Stephen Bradley has thanked Shamrock Rovers fans for their special tribute last night to his eight-year-old son who is ill in hospital.
And the Hoops boss also singled out Bohemians counterpart Keith Long and his staff for putting their rivalry on hold before and after last night’s Dublin derby.
Rovers edged out the Gypsies 1-0 at a sold-out Tallaght Stadium with Rory Gaffney weighing in with a second-half winner.
READ MORE: Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Bohemians: Rovers come out on top in chaotic Dublin Derby
But in the eighth minute, fans from both teams stood to applaud Bradley’s son who is battling a serious illness.
At the final whistle, Gypsies boss Long, his assistant Trevor Croly, other members of the backroom staff and some players all sought out Bradley to express their well wishes.
Bradley, his own staff, and players then made their way towards the Rovers fans in the South Stand and went into a huddle in front of the goal before punching the air.
And Bradley said of the eighth-minute reception: “It made me really emotional. I can’t thank them enough, each and every person here that did that for me and for my family.
“My little boy is in the hospital watching that match, he will know that’s for him and that’s a special moment and something that will live with him and with me forever.
“Massive, massive thank you to everyone.”
Bradley continued: “My son has a telly in his room and he said if we didn’t win I couldn’t go back and sleep in the hospital! So I know where I’m sleeping tonight.
“We’re a tight group, players and staff. There may be times if he’s not well that I won’t be here, but I trust Glenn (Cronin) and Stephen (McPhail) with my life.
“I know they will be fine, and we may need that over the next few weeks or few months.”
Bradley also thanked Long for parking their rivalry and reaching out before yesterday’s game.
“Keith texted me yesterday, and so did Trevor, and so did 99% of the league. Rivalries don’t matter when it’s something so personal like that,” said Bradley.
“The support we’ve had as a family is fantastic, from everyone around the league and everyone connected to football around the country. I can’t thank them enough.
“There’s nothing better than telling the little fella that X Y and Z has sent you a message or a video, and see a little smile on his face. Massive, massive thank you.”
Gypsies boss Long was delighted with his team’s first-half performance last night but felt Bohs ultimately lacked a bit of quality to capitalise on their chances.
But Long felt football paled into insignificance considering the issues that Bradley - a father of three - and his family are facing off the pitch.
Long said: “Football, in our world, is the most important of the unimportant things. I think it was Jurgen Klopp quoted as saying that.
“Really, it puts it into perspective when Stephen is experiencing the difficulties and challenges that he is right at this moment.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family and his young son. It’s only right, correct and proper that we stand (with him).”
And Bohs boss Long continued: “We’re rivals on the pitch and we've had our moments, myself and Stephen.
“But the human aspect is that nobody wants to see an illness like that to a young child. It doesn't seem right.
“Our thoughts and prayers from everybody within our club are with Stephen and his family at this time. That's for sure. Life is bigger than football.”
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