For spirited Flaherty supporters, the end came quickly

As Michael F. Flaherty’s supporters tensely awaited the results in a Dorchester restaurant last night, the excitement of the months-long, grueling campaign for mayor came crashing down when Mayor Thomas M. Menino appeared on the television screen.

At first they booed. And then silence filled the air, and for the first time they realized their candidate had lost.

“You could see it on people’s faces, their expressions,’’ said Anthony Grimaldi, 21, a Northeastern University student whose mother, Teresa, had helped with the campaign.

As John Murphy of Neponset put it, “The whole room was disappointed.’’

It was not supposed to be this way.

Everyone said they were hopeful. But in more ways than one, Menino, appearing on screen before Flaherty’s crowd had even known the results, had stolen their glory in claiming an unprecedented fifth term in office.

“They did their best,’’ a disappointed Grimaldi said.

It was an emotional night for many.

Sam Yoon, a mayoral contender in the primary election who later turned his support over to Flaherty with the promise that he’d be appointed deputy mayor, tried to energize the crowd, and then ended his speech with a prayer.

Flaherty’s young sons were visibly upset. And so were many in the crowd, many still wearing T-shirts blaring, “Courage for Change,’’ the campaign slogan.

But Flaherty, stressing that his race for mayor raised issues that would have otherwise gone forgotten, promised his supporters a new Boston.

“This election raised discussions about serious issues in our city, and these discussions will not end because the ballots have been cast,’’ said Flaherty, 40, from South Boston who has served on the City Council since 1999. “In the past nine months, we’ve learned that this is our city, and this is our time.’’

Flaherty also called for applause for Menino and congratulated him on his victory.

Up until Menino appeared on the massive screen, the crowd had been hopeful. Supporters gathered at Venezia’s Restaurant, long before the polls had closed. Jazz music served as a backdrop, picking up tempo as the night progressed. Young and old mingled, some dressed casually, others prepared for an election win.

And as the results appeared on the screen, they seemed energized.

“Did you hear that? They’re up by only a point,’’ one man said. “That’s good.’’

Even once they realized Menino had won, the support didn’t stop. Within minutes, campaign aides were telling crews to shut the television off. And the crowd had carved out an aisle, cheering, “Michael, Michael, Michael,’’ as he climbed to the podium.

“I wanted to deliver one for you so bad, so bad,’’ he said. “Sorry for not being able to have a big win for you tonight.’’

A man from the crowd yelled, “We’ll be back.’’

Milton Valencia can be reached at mvalencia@globe.com.