Not part of the bay but part of the view of the bay was this elderly man, springy of step and healthy of complexion, forging along with his walking stick at a lively clip and no-nonsense gait, in latter years wearing an overcoat in late autumn and winter and, only in the last few years or so, companioned by a daughter or son.

Queens University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin will contest this afternoon’s Ryan Cup decider after both teams came through extremely tight semi-final affairs.