Shamrock Rovers’ Stephen Bradley Celebrates Son’s Triumph Over Leukaemia

The manager of Shamrock Rovers, Stephen Bradley, celebrated a significant personal milestone this week as his son, Josh Bradley, rang the end-of-treatment bell after a prolonged battle with leukaemia. The 11-year-old has undergone treatment for over three and a half years, and this moment marks a joyful turning point for the Bradley family.

Accompanied by family, Josh joyfully rang the bell, a symbol of triumph against the illness. The occasion was filled with smiles and a sense of relief, representing a day the family had eagerly anticipated. Stephen Bradley, who has openly shared the challenges faced during Josh’s illness, described the emotional toll it has taken on their family.

Over the years, Stephen has spoken candidly about the helplessness he felt as a parent. He reflected on the difficulties of protecting his son during such trying times, stating, “Your job as a parent is to protect your kids at all costs, but at that moment, you can’t do that, and you feel like you’ve let them down.”

His journey included moments of deep emotional struggle. He recounted a particularly poignant memory from a trip to Bulgaria with his team, where he found himself overwhelmed with emotion. “I remember calling Emma the day of the game and just crying,” he said. “Sometimes you just feel that you’re in the wrong place.”

Josh became a well-loved figure among Shamrock Rovers supporters, particularly after he lifted the League of Ireland trophy alongside his father in 2022. His resilience has inspired many, with messages of support flooding in from fans across the nation.

Now that Josh has completed his treatment, Stephen Bradley can refocus on his professional responsibilities. The Shamrock Rovers manager is preparing for an important Conference League match against Santa Clara in the Azores, but the joy of his son’s recovery will undoubtedly serve as a source of strength as he leads his team forward.

This week’s celebration highlights not only the victory over illness but also the enduring bond between father and son, showcasing the personal struggles that often accompany public life in the world of sports.