Jim Gavin praised his players, their mental strength and composure following their All-Ireland Senior Football final with Kerry that ended in a draw.
The Boys in Blue could have made history in Croke Park on Sunday by beating Kerry and winning their fifth All-Ireland title in a row.
An excellent performance from the Kingdom, that not many would have expected, and an off day for the Dubs saw it finish up all square at 1-16 apiece.
Kerry led by a point in extra-time before Dean Rock leveled it up and then he had a chance to win it but missed a last gasp free that sets up a replay in two weeks time.
Gavin, who hasn't lost a Championship game in five years, gave a mixed reaction at full-time.
"There's a great connection amongst the group and great resolve; it was good to see that coming to the fore.
"On the football side of it, they won't be happy with the standards they set themselves, that's why we didn't get the result, it's something for them to reflect on now - learn what they can from it and prepare again for what we saw today a great Kerry team."
Gavin also addressed Jonny Cooper's first-half sending off for persistent fouling, in what was a defining moment, and his ability to stay calm as the game was in the melting pot.
"Jonny will always do his best. That needs to be acknowledged when a player is on the field of play and commits so much for his team and his county.
"He didn't get the rub of the green with some calls today, that's just the way a game goes.
"We've got one of the top officials in the game refereeing it so we can have no complaints there so we'll dust ourselves down and move on to prepare as best we can for 13 days time.
"On the sideline, you've to try and do your best for the team and try and make the right calls.
"It was a big effort going towards the end and you saw the resilience that they had and it's never over until it's over - that's one thing I've learned over the years."
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