The former Cork Church of Ireland hotshot, who now stars for Ulster giants Lisnagarvey, banged in two quickfire strikes just after the break, but his goals couldn’t stop Wales gaining a modicum of revenge for their 3-1 Celtic Cup defeat in July.

Huw Jones put the home side in front just before half-time with a disputed short corner goal, given only after Welsh appeals to the umpires.

Jason Lynch: Cork-born Lisnagarvey hotshot fired a double in Ireland's 3-2 defeat to Wales. Picture: Adrian Boehm

However, Ireland equalised three minutes after the resumption, when Lynch produced a tidy finish to Mikey Watt and Andy McConnell’s approach work. He added a skilful solo effort just two minutes later to give his side the lead, only for Oliver Cooper’s 49th and 60th minute strikes to seal a Welsh win in an end-to-end encounter.

Ireland manage Peter Jackson nonetheless professed himself happy with the early-season showing from a side containing a number of rookies.

“This was a good peformance by Ireland considering the youthfulness of the squad and the short amount of time they have trained together,” he said.

His thoughts were echoed by women’s senior coach Gene Muller, who saw much to be pleased with despite Guy Garrett’s Ireland A side going down 2-1 to the senior Welsh team.

“We played really well today and created quality chances,” said Muller of a gutsy performance. “I was surprised at some of our play – it was creative and flowing, and if we play like this again tomorrow we will have a chance of a result.”

Carys Hopkins put the Welsh in front after a sustained period of early pressure, finally breaking goalkeeper Vicki Green’s resistance on 20 minutes. Ireland pulled level after the break via Michelle Harvey’s low drag-flick, but Alys Brooks hit a late winner for the Welsh.

Nonetheless, Chloe Watkins and Katherine Elkin, who captained the side, were among a number of players to show up well in their first game against a full international outfit, and they have another chance to press for inclusion in the senior squad when they take on Wales again tomorrow (11am).