Shelbourne have been dealt a mid-season setback with star defender Gavin Molloy set to join Aberdeen on 1 July.
The Dons have snapped up Molloy for an undisclosed fee subject to international clearance.
The 22-year-old has been excellent for Shels this season. He helped them to dig out a 1-0 win against Waterford FC at the RSC on Thursday night that left Damien Duff's side two points clear at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division with a game in hand.
That has proved to be Molloy's final game for the club, and he will now use the two-week break to prepare for life in the Scottish Premiership.
"It's emotional to leave, these have been the best three years of my life," said Molloy, the grandson of former Shelbourne captain Theo Dunne, who captained the side in the 1960s.
"The fans have made me feel really comfortable, I've flourished at Tolka, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Missing out on (playing in) Europe will be tough but I’ve always wanted to play across the water, which is the dream of any young lad, and I’m fulfilling it now.
"Playing at Tolka and representing Shels has been the highlight of my life. The pride I felt is indescribable. My family are Shels fanatics, so with my bloodline, my grandad, it makes it really special. I’ll be back as a fan, there’ll be no doubt about it."
Shels were very keen for Molloy to stay as they chase a league title, but Duff wished the departing centre-half luck in the next chapter of his career.
"Speaking on behalf of everyone, I want to wish Gavin the best of luck, he's a fabulous boy, a class act and he never gave me a moment of trouble," he said.
"We wish him all the best. We’re sad to see Gavin go of course, but that is the way of the world now. The club will move on like it did after Tony Sheridan, Jack Moylan, and Wes Hoolahan left. We’ll do our business, we’ll be sharing some signings very soon, and we’ll adapt as we always have done."
Meanwhile Molloy's new boss Jimmy Thelin is delighted to bolster his ranks with the Irishman.
"Gavin has developed a growing reputation in Ireland," said the Swede.
"He brings great versatility, a positive attitude and both on and off the pitch conducts himself in the correct manner.
"Gavin is also a leader, something which is important for a strong and successful team, and it's a characteristic, along with a hard-working attitude which is in the DNA of this club."
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