Shamrock Rovers were crowned League of Ireland champions for the third year running, but matters more important than football were on the minds of victorious Hoops squad after the final whistle, as young Josh Bradley was brought onto the pitch.
It was an emotional evening for Rovers manager Stephen Bradley, to say the least. Earlier in the season, his eight-year-old son Josh was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.
After an extremely challenging season for his family, Stephen and Josh Bradley celebrated Rovers's three-in-a-row together tonight on the pitch in Tallaght.
Wearing his dad's league winner's medal, Josh Bradley also lifted the league trophy along with Rovers captain Ronan Finn.
One of the best Irish sporting moments of 2022. Josh Bradley - who was diagnosed with leukaemia in June - lifts the League of Ireland trophy alongside his dad and the triumphant Shamrock Rovers squad. 💚pic.twitter.com/7cDx6RtWfL
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 30, 2022
Rovers fans serenaded the young man with chants of 'There's only one Josh Bradley'.
It was an incredibly moving moment for those watching the match.
That was some night in Tallaght..... a little tear in my eye as Josh Bradley came down to the South Stand and got them cheering each move!
— Alan Kinsella (@electionlit) October 30, 2022
Here’s to you Josh Bradley Rovers loves you more than you could know ☘️☘️ @ShamrockRovers pic.twitter.com/Hf6ppixJEG
— Eoin M 20Times ⭐️⭐️ 20/25 ☘️ (@EoinItalia90) October 30, 2022
𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 @ShamrockRovers ⭐️⭐️#LOI | @ShamrockRovers pic.twitter.com/IXvzjqANGS
— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) October 30, 2022
Josh Bradley's diagnosis
In June, Stephen Bradley spoke of his son's diagnosis and the strain it put upon his family. He said he was willing to walk away from the job if it was best for his family.
My son is not well and while I know people know, I would rather leave it as a private matter. It all comes down to my son and how he is. If he is not responding right to treatment, that is where I will be.
I spoke to the players and the group and the club have been brilliant in terms of their support. It all comes down to my son. He and the family are the priority for me.”
“Right now he is responding well and doing well, which allows me to be here and focus on what we're doing. We're taking it day-by-day really.”
The Bradleys raised over €8000 for the Crumlin Children's Hospital back in July via a Shave or Dye campaign.
Rovers capped their three-in-a-row season in style with a 1-0 win over second place Derry City.
A goal from Rory Gaffney in the 38th minute was all Rovers needed to seal their 23rd win of a gruelling season. They finish ten points clear of Derry and remain the class of the League of Ireland.
