IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER

Bradley on joy and relief of seeing son Josh finish treatment

- BY MARK McCADDEN in the Azores

AS THE flight yesterday began its approach to Ponta Delgada Airport on Sao Miguel, the largest of the Azores islands, a chant broke out.

“One Josh Bradley,” sang the 125 Shamrock Rovers fans on board.

Earlier that morning, Stephen Bradley couldn't get too far in Dublin Airport without a hand extending in front of him.

The messages of congratulations weren't for anything the Shamrock Rovers manager had achieved in guiding the Hoops back to the top of the Premier Division, or to within 180 minutes of a return to league phase football in Europe.

No, it was the biggest win of all, his son Josh triumphantly blowing the full-time whistle on his battle with leukaemia, that had strangers approaching Bradley on his way to Gate 224, where a charter awaited to take him, his team and the supporters to the Azores, for tonight's Europa Conference League playoff against Santa Clara.

Two Bohemians fans, both airport employees, even got in on the act, dropping the bitter rivalry between the two clubs to recognise that there are times when football takes a back seat.

The news that Josh had made a full recovery broke on social media the night before, via a post from children’s cancer charity Oscar's.

Josh was back in Crumlin Children's Hospital for one more visit to say goodbye to staff and perform the symbolic ringing of the bell, signalling the end of a near three-and-a-half year battle.

At 11 years of age, he has spent over a quarter of his life receiving treatment that affected him both mentally and physically, with each dose of chemo leaving him exhausted and sore.