Who are Tipperary right now? What are they trying to be?

Today readers will be renewing acquaintance with Pat, who’s appeared on these pages before. Pat is an estimable young man from south Tipperary whose affection for Liverpool FC is exceeded only by his love for the blue and gold and indeed for hurling in general. He is a prime example of our old friend, the man on the Clonmel omnibus, albeit not nearly as ancient as some of the passengers on said conveyance.

Certainly, not being of an age to remember any silverware prior to 1987 in Killarney, he’s not the type who stamps his foot and demands an All-Ireland every couple of years.