The Unreal Deal

UNREALISTIC expectations? Colm Cooper is having a pre-Christmas pint last year, one of those ever-dwindling occasions where it’s just him and the hoodies. Chat-hunters are rare tonight, but there’s always one...

“Ya didn’t have the best of seasons this year, Gooch,” he offers. Silence.

“Now I’m thinking,” begins Cooper, “that I’ve won a National League, an All-Ireland, an All-Star, a Munster club and got to an All-Ireland club final.” He pauses.