Lady luck was not smiling over Dundalk on Thursday night.
Stephen Kenny knew that a victory for his side in Israel was not enough to guarantee them qualification to the knockout stages of the Europa League but, unfortunately for them, they couldn’t even manage that as it appeared that the Lilywhites’ long season finally caught up with them.
The writing was on the wall from the first halves in Group D as leaders Zenit St. Petersburg, from whom Dundalk needed a favour, fell 2-0 down before the break, while the League of Ireland champions were on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline in Israel as they entered the dressing rooms.
That was not ideal for @DundalkFC https://t.co/Y5D6G64NHo
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) December 8, 2016
Zenit, playing for nothing, pulled one back in the second half and provided some hope for Dundalk but that was short-lived as Alkmaar again put space between the sides as they looked to secure the second qualifying spot as their own.
The only remaining goal of the group came via Zenit, whose 3-2 defeat was the final blow on a night on which nothing went right for Dundalk.
But, to be fair to the Irish side, they pushed to the very end for an equaliser in a bid to give their travelling support something to cheer for.
It wasn’t to be.
But there was nothing but pride from the side’s supporters.
And rightly so.
Superb effort from Dundalk in Europe. Here's hoping that other LOI teams can match it in future seasons. 👍
— Paul Moore (@ElChiefMoore) December 8, 2016
Stand up for the lillywhites #dundalk #loiineurope
— Tim Riordan (@iwasrats) December 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/SeamusMadda/status/806949509796335616
Fantastic to see how Dundalk have finished out this game on top. #LOIinEurope
— eir Sport (@eirSport) December 8, 2016
Looks like Dundalk dream over. Well done to all involved. You did the town proud #Cmonthetown #LOIinEurope
— David Joyce (@djoyce18) December 8, 2016
good honest football Dundalk. Just wasn't meant to be this time
— Red Bull Global Tolstoy (@TolstoyFC) December 8, 2016
Phenomenal effort by #Dundalk. Just fell short. Amazing stuff. #LOIinEurope
— Michael Mooney (@mickm1) December 8, 2016
All over. Dundalk are out. It's disappointing but this side have done themselves and the LOI v proud
— James Rogers (@jamesrogersie) December 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/Ciaran_O/status/806950002983464960
Really spirited effort from Dundalk – finishing on a high
— Paul Little (@little_football) December 8, 2016
Great effort dundalk we're all proud of you
— Rory Carroll (@RoryCar98) December 8, 2016
Have to say fair play to @DundalkFC. Did the League of Ireland proud with their European run. Can they replace Boyle/Horgan though? #Dundalk
— Ciarán Carrick (@carrickvancleef) December 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/Niall94_/status/806950298073858048
https://twitter.com/SaoirseT98/status/806950473731346432
https://twitter.com/stephen7502/status/806950442357891072
Diarmuid Connolly makes his long overdue GAA Hour debut and talks to Colm Parkinson about everything from the black card to his rivalry with Lee Keegan and how he honed the ability to kick accurately with either foot.
