Class will out, as they say. "Levels" was the word Shelbourne manager Joey O'Brien magnanimously used to describe the gulf in class that saw Crystal Palace inflict a 3-0 defeat on his charges in their Conference League clash at Tallaght Stadium.
Christantus Uche marked his first Palace start with an early opening goal, before Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino put the Premier League side in total control ahead of the break.
Palace – looking to avoid a play-off round in February – could have added to their tally in the second half, but substitute Romain Esse saw his shot come back off both posts.
With just a solitary point to show for their efforts in five games to date, O'Brien didn't attempt to quibble with the outcome when interviewed by RTÉ Sport after the final whistle.
"There are levels to this game," he admitted. "We found out there tonight how good they really are.
"We knew coming in that we were going to be up against it and they showed their quality.
"As I said, football is about levels, and they are a different level to us."
The difference in quality between the two teams in Dublin 24 was stark, but O'Brien succinctly summarised it, opining: "There are so many things. That's why they play at that level.
"It's the speed, the power, the pace of them, and how they move.
"The standout thing for me was the first touch."
While Palace are preparing for a hectic festive period, Shelbourne players could be forgiven for readying themselves for festivities of a different kind, with their domestic season disappearing in the rearview mirror.
However, O'Brien had no complaints on the application of his players and commended their attitude.
"We knew what was at stake – an opportunity to play against Crystal Palace in Dublin in front of 10,000 people in European football," he added.
"It doesn't come around too often, especially at the level that we're operating at.
"It was a great opportunity and I'm sure the lads were all pumped up for it.
"I was really proud of our lads, sticking at it in the second half.
"Obviously, at 3-0 down, the game was gone. But they chased it.
"I told them 'make sure you stay proud and be proud of who you are' and go out second half and show it, stick at it. They did that."
Shels substitute Daniel Kelly had the home side's best chance of the game when he ran on to Sean Boyd’s injury-time flick on only to see his effort brilliantly saved by Palace keeper Walter Benitez.
The striker was still ruing that one that got away when he talked to RTÉ Sport after the game.
"Their back three is probably very quick. I found it hard a couple of times, but once I got into the game, I felt comfortable and I had the chance at the end," Kelly said.
"I don't think I could do much more. I've caught it nicely and tried to just be big on connection and the keeper’s made a great save.
"A couple of slack passes from them allowed us to get a couple of chances. But, just a pity we couldn't get a goal.
A raucous Tallaght Stadium provided a home away from home for 2024 League Of Ireland Premier Division champions and – although it’s not Tolka Park – the Dublin 24 venue helped bring a sense of occasion to the marquee fixture in Shels’ European campaign.
"Playing in Tallaght, it's 10,000 there tonight and playing in front of everyone was something special. It's unfortunate the result, but I think we gave a good account of ourselves," Kelly said.
"They're obviously a step above the teams that we've played. They're fourth in the Premier League for a reason. They've won the FA Cup last year. They've real quality all around the pitch and yeah, I think it was a step above really, to the teams that we played this year.
"We gave a good account ourselves. It's just a pity we couldn't get a goal.
"We're obviously going a long time now, nearly a full year, considering the time we were back last year or the last year and preseason. It's a pity a couple of lads have taken a knock the last couple of weeks, so we're down a few bodies, but we can be proud of ourselves and I'm sure the manager is proud of us.
"Brilliant atmosphere. These are the games you want to be playing in. These are the times you look back as when you retire, moments like this. I'm obviously proud where I came from and I think the manager was big on that – 'remember where you came from’.
"We can be proud of ourselves and you never know, hopefully we can get a win next week."
