We're approaching the middle of August and qualification for the various European competitions is entering that thin-line phase. For some their dreams will die this week, while others will be guaranteed a place in the group stage when the nights start to draw in.
For Shelbourne, they well see out this month with at least three more games. But in what competition?
This evening, Joey O'Brien's side take on Rijeka (7.45pm kick-off) in the third qualifying round of the Europa League at Tolka Park, holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg. Should Shelbourne overcome the Croatian champions they would then face the winner of Greek side PAOK and Austrian outfit Wolfsberger in the play-off round.
If defeat is their lot, then a possible rematch is in store against Linfield in the Conference League play-off, that's if the Belfast side overcome a 2-1 deficit against Faroe Islands outfit Víkingur.
Still much to play for. Shels defender Paddy Barrett played on the Dundalk team that go to the group stage of the Europa League back in 2016. It was a European campaign where the Co Louth club famously overcame BATE Borisov in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, winning 3-1 in Tallaght Stadium to set up a high-profile clash with Legia Warsaw, where the home leg was played at the Avia Stadium.
Recalling those games with BATE, Barrett told the press in advance of the return tie with Rijeka: "The away game was the best 1-0 loss I was ever involved in. It could have been any score over there but we did fancy ourselves going back to Tallaght. We knew we got away with one over there and we felt we have nothing to lose now.
"There was a tension but there was a confidence as well. We knew the quality of the team we had at the time; we had an unbelievable squad. Once the first goal went in we knew as a squad that we were going to push on ad win that game."
That was nine years ago and the defender, now 32, feels it would be an even greater achievement if he can play his part in driving Shels towards a European adventure that extends beyond this month.
"Of course I was a lot younger back then but it would be just amazing, now that I'm more of a leader, more mature player," he revealed.
"I had an amazing time back then and I want to recreate them memories again with Shelbourne; it's something I'm driving to do.
"The aim for this club is to get group stages in European football. When the opportunity comes along it is amazing and you have to appreciate what's at stake. It's a life-changing experience that you can travel and play against top-quality opposition."
And Rijeka do have quality and will be boosted by the return of attacker Tony Fruk for the Drumcondra encounter. A case then of Shelbourne staying focused.
"If you switch off for a second you'll be punished," Barrett outlined.
"You are playing a top-quality players who can create something out of nothing; their movement is a lot quicker, a lot sharper than it is in our own league. They have players than can create chances out of nothing.
"We need to take our own game to them and we've worked on things this week so as to put our best foot forward and have a right crack off them."
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