Tommy Lynch obituary: Woe betide anyone who thought they were too smart for legendary groundsman 

For those who visited Páirc Uí Chaoimh, on match days or weekdays, Tommy Lynch was the first face and character of the stadium

A LABOUR OF LOVE: Tommy Lynch checking up on the Pairc Ui Chaoimh pitch in the old stadium. Picture: George Hatchell

Each of the world's most famous sporting stadia developed their own characteristics. Those who attend them become comfortable with their surroundings, their smells, their view and the reverberation throughout the ground when a goal is scored. Eventually, the stadium becomes a home from home and as comfortable as an old shoe. 

Behind these characteristics, there is always a character too. The substance of this character is usually a man who knows everything about the place. He knows when to turn on the showers, when to unfurl the national flag, when to cut the grass, how to mind the stores, exactly where each team bus must park - and he is always there to greet the opposition and the officials. On weekdays, when the stadium is closed, he is the man you hear whistling in the tunnels in the bowls of the stadium and who prepares the dressing rooms and equipment for evening training.