
“He’s lost that little hard-yard of pace this year. Those dynamic runs where he always seemed to be able to get away from the man…
“I think that is one of the things that they’re gong to have to look at with Cian. Maybe less would be more at this time of the year.”
Click play on the video above to hear more, including thoughts on Gearoid Hegarty’s form.
