Pico Lopes' year to remember: new son, league crown and World Cup dream realised 

Famously, it was through his father, Cape Verde-born Carlos, that his international career switched from chasing the Ireland dream. His full debut came at 27.

YEAR TO REMEMBER: From becoming the first League of Ireland stalwart to qualify for the World Cup to fatherhood and then reclaiming the league title with Shamrock Rovers its been a joyful three weeks. Picture: Cristiano Barbosa/Sportsfile

As a former bank teller, Pico Lopes realises you can’t put a price on the joy he’s indulged in the past three weeks.

From becoming the first League of Ireland stalwart to qualify for the World Cup to fatherhood and then reclaiming the league title with Shamrock Rovers.