SCOTT BOYD admitted there were more tears than cheers in the visiting dressing room after County came from behind to end their season on a high.
Rocco Quinn's late strike made it 10 wins in fourteen games for the Highlanders and saw them leapfrog Killie to finish ninth. However, there was little celebration afterwards as club legend Richie Brittain is one of 15 players departing the Dingwall club.
Brittain was informed during the week that his seven-year stay at County was at an end and he made a late appearance as a substitute much to the delight of the noisy group of travelling fans.
Boyd, who faces an uncertain summer himself, said: "Richie has been a brilliant servant to the club. He has been a great captain, friend and team-mate for a very long time.
"It is sad to see him go. It was a pretty emotional time after the game and, obviously, Richie was a bit upset."
Boyd added: "Richie and I have been together as County rose up through the divisions. It looks as though things are going to be changing quite a bit and it's disappointing that Richie can't play a part."
Kilmarnock led before the break when Josh Magennis pounced on a wayward Martin Woods pass and fed Greg Kiltie who scored.
But the second half belonged to the visitors who levelled when Liam Boyce nipped in to flick over keeper Conor Brennan. Brittain took his bow just seconds after substitute Quinn netted the winner.
After looking like relegation certainties for much of the season County completed a successful escape act in style and Boyd, who hopes to stay for another season, added: "Everybody wrote us off and had us marked down for the Championship at Christmas. But we have proved everyone wrong."
County boss Jim McIntyre paid his tribute to Brittain, saying: "It has been a difficult week for him as he has been a stalwart at the club. I have only good things to say about Rich."
Kilmarnock are at a crossroads with up to nine players heading for the Rugby Park exit door. Manager Gary Locke fielded a young side at the weekend and is set for a major re-building job during the summer.
Manuel Pascali and Alexei Eremenko are among those yet to commit for next season and Locke said: "We have decent young players coming through but we are short of strength in depth and need more for next season."
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