Then there were two.
The race for the League of Ireland title concludes tonight with what should be a thrilling finale.
Long-time leaders Shelbourne fell back to the pack in recent weeks but two victories on the bounce have them within touching distance of a first LOI since 2006.
Shamrock Rovers were tailed off for large parts but a late surge sees them shoot into the reckoning, piling the pressure on Damien Duff’s outfit ahead of the final day.
Whatever happens, all eyes are on the League of Ireland on Friday night ahead one of the most exciting conclusions in its history.
There’s pressure on both sides with Shels guaranteed to lift the cup if they beat Derry away.
If they slip up, then Rovers will take a historic fifth title in a row with victory over Waterford. The Reds are two points ahead but a draw wouldn't be enough for them with Stephen Bradley’s Hoops possessing a better scoring difference.
On top of everything else, Derry City have a cup final against Drogheda to look forward to the following week, just adding to the drama.
A thrilling Promo was release on the League of Ireland social channels on Thursday night, involving an exchange between Tony O’Donoghue and Damien Duff.
Tony O'Donoghue: All that emotion, can you try and just calm it a bit maybe and might that help you towards a result?
Damien Duff: Emotion? I love it.
A race to the finish.
A fitting finale to the most epic race of them all live on @RTEsport tomorrow. #LOI | #TheFinale pic.twitter.com/CAQcn82deV
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) October 31, 2024
Duff went onto explain why this triumph would rank above all else he's achieved in his career.
"I've put my heart and soul into it, not that I didn't as a player," he explained to O'Donoghue.
"Playing football was second nature to me, since I was that high, I had a football at my feet, so dribbling in an Irish jersey or on a Champions League night wasn't stress to me, it was just normal.
"Whereas this is totally out of the comfort zone stuff and the hardest thing I've ever done."
