Cryptic crossword No 3,008

Very enjoyable for this Monday. 8d amused me with a great penny . . .drop. Other faves: 11a, 12a of course, 24a, 18d. 9d actually escaped me until I had the crossers - and I got the Nina last as it isn't my usual fare. Thanks for another great effort!

Thanks Gennaro, good stuff. 9d first in, but I'm not an aficionado so Nina took a little longer ... but still emerged in time to be of help. Faves include 22a, 26a, 2d (cotd) & 21d. Spoilers ...

Very nice, and easier for me than some of your recent ones. Took a while for 9d to arrive . Among my faves: 10a,11a,13a (marvellous surface), and 2d,4d,8d (of course) and 21d. Off to seek out Nina! Thanks, G!

My first go at one of yours. Gift-wrapped in a wonderful nina, only appreciated after the event. Enjoyed every bit of it, with man’s man the one I’m taking home! I guess the Irish Question is settled now, but wondered if 14a was a hidden tribute to Art Murphy, key(boards) player in the Philip Glass Ensemble?

Good stuff Gennaro, thanks - just the ticket to accompany my post-swim coffee. The key clue and Nina held out for rather longer than usual but a steady solve nonetheless. COTD to 2d (“Man’s man” is excellent), with 23a and 1d making up my podium.

Good stuff, Gennaro. 19a, 23a, 2d and 21d my podium. The Nina was useful in completing 9d, even if it was not something I had specifically encountered before. Thanks. PM