Dingle v Barrs: Anatomy of a stone-cold Munster final classic 

The greatest game of football ever played at Semple Stadium? Depends on your perspective. St Finbarr's may not think so, even in the cold light of a week's reflection. But in good time, they will know they participated in a high-wire sporting classic - pure theatre, imbuing every moment with consequence

ICED: Paul Geaney embraces Conor Geaney after the latter kicked a dramatic two-point free to claim a stunning Munster SFC final win over St Finbarr's at Semple Stadium. Pic: James Lawlor, Inpho

The most arresting feature of the past six days has been the steady swell of conviction that we witnessed a stone-cold classic in Thurles. First impressions typically burn brightest, but the contentious climax almost extinguished them. Upon further review, the verdict is plain: this was an epic.

Why? How? What precisely is it that makes a game bend towards greatness?