Beneath the crabby exterior beats the heart of an incurable and not yet completely disillusioned romantic. Despite Tbilisi, despite everything, Liam Brady thinks Ireland can win. He realises he ought to know better. He just can’t help himself.

THERE was a major shock at Thurles yesterday when 2-11 shot Catch Me trailed in fourth of five behind 25-1 outsider of the field, Sunshine Guest, in the Listed Horse and Jockey Hotel Hurdle.