As a motto, they could inscribe it on their chests a la Millwall. "Nobody likes us and we don't care." Buccaneers thrive on a sense of perceived injustices - the IRFU are agin' them, so too, in their time, Warren Gatland and the Connacht branch, the media, and perhaps even the rest of the first division hoi polloi.

"Absolutely," agrees coach Eddie O'Sullivan, a mischievous smirk creasing his still boyish features. "Absolutely," intones club PRO Michael Walsh with a loud laugh. They lap it up, and use it to their advantage.

Tags such as wandering minstrels, hardly meant as an insult, are nevertheless interpreted as one. Admittedly, given they are merely a six-year-old amalgamation of two clubs, and the squad are a disparate mix of journeymen and locals, young and venerable, the search for an identity and a hint of chips on shoulders is understandable.

However, they have a momentum now and, no less than Galwegians to the west or Ballymena to the north, the midlanders have added to the personality and geographical spread of the All-Ireland League first division. Not only are they proving a welcome addition, their irreverence has served them well too.

No one much likes away days against them either. Today in Keane Park in Athlone, Buccaneers entertain league leaders Garryowen buttressed by the knowledge that they haven't lost an AIL game at home for three seasons.

Indeed, had they won in Constitution last week instead of losing - not an inconceivable outcome until Donal Rigney was sent off - they'd have gone into this game in second place, thereby hosting a top-of-the-table summit meeting.

As it is, their three home wins so far have banished thoughts of relegation and induced widespread talk of aiming for a top-four place. O'Sullivan won't hear of it, of course, and as they contemplate the plight of bottom-placed Connacht rivals Galwegians O'Sullivan is wont to tell his players: "There but for the grace of God go we." Partners in promotion last season, they met on their historic first day together in the top flight, with Buccaneers prevailing by 2114 in part thanks to the generosity of referee Bertie Smith - who awarded them two penalty tries.

No one could dispute the worthiness of the Buccaneers' win on the day, but psychologically it was crucial in maintaining the post-promotion euphoria within the club. Whereas Galwegians have lost four games by one score, Buccaneers have won three and lost one by a score.

Crowds of 2,000-plus have provided an atmosphere of several times that, especially at the more cramped environs of Moher Road in Ballinasloe where Terenure and St Mary's wilted. It's back to the more spacious, sand-based Keane Park today (one of the best pitches in the country) because the preseason drawing of lots happened to land the three Dublin visitors with Ballinasloe.

The feel-good factor and away support has been intensified by the creation of the "Pirates Supporters", an inventive little scheme for which 350 members paid up £125. This entitles them to free attendance at home games (along with their families) as well as events and concessions with locals businesses.

Furthermore, like a motorist with road rage who finally overtakes his foe, Buccaneers can see clearly now after beating Galwegians, and scarcely look back over their shoulders at the club that once dominated their thoughts.

"Spot on," says new scrum-half recruit Stephen McIvor of the analogy. "Everyone was up to high doh in the build-up to that game. There hasn't been a match even half as intense or nerve-racking since. In fact, you wouldn't believe how relaxed they are."

For McIvor, this will be a curious affair against his long-time former club. He still lives in Limerick, indeed shares a house with Garryowen prop Kieran Ronan, which is two doors from the abode of Killian Keane and Paul Cunningham. He noted with some irony yesterday that his Limerick mates were travelling up last night as the away side, whereas he was travelling this morning as part of the home side.

"It's going to be strange, but I'm looking forward to it. I'm not going to get narky, I'm going to enjoy it. I'd really hope nothing nasty happens and that it's a good-natured, good-spirited game. But an awful lot of both our seasons rests on this game."

McIvor, despite niggling injuries, has been credited with giving much of the direction to the team and providing the link between the juggernaut of a pack and an increasingly more expansive backline. Up front, Jimmy Screene has led the rampaging charges, Brian "Boru" Rigney has chipped in with four tries and Kiwi number eight Martyn Steffert has added physical presence and guile.

Such have the advances been, that Buccaneers are entitled to harbour thoughts of beating the leaders today. In which case, O'Sullivan and the players will have no hope of dispelling top-four talk among the Pirates.