It just wasn’t to be.
Ireland’s European campaign is over 13 days after it began in Paris against the Swedes.
The fans’ campaign has been going a little longer.
Despite leading for 54 minutes in Lyon Ireland ran out of steam, had Shane Duffy sent off and France were deserved winners in the end.
You would want to have a heart of stone not to be impressed by the heart, passion and skill shown by this team during their time in France.
The fans have excelled off the pitch and the players have given them a lot to be proud of on it.
After the final whistle in Lyon the entire stadium rose to applaud the Irish team
But it was the pocket in the far corner which mattered most to the players.
The bond between the team and the fans was so evident in France, especially after the victory over the Italians in Lille.
And the players were reluctant to leave the field after the defeat, reluctant for this amazing journey to be at an end.
And then fans didn’t want to go either. In fact they didn’t go, staying to belt out one last version of The Fields of Athenry while the players stood and soaked it all in.
It’s really very special.
Beautiful moment as Irish players and staff observe the fans belting out Fields of Athenry to them.#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/LIm86noQJm
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) June 26, 2016
Ole Ole Ole can be heard as #IRL players thank the fans #IRLFRA pic.twitter.com/pPdzliyyJd
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 26, 2016
