Coolera/Strandhill's memorable run in the All-Ireland senior club football championship was ended by the Dublin and Leinster champions Cuala at Kingspan Breffni in Cavan on Saturday evening, on a final scoreline of 0-14 to 0-9.
Inspired by the mercurial Con O'Callaghan, the Dublin side led by 0-6 to 0-2 at half-time - and then moved 0-10 to 0-3 ahead in third quarter.
Then enter Coolera/Strandhill's trademark comeback as they reeled off five unanswered points in a blistering spell to cut Cuala's lead to two (0-10 to 0-8).
With a quarter of an hour still to play, and a black card for Cuala's Eoghan O'Callaghan which reduced them to 14 players for the closing stages, there seemed a genuine prospect of an upset.
However, Coolera would add just one more score - a fine Sean Taylor point - to their tally as they struggled to take advantage of the extra man.
Con O'Callaghan meanwhile was influential at both ends of the park in the closing minutes - winning kickouts - and kicking some vital points to see his side to victory.
All-Ireland senior club football semi-final results
Cuala (Dublin) 0-14 Coolera/Strandhill (Sligo) 0-9
Errigal Ciarán (Tyrone) 2-18 Dr Crokes (Kerry) 1-18 after extra-time.
