Viewers loved Noel O'Leary's appearance on the season finale of TG4's Laochra Gael this evening.
In an engrossing hour of television, the quiet man of Cork football delved into the moments that made him a person and a player.
As a youngster, he faced unbelievable tragedy when his cousin, brother and best friend all passed away in a short space of time.
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"My cousin Mark, he was like another brother really. We just grew up together, from nappies all the way up," O'Leary explained on the episode.
"He had a relationship in school, like we all did, and that broke up. We didn't think much of it at the time.
"I can just remember walking home from school with him, and I knew he was in bad form. I was saying, 'Look, Mark, we'll go out next weekend now and go to a disco. There's plenty more fish in the sea'.
"He was a good looking guy, there was no fear of him that way. I was just trying to get him going really. 'No,' he said, 'I won't go this weekend, maybe next weekend.'
"Monday morning, I think we were getting ready for school and my father came in and said 'Look, lads, Mark passed away this morning'. It was hard to process the thing there and then. It was devastating really.
"When it all happens, the signs were kind of there but you still think it's just a bit of a phase."
O'Leary was the definition of a footballer's footballer. A reserved character, he showed his personality on the pitch and wore the red jersey of Cork with distinction for many years.
There were controversial moments down through the years as well. The most infamous was his altercation with Paul Galvin in the Munster semi-final of 2009, an incident which saw both men receive their marching orders.
He made up for it a year later however and played a key role in Cork's 2010 All-Ireland final triumph over Down. All that and much more was covered, and it's safe to say that viewers thoroughly enjoyed the episode.
"A fine Laochra Gael to finish off the season tonight. The subject matter in Noel O'Leary is intriguing and any show that features Fleet Foxes deserves attention," wrote journalist John Fogarty.
"I am humbled to have been given the chance to direct tonight’s season finale of #laochragael with @raymondkirby as editor. Noel O’Leary is a true gentleman and it was a pleasure to work so closely with him!" said Sarah McEvoy.
"Noel O'Leary was one tough nut, what a great episode, heartbreak, determination, elation," said another user.
While another said, "How @Laochra_Gael dealt with tonight's episode is testament to the utter brilliance of this TV show. Excellently dealt with."
Perhaps Joe Sherlock summed it up best by simply writing, "Clár Iontach."
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