======Aidan Lynch======
=====Introduction=====
Aidan Lynch was a professional [[Quidditch]] player who served as the [[Seeker]] for the [[Irish National Quidditch Team]]. He is most famous for his participation in the final of the 422nd [[Quidditch World Cup]] in 1994, where he played against the celebrated Bulgarian [[Seeker]], [[Viktor Krum]]. Despite his team's ultimate victory, Lynch is remembered for being spectacularly deceived by Krum's [[Wronski Feint]], leading to a dramatic crash onto the pitch.
=====Biography=====
Aidan Lynch's sole appearance in the narrative is during the [[Quidditch World Cup]] final in August 1994, held on [[Dartmoor]]. As the [[Seeker]] for [[Ireland]], he was a key player in a star-studded team that included [[Chaser]]s [[Troy]], [[Mullet]], and [[Moran]].
During the match, Lynch demonstrated exceptional skill, flying gracefully and expertly dodging [[Bludger]]s sent his way by the Bulgarian [[Beater]]s, [[Volkov]] and [[Vulchanov]]. At one point in the match, both Lynch and [[Viktor Krum]] spotted the [[Golden Snitch]] and began a perilous dive towards the ground. However, Krum was executing a [[Wronski Feint]], a dangerous manoeuvre designed to trick the opposing [[Seeker]] into crashing. Lynch fell for the feint and, unable to pull his [[broomstick]] out of the dive in time, hit the ground with immense force.
He was immediately attended to by [[Mediwizard]]s from the [[St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries|St Mungo's]] support team. Despite Lynch's incapacitation and failure to catch the [[Snitch]]—which was eventually caught by [[Viktor Krum]]—[[Ireland]] won the match with a final score of 170 to 160, thanks to the dominant performance of their [[Chaser]]s.
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
The novels provide no physical description of Aidan Lynch. In terms of personality, he is depicted as a determined and courageous player, willing to engage in a high-speed, dangerous dive to try and secure victory for his team. His flying style is described as "graceful" and "swooping," indicating a high degree of natural talent and elegance on a [[broomstick]].
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
  * **Quidditch:** Lynch was a world-class [[Quidditch]] player, skilled enough to be the starting [[Seeker]] for his national team in a [[Quidditch World Cup]] final.
  * **Flying:** He was an expert flyer, noted for his grace and agility in the air. He was adept at avoiding [[Bludger]]s, though he proved susceptible to advanced tactical deception like the [[Wronski Feint]].
=====Possessions=====
  * **Broomstick:** As a member of the [[Irish National Quidditch Team]] in 1994, Lynch rode a [[Firebolt]], which was stated to be the broom of choice for both teams competing in the final.
  * **Quidditch Robes:** He wore the green [[Quidditch]] robes of the [[Irish National Quidditch Team]].
  * **Merchandise:** Lynch was a popular enough player that his likeness was used on official merchandise. [[Ron Weasley]] owned a souvenir rosette that, when tapped with a [[wand]], would display a miniature, cheering figure of Aidan Lynch on his [[Firebolt]].
=====Relationships=====
  * **Teammates:** He played alongside [[Chaser]]s [[Troy]], [[Mullet]], and [[Moran]], with whom he won the [[Quidditch World Cup]].
  * **Opponents:** His direct opponent in the 1994 final was [[Viktor Krum]], the Bulgarian [[Seeker]]. He was also targeted by the Bulgarian [[Beater]]s, [[Volkov]] and [[Vulchanov]].
  * **Fans:** Lynch had a significant fan following, as evidenced by supporters like [[Ron Weasley]] who purchased his merchandise at the World Cup.
=====Etymology=====
  * **Aidan:** An anglicised form of the traditional Irish name //Aodhán//, which means "little fire." The name is strongly associated with [[Ireland]], fitting for a member of its national team.
  * **Lynch:** A common surname in [[Ireland]], particularly in the western counties. It can be derived from the Irish //Ó Loingsigh//, meaning "descendant of the mariner," or from the Norman //de Lench//.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire//, a [[Seeker]] in green robes, presumed to be Lynch, is shown crashing into the pitch after being fooled by [[Viktor Krum]]'s [[Wronski Feint]] (film).
  * Aidan Lynch appears as a collectible card in the //Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire// video game (video game).