This afternoon's All-Ireland final will be a hugely special occasion for everyone all of the Dublin players, but it is likely to take on added significance for some members of the panel as they come towards the end of their inter-county careers.
Quite a few Dubs have been involved with the county for a decade or more, with Stephen Cluxton, Michael Fitzsimons, and James McCarthy winning their ninth All-Ireland medals this afternoon.
While Dean Rock did not quite make that exclusive club, his own tally of eight Celtic crosses is certainly nothing to be sniffed at.
The Ballymun Kickhams man has become a bit part player over the last couple of years, with his impact usually limited to appearances off the bench. He still offers a huge amount in that role and was a calming influence in the final moments of the victory over Kerry on this occasion.
Dean Rocks reveals role of Dublin teammates in upcoming wedding
Dean Rock is coming towards the end of his time with Dublin, with there being a good chance that this was his final game in blue. If he does hang up his boots, he will leave behind quite the legacy.
His life off the pitch has also changed quite a bit over the last 12 months or so, with his daughter Sadie celebrating her first birthday at Croke Park today. As well as that, he is set to marry longtime partner and Dublin ladies player Niamh McEvoy over the next couple of weeks.
Speaking to RTÉ after the game, he revealed that some of his Dublin teammates are set to have big roles during the upcoming nuptials.
Dean Rock celebrates his All-Ireland win with his daughter Sadie on her first birthday
"It's been a magical time" pic.twitter.com/exzd8RfJi9— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 30, 2023
I was in a much different place to this this time last year, that's for sure. It's a very special day for everyone involved, particularly to have with Sadie on her first birthday, it's certainly unique. It's a day we will never forget anyway...
The older you get in your 30s, you certainly weigh it up. You keep coming back for the group. As I said before, you're born with a family and then you grow another one through experience with sport. Sport for me has been amazing.
I'm getting married in two weeks and Ciaran [Kilkenny], James [McCarthy], and John [Small] are my groomsmen! It's going to be a special couple of weeks.
Going forward, that could be my last day in blue. I don't know. We will see how things play out in the winter.
It has been a magical time.
The timing of the wedding could hardly be better, with the All-Ireland victory still fresh in the minds of those in attendance.
You can guarantee that his Dublin teammates will be making the most of the celebrations.
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