They don't all emerge like mushrooms. Sometimes, Cork starlets take time to blossom

“He’s a fantastic leader, he’s really taken that leadership role, really intuitive. He’s got so much intelligence to what he does."

Cork manager Pat Ryan in conversation with Shane Barrett before the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group A match against Clare at Cusack Park in Ennis. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Cork have been waiting. Pat Ryan has too. Not for senior success per se but for his U20 All-Ireland winners to mature.

Two years ago, John Kiely spoke of the yawning gap between U20 and what is required at senior inter-county level. Bridging that crevasse takes time. Ryan agrees and points to how college students knuckle down towards the end of their studies.