The pair was key to Limerick's fourth All-Ireland win this year. Gillane scored 3-47 in seven championship matches as John Kiely's troops romped home to another Liam McCarthy title.
Lynch could become the third Patrickswell player in a row to win the coveted award if he does pick up the gong later this year. Lynch himself won it in 2021 (and also in 2018) and Diarmaid Byrnes did so last year.
Gillane is the clear bookies' favorite to win this year's award, and Lynch has admitted he would be delighted to see his club teammate win 2023's HOTY prize.
“He’s been unbelievable, and I’m delighted for him for the year he’s after having with Limerick,” said Lynch to GAA.ie.
PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the month for July, Cian Lynch, is backing his @patrickswellgaa and @LimerickCLG team-mate, Aaron Gillane to bag the biggest individual hurling award of all in 2023, the @PwCIreland GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year. #GAABelong
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 10, 2023
“To see what he’s done each day out, he’s grabbed the game no matter what game it was by both hands and pulled us out on many occasions.
"He’s put his hand up when we needed it most, and that’s Aaron. He’s an absolute monster, an animal when it comes to it.
“We’re honored to have him in Patrickswell. The last day against Na Piarsaigh, to see how he took control of the game, he got a goal when we needed it most. He’s unreal, and I’m just delighted for him and absolutely honored to be able to play beside him.
“We’ve grown up together and been the same age underage with Patrickswell the whole way up, and to be playing with Limerick together and to be able to come back to Patrickswell together, it’s just dream stuff. You’d dream of representing your club and your county, and to obviously have Aaron and Diarmaid there is just class.
“I’m delighted for Aaron and hopefully, God, he can push on and get that award. He’s not into the sideshows or the extra awards, but it would be great for him.”
GAA Hurler Of The Year Odds
PLAYER ODDS BOOKMAKER
Aaron Gillane 1/4 BoyleSports
Kyle Hayes 11/4 BoyleSports
Huw Lawlor 14/1 BoyleSports
Eoin Cody 16/1 BoyleSports
Diarmuid Byrnes 20/1 BoyleSports
