Interesting, I like Muniacs valve fitting method, if ever there's a next time I'll give it a go.

I basically did as peejman. Then valve - lever in back side with 2 blocks in top side to painfully squeeze my stubby fingers in & wriggle valves into holes, worst bit.

Are knobbly tyres getting stiffer or is it me getting older & weaker, fitted plenty over the years, they only last 2k-3k miles, maybe the heat at 33°c didn't help, sweat pouring off me.

Could be I need some old farts long levers, I used the ones I carry on my bike in case of punctures eg
https://www.adventure-spec.com/default/tyre-tools-buzzetti-240mm-tyre-lever-set-of-3.html

The rear tyre a Dunlop Geomax had worn evenly but the front a Bridgestone gritty wore badly with every other centre knob worn more than the next which wore at a sharp angle. Never had this with any other knobblies. See pics