Shelbourne have ended an 18-year wait for League of Ireland Premier Division glory and manager Damien Duff was at the forefront of their long-awaited success.
The Republic of Ireland legend has been a major hit at the Drumcondra club and has cemented his place in folklore after guiding them to an unlikely league title.
Shels, who started the campaign with a dominant run of results, were pulled into a dramatic title battle with Shamrock Rovers which ultimately came down to Friday's final round of fixtures.
Their assignment was a tough one: win away to Derry City - who had themselves been in the title hunt - with Rovers favourites to get the better of Waterford at home.
Rovers held up their end of the bargain, but so did Shels who had Harry Wood to thank in claiming a late 1-0 win north of the border.
As the clock ticked down both at the Brandywell and at Tallaght Stadium, it looked as though Rovers were set to hold on to the trophy for a fifth year in a row after goals from Johnny Kenny and Dylan Watts had them 2-1 up with Derry scoreless.
However Wood scored the season-defining goal when he was the quickest to react after a Sean Boyd free-kick and prodded home from just six yards.
The 25/1 pre-season outsiders have had Duff in their dugout for three seasons now, having made an FAI Cup final in 2022 before reaching Europe last season.
Shelbourne are the 2024 League of Ireland Premier Division champions! pic.twitter.com/ZvbV1ERe2P
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 1, 2024
Damien Duff gave brilliant interview after Shelbourne's League of Ireland title win
The Rathfarnham man cut an emotional figure after the win, shedding tears on the pitch before sharing a lovely moment with the Derry supporters who stayed back to applaud their rivals coach.
Duff, who has been a headline-magnet for his impassioned interviews after matches, gave a typically emotional reflection on his side's league win.
Duff, who was speaking to RTÉ after the game, summed up his feelings on a brilliant day for his side - but not before he was showered in booze by his jubilant players.
I told my wife I wasn't drinking tonight!" Duff quipped after the moment.
"Anyway! I've said the last few weeks have been the pinnacle of my career and this absolutely wipes the floor with it."
"The best teams win it and I think we can openly say we were the best team." Shelbourne manager Damien Duff speaks to RTÉ Sport after watching his side become the League of Ireland Premier Division champions for the first time in 18 years. pic.twitter.com/7Zv8lE8PFU
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 1, 2024
Sharp stuff from the two-time Premier League champion.
Duff also had a strong message for kids around Ireland when putting his team's unlikely success into context.
'It is for kids all around Ireland and the world because we have always been told 'you're not good enough'; you're this, you're that," he said.
"If you put your mind to anything and work hard and dedicate your life to it then you can do anything you want.
"That is what my players have done."
For Derry, there is still the caveat of FAI Cup final glory if they are to get the better of Drogheda United in the showpiece fixture later this month.
