When the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division season kicked off, Galway United and Dundalk were tipped to be among the protagonists in the relegation battle.
One side had endured significant squad turnover during the winter after surviving on the final day in 2025, while the latter had the difficult task of re-establishing themselves in the top flight.
But as the league reaches the 10th round of games, both clubs are sitting relatively pretty within the top five.
That has been particularly helped by impressive six-point hauls apiece over the Easter weekend.
Galway saw off an out-of-sorts Derry City on Friday, before a rousing comeback on Monday saw them overturn a two-goal deficit and beat Drogheda United.
Meanwhile, Dundalk also picked up a 3-2 win at Shelbourne and then built on it by putting a stop to St Patrick's Athletic's high-flying start.
Of course, there is a long way to go in the campaign with twists and turns to come. But for now, John Caulfield and Ciarán Kilduff will be delighted with their respective sides' endeavours.
It's a point, ex-LOI title winners Conan Byrne and Graham Gartland concurred with on this week's RTÉ Soccer Podcast.
For Galway, the addition of more of a goal threat from different areas has been making a difference, according to ex-St Pat's midfielder Byrne.
That is exemplified by Canadian wideman Kris Twardek, who is already up to five goals for the season.
"With Twardek, the best return he's ever gotten before this season has been four goals and as an attacking player you're surprised at that considering the way he plays and how direct he is," he said of the ex-Bohemians and Sligo Rovers player.
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"But he comes on in the 60th minute last night, scores within a couple of minutes and assists the winner.
"They're the type of impact substitutions that John Caulfield will absolutely love. Stephen Walsh came on at half-time and set up one of the goals as well.
"So impact substitutions are key and with the players that he has - he has Stephen Walsh who will score goals, obviously (Frantz) Pierrot will score goals and Twardek will score goals.
"Dave Hurley will chip in like we saw the other night with the free kick. (He) takes penalties. He actually missed his first one on the opening day of the season in Eamonn Deacy Park but he has scored one since.
"Galway are a good side. They do need to tighten up at the back, no question about that. But their attacking options are very good and they will score goals."
Dundalk, meanwhile, have scored plenty of goals from second balls, highlighting the tempo and commitment they are playing with.
"They play with high energy which is big for them," said former Drogheda United captain Gartland.
"They're actually the joint-top goalscorers in the division with Pat's on 18 goals which is brilliant for them.
"To come straight back up (from the First Division), you're thinking do they have enough goals to keep them in the division? Yeah they do, they've been excellent.
"I couldn't speak more highly of the job Ciarán Kilduff has done because I know there was even talk in the off-season over a bit of discontent as well around a few things, and he signed his contract.
"But he just carries himself so well, really nice fella and obviously the way he has his team playing has been unbelievable.
"And Daryl Horgan has been excellent. I know he got sent off the other night but he has the zip back in his step. (Gbemi) Arubi, the striker up front looks a real handful, gets himself in.
"He gets a header the other night from a brilliant position in front of the goalkeeper against Shels, and they've been excellent.
"They really have and they fully deserve to be where they're at. I'll hold my hands up, I didn't expect Dundalk to come up and do this well.
"I thought they'd struggle and there'd be a bit more hardship for them. But they've been unbelievable and a breath of fresh air in terms of how they're trying to play and the energy they're bringing. Full credit goes to Ciarán Kilduff."
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