Meath crashed out of the All-Ireland series yesterday, beaten by Offaly, just promoted from the lower divisions of the league, who played with a fire which made the champions flinch.
It has become a championship marked by upsets after Down's defeat last week by Antrim who hadn't won a game in 18 years.
And when Offaly's Finbarr Cullen punched the air after scoring a point which left his county ahead 0-11 to 0-9 with three minutes left, the depth of his team's self-belief became obvious to the 21,000-crowd in Croke Park.
On the sideline, Meath manager Sean Boylan urged one last rally. With 10 minutes left, he sent in Tommy Dowd, Meath's talisman and former winning captain. It was to no avail.
The title-holders and favourites found themselves crowded and harried as the seconds ticked away. It was Offaly who closed with composure, securing two late points which sparked joyous bedlam among the Offaly fans.
"We talked about it and said let's give it everything and have no regrets at the end of the day," said Offaly manager Pauric Nolan.
Elsewhere the All-Ireland hurling champions Cork dismantled Limerick 2-17 to 1-11 in Thurles. In Clones, the Ulster champions Armagh dismissed neighbours Tyrone by 0-8 to 0-12 in a tough and bruising encounter.
Across in London, Roscommon administered a 4-18 to 0-10 whipping to London. At least they can now while away their summer weekends in Hyde Park. But for Meath fans June Sundays have always meant Croke Park. Where now?
