Cork City's departure from the Europa League tonight signalled the end of a disappointing week for League of Ireland teams on the continent.
The Premier Division pace-setters couldn't overturn a 1-0 opening leg deficit against AEK Larnaca at Turner's Cross.
Despite their best efforts, John Caulfield's side slumped to defeat by the same scoreline against the Cypriots this evening - crashing out 2-0 on aggregate.
WATCH:
Here's the goal that has AEK Larnaca 2-0 ahead on aggregate vs @CorkCityFC. #LOIinEurope pic.twitter.com/PeKeqpEMLV— eir Sport (@eirSport) July 20, 2017
Shamrock Rovers also confirmed their European exit after a 2-0 defeat away to Czech outfit, Mlada Boleslav.
After a 3-2 defeat in Tallaght last week, their slim hopes of progressing were extinguished after Jan Chramosta netted the opener on nine minutes.
The pair follow Dundalk in an early exit from European competition. Stephen Kenny's men put up a brave fight, but lost out to Norwegian giants Rosenborg 3-2 on aggregate in their Champions League.
The reigning Premier Division champions took the lead through Brian Gartland to grab an away goal and even forced the home side to extra-time.
There ends the European challenge this season, a bitter disappointment for some League of Ireland fans.
Dundalk's challenge in the Europa League group stages last season no doubt raised expectations, but with the form Cork City have shown this season, it's certainly a deflating finish.
Caulfield's men sit 15-points clear of Dundalk at the top of the Premier Division with a game in hand. With a victory against Estonian side Levadia Tallinn, some felt this would be the year Cork make their mark in Europe.
The league leaders now wave goodbye to star striker Sean Maguire and defender Kevin O'Connor who join Preston North End this summer.
The Odyssey ends in disappointment, but it is worth remembering that Irish teams to a large extent punch above their weight on the continent.
For the fans, all they can do is look forward to summer 2018.
