Kerry FC manager Colin Healy lauded his charges' character and their fitness as the First Division side pulled off a remarkable 4-3 comeback win over five-time FAI Cup winners Sligo Rovers in the quarter-finals of this year's competition.
Nascent talent Owen Elding had Rovers three goals to the good by the 61st minute at Mounthawk Park, but the home side clambered their way out of the abyss and soared to a new zenith in the history of a club which was only founded in 2022.
Cian Brosnan scored either side of a goal from Joe Adams to force extra time, with Daniel Okwute sealing a historic victory.
"When you are 3-0 down it's always going to be difficult, but the lads responded very, very well," a beaming Healy told RTÉ Sport after the shock result.
"To come back from 3-0 down shows the strength of the squad and the character.
"We needed a lot of things to go right for us and they did.
"We looked the fitter side and the side that was going to go and win it.
"Our boys never gave up and they got better and better. It's a credit to them."
The manager seemed eager to keep a lid on the celebratory atmosphere and shift the focus immediately to their task in the last four of the competition, adding: "We've achieved nothing yet.
"We're in the semi-finals and we've the semi-finals to look forward to, and the players are focused on that, but it's great for everyone at the football club."
Despite languishing in eighth place in the second tier of Irish football, Healy is encouraged by what he's seen on the pitch, but perhaps more importantly off it.
A large catchment area and a county brimming over with playing talent means there is plenty of room for upside at Kerry FC.
"The club is going from strength to strength, it's growing very, very quickly," the former Republic of Ireland midfielder enthused.
"The support there tonight was unbelievable and it's so important that they're getting behind the players."
"The players respond to that and feed off that and we're all in this together.
"It was a massive, massive performance and I'm delighted for everybody."
