Cian Lynch's masterpiece: Cork unable to cast a spell on Limerick's Harry Potter

Lynch's afternoon was an exercise in thrift. And excellence. If touches could be measured like precious metals then Lynch was striking gold at a rate not seen since Frisco in ’49. As brushstrokes go, each one was worthy of the Sistine Chapel

In Limerick’s panoply of stars, none burned brighter than Cian Lynch. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Cian Lynch emerged into view at three minutes past three o’clock. He slipped the Hogan Stand tunnel at a trot when teammates ahead of him favoured a sprint, then hopped the sliotar three times on his hurl before striking it towards the Davin End.

It was the last time he would need two or more frames to do his job when just a snapshot would do. The rest of his afternoon was an exercise in thrift. And excellence. If touches could be measured like precious metals then Lynch was striking gold at a rate not seen since Frisco in ’49. As brushstrokes go, each one was worthy of the Sistine Chapel.