Shelbourne manager Joey O'Brien set out their ambition to reclaim the league title in 2026 after finishing the season in third spot.
Shels' first attempt at defending an SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division title since 2005 - they were relegated immediately after winning the 2006 championship - was a tumultuous one, marked by a loss of form in mid-season and manager Damien Duff's abrupt departure in late June.
His assistant O'Brien filled the hot-seat and has overseen a strong end to the season with Shels taking 16 points from their last six games to ultimately guarantee European football with a game to spare.
Successive victories over Linfield also assured Shelbourne of a place in the Conference League league phase, which will now occupy their attention for the remainder of the year.
While a successful title defence was put out of reach a long time ago, O'Brien was encouraged by the uptick in form in the autumn.
"There's been great work put in place. That's three years in a row, we've got Europe. That was the aim," O'Brien told RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue after their 0-0 draw with St Patrick's Athletic.
"We wanted to retain the title. We didn't manage to do that. But then it was (a case of) right, let's make sure we get Europe.
"We've done that. But as I said to the lads, it moves onto the European games. We're looking to get wins in that."
As to their aims for 2026, O'Brien is blunt.
"It's about going after that title again. We're disappointed obviously that we gave it up. But we've been in good form the last while.
"Europe is still there to play for. But next season, it's about going after that league again."
The season concluded with an entertaining goalless draw at home to Pat's, with the visitors needing a goal to dislodge Bohemians in fourth place.
At the outset, Shels could still have finished in second spot and possibly secured a berth in the Europa League but were reliant on Derry City losing points in Turner's Cross, with Michael Duffy's header ensuring that wouldn't happen.
However, it was still Shels who came closest to winning the game at the death, Daniel Kelly missing a virtual open goal in the final act of the campaign.
"We had plenty of chances to go and win it," said O'Brien. "It was an exciting 0-0 I suppose. Both teams were trying to win it.
"Obviously, we wanted to try and win the game and hopefully rely on Cork to maybe get a result and us to get second, that was the aim. Didn't happen but to get Europe - we'll take it."
