The 2021 Hurler of the Year hasn't been announced yet but rarely has a candidate been touted as heavily for the award as Cian Lynch.
Limerick were again untouchable in 2021, completing a first back-to-back All-Ireland success in their history, and Lynch was imperious at centre-half forward, delivering a majestic performance in the final win over Cork.
The Patrickswell magician is, in some respects, a new kind of marquee attacker, in that he appears more a creator than a scorer. Operating within Paul Kinnerk and John Kiely's beautifully-honed system, Lynch has propelled the evolution of the playmaker role in hurling.
Blessed with magnificent touch, Lynch is at his most characteristic when gaining instant possession in a congested area and tossing a rapid-fire hand-pass into space for his fellow forwards to exploit.
Lynch's uncle, 1990s Limerick legend Ciaran Carey, observed before the game that "you haven't seen a player ever like him - his imagination, his vision".
Lynch's statistics in the decider bore out his greatness. He rustled up 0-06 from play and assisted a further 2-05, completing 100% of his passes.
Even after one of the great team displays in an All-Ireland final, there was only ever going to be one Man of the Match.
"Looking back on it after the full-time whistle, being able to stand back, and enjoy those and savour those moments after the game is special. It's about making the most of those," Lynch told RTÉ Sport two weeks after the final.
"I can't really say that (it's the best ever performance) to be honest. It's hard, as a player, looking back over the years to pinpoint a game. But, obviously, to get a result and a performance on an All-Ireland final day is huge."
Lynch, who turns 26 at the beginning of January, already holds one Hurler of the Year award, winning the main individual prize when Limerick ended their 45-year wait in 2018.
Should the expected happen at the next All-Stars do, Lynch will join Henry Shefflin as the only multiple Hurler of the Year winner since 1995 - when one includes the old Texaco Awards, DJ Carey, Brian Whelehan and Brian Corcoran are other multiple winners.
In other words, Lynch will join some illustrious company. The evidence of 2021 is that he belongs there.
Joanne Cantwell and Darragh Maloney will present the RTÉ Sport Awards 2021 on Saturday 18 December on RTÉ One.
The Sportsperson of the Year is selected by a judging panel. The criteria can be read here.
