There were emotional scenes as the Irish players lingered on the pitch for several minutes after their 2-1 loss to France in Lyon.
Some applauded the supporters who have followed them through thick and thin, others just stood there taking it all in, knowing this will be the last time they receive such adulation on a grand stage.
Antoine Griezmann’s two second-half goals had cancelled out Robbie Brady’s early penalty for Ireland and sent France through to the quarter-final with England or Iceland at the Stade de France next Sunday.
Ireland must now look ahead to the World Cup qualifiers in September, but will surely do so without Shay Given, Robbie Keane, and maybe John O’Shea, who could all confirm their international retirement in the coming weeks.
Defender Stephen Ward believes it will be a while before we see their likes again, even if the baton has been passed at this tournament to new stars Brady and Jeff Hendrick.
He said: “It was emotional [in the dressing room]. Everyone was disappointed. If those lads do move on, it’s been an absolute privilege and an honour to play with them and share the field with them.
“They are Irish legends and they will be very difficult to replace. That decision is up to them. We’ll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.
"If that is the case, then I think everyone here will be really proud to have shared a pitch and green shirt with them.”
France were booed off at half-time as a massive shock looked on the cards but manager Didier Deschamps got stuck into his players at half-time and it had the desired effect as they came out firing.
Bayern Munich youngster Kinglsey Coman was brought on for defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante and France were soon on the front foot.
Griezmann found the space in the box to head in the equaliser just before the hour, before snatching the winner moments later after a mix-up between Richard Keogh and Shane Duffy.
Ireland’s chances of getting back level were hampered when Duffy was sent-off for taking out the Atletico Madrid star as he was poised to take home the match ball.
“They have got quality players and they have a lot of strength in depth,” said Ward, who needed intensive physiotherapy to recover from an ankle injury that threatened to keep him on the sideline.
“We knew they would come out in the second half and put us under pressure. They had a couple of chances which, to be fair, the lad has taken really well. He’s a talent and has played in the Champions League final.
“It’s unfortunate that we gave him them chances. I think we were right in the game until the sending off, but even after that with 10 men and at 2-1 we felt we had a chance of getting back in it.
“We’re gutted at the end but there’s immense pride with how the lads have done. We’re disappointed to go out but looking back we’ve given it a good go.”
