What a difference a year makes.
Twelve months ago, Sean Maguire rattled in a hat-trick at Oriel Park to fire Cork City 18 points clear of Dundalk at the tip of the Airtricity league Premier Division table. In the stands were Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill and his assistant Roy Keane.
The next day it was confirmed the striker would join Championship outfit Preston North End at the end of July.
Maguire's goals had given the Leesiders a lead they would not squander - John Caulfield's men also added the FAI Cup to the cabinet in his absence - and the Kilkenny man set off on a new adventure.
It's an opportunity he's grabbed with both hands. Maguire has had to endure some bad luck across the water - hamstring problems disrupted his campaign - but he still returned 10 goals in 19 appearances, shattering any doubts he'd be able to deliver at that level.
Ireland recognition has followed too, though again injury has denied him more appearances in green than he surely would have made. Still, it's been a good year for the 24-year-old.
"It's surreal thinking back on that day (in Dundalk) to see how far I've come in the space of a year," Maguire told RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue.
"To see myself now in the Irish set-up, having a couple of caps under my belt... I got the 10, 15 minutes (against Moldova for his debut) - it was a bit of a blur.
"Coming on for Shane Long, a player I looked up to from a young age, I kind of compare myself to him in many ways to him, his work rate and where he's come from. It was a special moment for me.
"(Cork) won the double that year and John is doing a fine job with the boys this year. It's a really interesting campaign.
"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster for myself the past year, since I joined Preston. I got the move, started playing games, scored a few goals, got my Irish international debut - it's been a decent season for myself and the team. Next season we want to push on and get into the top six."
Maguire recently attended Cork's 3-0 win over Waterford United, another of his former clubs, and keeps a keen eye on both teams' fortunes.
"It was a bit strange going back as a supporter this time, seeing a few old faces. It was a really good game.
"Obviously the two teams are at the top end of the table. It was a good win for Cork but both teams are playing a good brand of football.
"It was good to get back. I've been enjoying the last few weeks being back home."
He's also closely followed the progression of another League of Ireland graduate to the Ireland fold.
Graham Burke has already registered his first senior international goal; and Maguire hopes the two can link up to ensure more follow.
"Graham has scored a lot of goals this season, goals that are probably going to be up there for goal of the season. It's great for (Burke and Bohs goalkeeper Shane Supple) to be representing the League of Ireland on the international stage.
"I'll be looking forward to seeing Graham playing with myself hopefully in Irish colours in the future.
"Hopefully, touch wood, I've an injury free season and I can show everyone that in a full season at Championship level I can score goals."
