The All-Ireland club finals are today in Croke Park. The quality of these matches vary, but every now and again, a truly momentous champion is crowned.
On this day nine years ago, Ballina met Portlaoise in the club football final. Ballina were scarred by losing the '99 final to Crossmaglen. Their spiritual leader, David Brady, had been scarred by losing many more All-Ireland finals with Mayo - '96, '97, '04, '06, others.
On this day, Ballina would prevail, only just. They won 1-12 to 2-08. Tommy Lyons would speak of Brady's will to win after the match:
"David Brady also cried with determination during the half-time break and it just showed the level of commitment and desire that was there. No one deserved it more than David."
TG4 caught up with Brady after the match. DB is a good man for a quote, but when his gaze tightened here and he revealed his relief at winning in the face of likely devastation, you get a sense of the emotional toll that athletes have to endure for such fleeting glory.
When written on a page, Brady's words echo as if they were a 'Nebraska'-era Bruce Springsteen song about Gaelic football.
I've been a loser my whole life.
Today, Hogan Stand boy,
to pick up the Cup.
Two champions will be crowned today. Here's to victory.
