The adventure is over but what a hell of an adventure it was.
The Republic of Ireland’s time in France has come to an end but the players can hold their heads high after taking the game to the tournament favourites on Sunday.
The underdogs took the lead early and frustrated the hosts throughout the first half.
The difference in class began to tell on the hour mark and France punished some dodgy Irish defending.
But there was nothing dodgy about the support as the Irish never stopped singing. Not for one second.
2-1 down, man sent off, under the cosh and still they sang. They sang, they chanted, they willed their men forward like they’ve done for the past fortnight.
And, although it was their side that eliminated the Republic of Ireland from the European Championships, the French people couldn’t thank the Irish supporters enough for all they brought to the tournament.
