Stoat Led Grouply Smugly Finding Snipe Here In Second Place

[nilrac52]

I think answer is ermine but don't know why. Any thoughts please?

[elliemay1]

the second letters in 'Led Grouply Smugly Finding Snipe Here '

[newmodarmy]

Is the clue above exactly right?

[newmodarmy]

Well done Ellie. 

 

[elliemay1]

Thank you NMA 😘

[nilrac52]

Elliemay1 thank you. I'm happy with your explanation. Brilliant. Thank you. Newmodarmy - yes the clue is exact. 

[newmodarmy]

Okay thanks. It's just the 'grouply smugly ' sounded odd

[newmodarmy]

...led group smugly would have sounded better but it doesn't make any difference here.

[elliemay1]

NMA that clue was in yesterday's Irish News crossword and it said 'group' instead of 'grouply' 

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks for that, elliemay1. Like NMA, I didn't think the original wording was correct, but the OP said the clue 'was exact'!  The word 'grouply' just looked so bizarre.

[nilrac52]

Thank you all for your help. It was greatly appreciated. Particularly Elliemay1 who provided the answer. My apologies to all for my typo. I will double check any future contributions. 

[elliemay1]

Don't worry about it nilrac, we can all make mistakes!