In years to come when memory is crinkled Ryan Lyons is “old and grey and full of sleep” he will remember his epic after-match interview and speech on a soft autumn night in Enniskillen.
For the Erne Gaels eloquent captain forgot nobody in a most considered delivery.
This was his fourth county final appearance, but it was clear that Lyons and the Gaels were just not going to accept being second best any longer.
And he skillfully put this great win in perspective.
“Look around there at the crowd and grown men and women in tears. It is unbelievable, and 43 years is such a long time.
“We have fallen short on a few occasions over the past few years and it just makes today all the sweeter.”
Lyons added: “We lost Boots (Brian Mullin), Shane Rooney got a black card, and we went five points behind but the difference this year is that we did not wilt as in previous years.
“We spoke about it at halftime as we felt that Enniskillen had already thrown the kitchen sink at us, and we knew it was coming but we reacted so well and we had leaders all over the pitch.
“Last week we had Dan McCann with his three points and today the leaders were from Brian Ryder in nets right throughout the team.
“We are capable of kicking anything from 0-13 to -0-16 and it was only a matter of time before it happened and thankfully it was in the county final.
“And we have conceded very little in the championship and are really well organized in defence.
And in his emotional speech, Lyons paid tribute to “the man himself” Brian Mullin who was in hospital with a dislocated shoulder, but he was later released and joined in the big celebrations in Belleek.
“He led us to the Intermediate title three years to the day and he said we were going to the top of the tree in Fermanagh and he sure was right.”
Lyons then graciously saluted all the great players who did not get to walk up the steps in Brewster Park saying they “are all part of this.”
“They have inspired generation after generation and kept the tradition alive, so a massive congratulations to all who have been involved with the club over the past 43 years.”
And he paid tribute to a “seriously gifted Enniskillen Gaels side.”
“We have had some great battles with you over the years and you gave us quite a fright and the quality you have is unbelievable and we will see you again next year.
“And as a club and a community, the support we got from the people of the area has been just wonderful.”
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