It may be some time before the Ireland team can look back on this World Cup with a clear head after suffering a demoralising 46-14 defeat to the All-Blacks today.
Joe Schmidt's side, who will flying so high in 2018 after a Grand Slam, test wins over New Zealand and Australia, and the World Cup already on their radar.
But a pool stage loss to the hosts ended up resigning Ireland to a last eight tie with the reigning champions that ended in a crushing defeat in Tokyo that has consigned them to a four-year wait to try to reach the semi-finals for the first time.
Schmidt will bow out of the job today along with captain Rory Best as a new era will begin for Irish rugby under Andy Farrell.
The 44-year-old has been Ireland's defence coach since 2016 and will immediately take over the reigns from Schmidt after the World Cup.
But he will have to wait some time for his first match in charge which will come in the 2020 Six Nations when Ireland host Scotland at the Aviva on Saturday, 1 Febraury - giving this Ireland crop 106 days to stew on another quarter-final exit.
They will also host Wales and Italy, and Farrell will take his team on the road to Twickenham to face England on 23 February before they end their Championship against France in Paris on Saturday, 14 March.
If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
