"It's very hard to put into words what this means to the club and the parish," said Meehan. "We generally try to create as much space as we can and it worked for us."

Meehan's opposite number, An Ghaeltacht full-forward Dara O Cinneide, was inconsolable after the defeat that climaxed in a late, late rally.

"We left it far too late to perform in the game," said O Cinneide. "Over the hour they played the better football and we can't complain about the result.

"I doubt if we'll be back here again. I'd love to be proved wrong. We have a good team we are capable of it. But it's gone for now."