Brian Howard extolled the virtues of Stephen Cluxton's return as Dublin continued to bask in the glory of All-Ireland victory on Monday morning.
A 1-15 to 1-13 win at Croke Park on Sunday was enough to dethrone rivals Kerry and end a two-and-a-half year wait since the last final triumph for what had been successive all-conquering generations.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport's Marty Morrissey outside the team hotel alongside manager Dessie Farrell on Monday morning, Raheny clubman Howard recalled the moment now nine-time All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Cluxton made his return to the panel at Parnell Park.
"No I wasn't (expecting his return), I know people probably don't believe us. But I remember sitting there and he walks in the door and I was looking around to see if anyone was having a reaction," he said.
"But he just walked straight in, sat down and we went into the meeting and he wouldn't shut up, he was giving out. It's credit to himself the way he holds himself.
"He came back in at 40-years-of-age or whatever age he is now, and was ready to do whatever Dessie or Josh (Moran) the goalie coach asked of him. Whatever was asked of him, he took with open arms.
"In fairness to (the other goalkeepers), they're not easy to get ahead of. He's done well and at that age, to be able to come back in and have the effect he's had on the group is amazing."
Howard also said winning the Sam Maguire Cup for Farrell was also a key target for the squad when they reconvened last November.
"Big time. I've had the privilege of playing under Dessie at underage and we've won an All-Ireland underage but the stall was set out early doors in terms of people came back hungry, there was a good motivation around the team to get back up those steps," said the 26-year-old.
"The more senior lads coming back in, they took a lot of the headlines in terms of the experience coming back into the group.
"But in terms of the whole group as a unit, there were about 12 new lads who came into the team this year and they've got a taste of a bit of glory so it's just amazing and we set out stall out in November to get back up those steps and thankfully we did."
While this was Howard's fifth All-Ireland, it is Farrell's second as manager.
In his fourth season as Dublin boss, Farrell contrasted the mood to the last one in 2020 when celebrations were curtailed in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Back in 2020 when we won, it was very muted post-match celebrations," he said.
"We went back to Parnell Park and it was just literally players and backroom teams so no partners, no parents, no friends and that all that sort of thing.
"But last night was very different. It was really, really enjoyable to get to share special times with the people that we all love so much."
