The Bluebirds completed an immediate return to the Championship in dramatic fashion as head coach Barry-Murphy admitted the overriding emotion at full-time was to let out an enormous sigh with a slump of the shoulders.
It has been a season that has tested and ultimately vindicated his leadership.
Cardiff sealed promotion with a 3-1 win away at Reading, a result that, combined with rivals Stockport County dropping points late on, ensured Cardiff bounced straight back at the first attempt following last season’s relegation.
For Barry-Murphy, brought in to rebuild a side that had endured instability and inconsistency in recent years, the achievement marks a significant milestone in his first campaign in charge.
Cardiff’s journey has been far from smooth. There were early-season doubts, pressure to deliver, and the weight of expectation all hung over the club, but their strong finish under his guidance has transformed the current outlook.
“Obviously it’s a huge relief,” said the Irishman afterwards.
“It’s been an incredible day to see all our supporters here, there were extraordinary scenes towards the end of the game.
“We tried to stay focused on the game but it was difficult. It was probably only the last four of five minutes that we could really enjoy.”
Cardiff laid the foundations for promotion with a composed display, taking control through goals from Rubin Colwill and Omari Kellyman either side of the interval.
Although Reading responded through Daniel Kyerewaa, Perry Ng’s stunning late strike settled any nerves and sparked celebrations among the travelling support.
Barry-Murphy added: “Our performance was everything that I wanted. We attacked really well.
“I was slightly worried with all the good players that Reading had on the pitch but their goal came from nothing, really.
“You then have to get back on your game quickly and, thankfully, Perry (Ng) came up with a brilliant goal.
“When he scored, it was a big relief.”
The scenes at the final whistle reflected both joy and exhaustion after a demanding season.
“It was one of those things you couldn't predict,” said Barry-Murphy.
“It's the beautiful nature of football and it's a fitting end to what has been a magnificent season for us all.
“It's been an incredible day to see our supporters and those extraordinary scenes towards the end of the game.”
Promotion represents a major success for Barry-Murphy, who has instilled a clear identity and resilience within the squad - qualities that proved decisive in the run-in.
Every time they have suffered a setback, the coach has made sure it not extend into a severe decline.
With many players experiencing a promotion push for the first time, the occasion carried added significance.
“It's great for the players,” he said.
“We haven't had many players who have experienced this, so for many of our players to have the feeling of performing in the way that we did under such pressure was great for them.
“And it does lead you on to dreaming about next season and what we could achieve.”
There had been no elaborate plans for celebrations, but the achievement itself was enough.
“No, we haven’t planned any celebrations. I think that was the best way to do it.”
Cardiff now return to home turf to face Port Vale on Wednesday night, where supporters will have the chance to mark the promotion properly.
“The supporters deserve to have a night when they can celebrate with their team,” Barry-Murphy said.
“I hope that we play well then. I’m sure that the players will give it everything.
“I think that it’s important that you celebrate this. I don’t think that we have many players who have experienced something like this.
“And I suppose it leads you on to dream about what you might be able to achieve next season.”
For Reading, the defeat confirmed the end of their own play-off ambitions after a difficult run of form, though manager Leam Richardson acknowledged Cardiff’s achievement.
“As a game for the neutral, I thought that it was a very good game,” he said.
“I thought that our performance level was night and day compared to last week at Doncaster (1-0 defeat).
“Over the five months that we’ve been here, I think that 70 or 80 per cent of the time that’s been us.
“We have dropped below that, like last week, and dropped short a couple of times.
“But, today, that was more of us. We had a couple of big penalty shouts and missed a couple of chances early on that could have gone our way.
“Congratulations to Brian and his team for getting promoted. We’ll digest and reflect on that and move on.”
For Cardiff, though, the focus now shifts forward.
After a turbulent period in the club’s recent history, this promotion not only restores their Championship status but signals renewed optimism under Barry-Murphy’s leadership.
There is also the promise of what might come next, not to mention four Welsh derbies to look forward to, provided Wrexham do not get promoted to the Premier League.
