Final answer:
The irony in the statement "Tom has always liked Lucy" can be categorized as situational irony.
Step-by-step explanation:
The irony in the statement "Tom has always liked Lucy" can be categorized as situational irony.
Situational irony occurs when there is a contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.
In this case, it is unexpected because Tom liking Lucy is not the outcome one would typically anticipate.