Stephen Bradley's three kids were still up when he turned the key in the hall door late on Monday night.
But it was the sight of his son Josh standing in front of him, wearing Roberto Lopes’ jersey ‘like a nightdress’, that brought it all home for the title-winning Shamrock Rovers boss.
Josh, 8, was diagnosed with leukemia in June and the personal difficulties that Bradley and his family have gone through are well documented.
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But after clinching a third league in a row - and in doing so joining the likes of Jim McLaughin and Stephen Kenny - Bradley yesterday dedicated this league crown to Josh.
“This one’s for him,” said the Hoops manager, during an at times emotional sit down interview at the club’s Roadstone training ground.
Rather than watch Derry’s must-win game away to Sligo on LOI TV, Bradley went to Tolka Park on Monday night to scout UCD - who Rovers face in their final game - against Shelbourne.
He tried to find a quiet part of the ground and remain blissfully unaware of events at the Showgrounds but, well, he's recognisable and Shels fans were quick to relay the latest.
“Some man sitting beside me said congratulations when there was 10 minutes left,” laughed Bradley.
“I didn't want to hear it, so I just got up and left because I thought I'd keep hearing it.”
