Josh van der Flier described Johnny Sexton as a hero after the veteran led Ireland to only a fourth ever Grand Slam.
Sexton, 37, limped off with four minutes remaining against England but the Six Nations finale was almost done and reigning world player of the year van der Flier was made up for his Leinster and Ireland team-mate.
"He's a hero, what a man," exclaimed the red-capped flanker.
READ MORE: Johnny Sexton says more to come from Ireland after fairytale Grand Slam success
"I'm so happy for him. To see him going around with the trophies, with his kids, all his family here, he deserves every bit of it and I'm so happy for him."
For van der Flier, it was his first taste of Grand Slam glory having missed out on the last one at Twickenham in 2018 due to injury.
"It's an unbelievable feeling, just so much pride to play for this country," the 29-year-old declared.
"To do it with this group is incredible. The support has been unbelievable throughout and it's nice to do it for them, and for our families all here at home.
"It's very special. I don't think it will sink in the whole week. I've been trying just to prepare the way I would for a normal game, not think about the consequences of a win, I was just trying to play the game.
"I'm sure it will sink in soon enough but it's incredibly special."
Ireland were pushed hard by an England side that was reduced to 14 players on the stroke of half time when Freddie Steward was sent off for a high challenge on Hugo Keenan.
"They were brilliant, full credit to them," said van der Flier, who was drinking in the atmosphere pitchside at the Aviva Stadium, his winner's medal still around his neck.
"Obviously it's tough going down a man with the red card but they made it incredibly tough for us in the second half.
"Full credit to the lads, we managed to pull through but it was a really good performance by England with their backs against the wall after losing a man.
"They definitely deserve credit for a good game but I'm absolutely thrilled to come out with a win."
Van der Flier credited the Ireland squad's trust in getting the job done as the key to success.
"We've had a bit of adversity in games throughout this championship and it's probably similar, but in the opposite way, in that the other team was down a man," he said.
"But it was trying to stay calm and stick to the system, to keep performing and not relax. That was the pleasing thing about the game.
"We're just thrilled to pull it out and get a win because there was obviously a lot of pressure with everyone talking about a Grand Slam. To achieve it is incredible.
"I was trying not to (enjoy it) during the game but there were a few times I was hearing the Fields of Athenry and the crowd were going mad, it was pretty special.
"There were some special moments and I enjoyed them for a split-second and then you just switch back into it and try to get the job done."
Van der Flier also praised Dan Sheehan, the man of the match who scored two tries in the 29-16 triumph.
"He's some athlete," he smiled. "He took a bit of a knock last week so he was fighting hard to get back fit for this game.
"He was unbelievable. It was a really top performance from him. He's a world-class player and it was great to see him get over the line."
And van der Flier believes there is more to come from this side at the World Cup.
"I think so," he said. "The focus all along has been to keep improving and getting better. We'll hopefully push on but we'll just enjoy this for the moment."
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