A record-breaking crowd may have witnessed St Patrick's Athletic's FAI Cup final victory over Bohemians at the Aviva Stadium, but interest levels were global for the Irish soccer showpiece.
Just short of 44,000 spectators watched on as the Saints battled back from a goal down to claim a 3-1 success, and a second victory over the Gypsies in the cup decider in three years.
The Dublin derby brought about an electric atmosphere to Dublin 4, but as far away as Canada there were watch parties owing to the presence of former Vancouver Whitecaps defender David Norman in the Pat’s defence.
It has been a year to remember for the 25-year-old, who won a promotion medal with Northampton Town before joining the Inchicore club in July.
The former Canada Under-23 international, whose career has also taken him to Queen of the South in Scotland and MLS side Inter Miami, said the support he received made it an extra special occasion.
"My parents and my in-laws made the long trip out a couple of days ago. They weren’t going to miss this one for anything," he told RTÉ Sport.
"I was pleased to have them in the crowd. There were a few watch parties back in Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
"It was a great day.
"We play for each other, the staff, the players, but when we see our family in the stands…they are the ones who supported us since we were kids, dreaming of playing in cup finals, playing in environments like this in front of 40,000 plus fans."
Former Canadian international Jeff Clarke was part of a Pat’s side that claimed league titles in 1998 and 1999, but Norman isn’t sure where he has broken new ground in the cup.
"I’m not sure any Canadian has won the FAI Cup. It’s a special moment for sure, will have to check the history books after."
As well as the present of the cup win, Sunday's final was a good day for St Pat’s in terms of what lies in wait in the future.
When referee Paul McLaughlin blew the full-time whistle at the Aviva, they had four teenagers on the pitch – Sam Curtis started the game while Mason Melia, Adam Murphy and Tommy Lonergan came off the bench.
"It’s brilliant. I think I actually have two [medals] now because I was here in 2021, I was only 15 at the time but I wasn't in the squad but thankfully I still got a medal. This one feels so much sweeter," Curtis told RTÉ Sport.
"It's so sweet, words can’t describe it. Look, it was packed out, I think 43,000 was the official number, and I’m just delighted to be part of this club. To be part of this club’s history winning the cup final is absolutely brilliant."
Curtis’ celebration window was short as he jetted off with the Irish Under-21 side on Monday morning for their Euro qualifier away to Norway with Italy visiting Turner’s Cross next Tuesday.
"It's a privilege going in with the Ireland team....we have two big games coming up now with the U21s, I’m looking forward to them," Curtis added.
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