Once again David Meyler wore the captain's armband for Ireland and it was a famous for the national side as a 2018 FIFA World Cup playoff spot was secured.
Of course, we're not actually at the World Cup yet, with a perilous playoff tie to negotiate first against opponents unknown.
But for tonight at least, Meyler and co will enjoy the moment before facing the next storm to come.
Speaking to Off The Ball's Dave McIntyre post-match in Cardiff City's Stadium, the Ireland and Hull midfielder's joy was clear.
"Tremendous, unbelievable, the whole lot," he said when asked about his emotions.
"From the other night on Friday to tonight, the work-rate in training, it all paid off. I said we'd win the two games. We've won the two games now. We'll enjoy tonight and then we'll focus on the playoffs."
Ireland's James McClean and David Meyler celebrate after the game ©INPHO/James Crombie
Meyler and his team-mates had expected a nervy, cagey opening part to the match but they had communicated the need to be solid and compact as the Welsh pressed and probed.
And he of course he had a leadership role as captain in the absence of Seamus Coleman and Jon Walters.
"I wouldn't have believed it," said the Cork man on whether he would have envisaged captaining his country when the campaign began.
"I captained Ireland in a friendly match against the USA and then obviously the opportunity came Friday which was unbelievable. I'm still pinching myself, thinking I probably won't lead the lads tonight when Robbie and James come back in but obviously the manager's given me the nod so I've to go out and I have to perform and repay him with a performance."
A challenge on Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey late in the match led to a booking which puts him out of Ireland's playoff first leg and Meyler described it as a "rush of blood to the head" as he desperately tried to get to the ball.
"If you'd said to me before the game, 'Take a yellow card and captain your country in a World Cup qualifier to beat Wales in Wales, I'd have bitten your hand off," he said.
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