He may be one of Ireland's most experienced players and managers but Mick McCarthy has brought his six-year tenure at Ipswich Town to a dramatic end.
He wasn't due to depart until the end of the season but the man known as 'Captain Fantastic' in his playing days simply said "I'm out of here" after their 1-0 win over Barnsley.
The 59-year-old whose father hailed from the west Waterford town of Tallow, opted not to wait until end of the season to circulate his cv, departing four games early.
In an interview with the clubs tv channel it's clear negative reaction to debutant Barry Cotter being substituted helped make up his mind that it is the right move.
Ipswich had confirmed in March the former Sunderland and Wolves boss would leave when his contract expired at the end of the campaign.
But McCarthy told the club website that an agreement was reached at the weekend to leave early.
"I said I would see the season out but it's been a new experience and it's not one I have been enjoying to be honest," he said. "I have continued to do my job to the best of my ability but there is something missing and I'm not comfortable with that.
"I have had a great time here and worked with some great people and to all those who have given me wonderful support over the last five and a half years - and there are many - I want to put on record my personal thanks."
Will the club come to regret the departure of McCarthy?
The longest serving manager in the English championship, confirmed he would be "looking for a new challenge elsewhere".
Assistant manager Terry Connor has also left the Portman Road side, who are 12th in the table and travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The club's head of coaching and player development Bryan Klug will take charge of Ipswich's last four Championship games of the season.
Mick was always great for a quote. Remember his 'bacon slicer' moment?
When his Ipswich departure was announced in March he claimed that some "numbskull" supporters had ruined home games this season.
After the 2-2 draw at Millwall on Easter Monday he admitted a part of him had "died" after his exit was confirmed and that he felt like he was in a driverless car.
He's up for a new challenge now. Will he pick up the phone to John Delaney?!
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