FACT OR FICTION?

Abused, bullied and harassed in Tyrone, Armagh and Derry, the skilful forward is a protected species in Down. Which might explain a few things, suggests Paddy Heaney

IS DOWN’S famous swagger in Croke Park real? Or is it just another stereotype that doesn’t stand up to rigorous scrutiny? Like most stereotypes, they exist for good reason. For instance, let’s consider the Irishman’s reputation for being able to drink, sing and tell a decent yarn. Have we been so cruelly typecast?

Or are there other political leaders in Western Europe like Brian Cowen who can knock back a few pints, blast out a rousing rendition of The Lakes of Pontchartrain and keep the party swinging with funny anecdotes and comical impersonations of Micheál O Muircheartaigh?