Brendan Murphy says Carlow's victory Wexford in the Leinster Championship was like winning the All-Ireland for supporters in the county.
The four-point victory at Dr Cullen Park saw scenes of unrivalled joy as supporters rushed onto the pitch to congratulate their heroes.
Speaking on Monday's Off The Ball, Murphy explained the feeling of winning their first championship match since 2011.
"After the game you'd have sworn we won a provincial or an All-Ireland," he said. "It was brilliant, all the supporters were out cheering you and wishing you the best of luck.
"We were on the pitch for 20 minutes afterwards getting photos taken and meeting the lads who had been in the jersey before."
Murphy bagged a goal and two points for Carlow, but says he was happy just to be able to do his bit.
"I'm glad I was able to contribute, but if you look at it as a whole there's 19 or 20 lads who put in the best game of their career in a Carlow jersey."
The victory was no accident, Murphy explains, with the hard work put in by each of the panel members. But Murphy says the players were surprised by the fanfare that went with it.
"It's something that we're not used to, someone coming up and shaking your hand because we don't have much success. There's not really a need for it.
"It's amazing what a win can do for the county."
Carlow players and supporters celebrate after Sunday's victory over Wexford. Image: ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson
Murphy also pointed out that the draw of Division 4 football isn't something that gets many supporters excited, but the championship always draws a crowd.
"For the league, you have your die-hards who travel to every ground in the country. They really support you and back the team.
"We don't have a great following because Division 4 isn't great viewing if I'm honest. It's dogged enough. Some people find it hard to follow the team because we're not entertaining them.
"In the championship we would always get a good turnout. It meant something to the supporters as much as us. They've soldiered for years with not that many wins. It's good to be able to share it with them."
Murphy admitted that while it was not always pretty, he was always committed to representing his county.
"At times you think to yourself 'why am I going training tonight?'. It's spilling rain and you're heading down to a mucky pitch for an hour and a half. You ask yourself if it's worth it.
"Football is a bit like an addiction, it's a way of life really. I was late joining the panel this year and thought will I or won't I. After a while you get that itch and you ask what you're going to do with your evenings. It has this hold over you."
Brendan Murphy celebrates with his nephew Finn after the game. Image: ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson
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