‘He wasn’t really,’ said Conor. ‘He was Paula’s father-in-law, but I don’t think that made him anything to me. Besides, I’ve nothing against Marty, but I doubt Paula would’ve married him if she’d ever travelled further afield. Let’s face it, the pool in Kilmitten is pretty shallow.’

Nina spat out her cider. Whether from shock or laughter, Tom wasn’t sure.

‘In fairness,’ said Tess, ‘Marty’s the pick of the litter.’

‘Yeah, but what a miserable litter,’ added Nina.

‘Seriously, girls,’ said Tom, ‘you’re going too far now.’

‘Ah, please,’ said Tess, her voice tart. ‘Having respect for a dead man is one thing. Having to pretend we give a monkey’s about the O’Grady brothers is another. When I was a kid, Philly and Seánie were forever giving me stick about not having a father. Noel junior was worse. He used to claim that Father Galvin was my dad, only it had all been hushed up by the Catholic Church and that his death was some big conspiracy. If I said anything, I was accused of not being able to take a joke. Can you imagine how that made me feel?’

‘All right, they’re a shower of wasters, but that doesn’t mean this is the right time to slag them off.’

‘Believe me, Tom, there’s never a wrong time to slag off the O’Gradys. And they’re more than a shower of wasters. Except for Marty, they’re a collection of scumbags. You know what your problem is? You’re so—’

Conor, ever the peacemaker, intervened with a gentle cough. ‘Lads, can we cool it? People are staring at us.’

‘Okay, Garda Varley,’ said Tess. ‘I’ll tone it down, but only because you asked nicely.’

‘Thanks. When I’ve finished my pint, I’ll go out and ring home. It’s not Paula who worries me so much as Dad. He’ll have had to look after the scene – and inform Breege O’Grady. It’s not easy work.’

Tom couldn’t stop himself. ‘And it’s all ahead of you.’

‘On that cheery note,’ said Tess, ‘I’m going to the bar.’