Only Prince Charles has experienced such a delay in coronation, but last night, Cork City finally sealed the league title they declared rights to in the opening week of the season. Cork have pretty much stumbled over the line, but ultimately, a 0-0 draw against Derry City at Turner's Cross last night earned them a first league title since 2005.
While it is Cork's year, there are a multitude of other stories from this League of Ireland season, and the fact that Derry City last night confirmed European football next season should not be overlooked.
It has been a desperately trying season for Derry, having endured the unimaginable grief of losing their captain Ryan McBride at the age of just 27. Yet they have survived, and are beginning to thrive under the stewardship of Kenny Shiels.
As Cork sang merrily through Monday night into Tuesday morning, Shiels spoke to John Kenny of RTE. He stressed that Cork were deserving champions, admonished those who try to detract from their triumph, and while he admitted he was disappointed with his team's performance on the night, he paid tribute to his club after a deeply difficult season.
Watch it below.
An emotional Kenny Shiels gives some special words to @corkcityfc and his own @derrycityfc players for coming through the hardest of years. pic.twitter.com/d1gvgoE2Fa
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) October 18, 2017
