The Irish women's hockey team have been named RTÉ Sport Team of the Year in a public vote.
Graham Shaw's team entered this year's World Cup finals in England, ranked the 15th highest of the 16 entrants.
Over the course of a dramatic fortnight, they captured the imagination of the nation, culminating in a tense semi-final meeting with Spain.
Ireland's hockey World Cup finalists - Your Team of the Year #rtesportawards pic.twitter.com/2qF0mi4ixO
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 15, 2018
The Irish team held their nerve to beat Spain 3-2 in a penalty shootout, becoming the first senior Irish team to reach a World Cup final.
They were only the amateur team in the tournament and fell short against a world class Netherlands side in the final.
Ayeisha McFerran, Katie Mullen and Graham Shaw reflect on an incredible year for the Ireland women's hockey team #rtesportawards pic.twitter.com/QtGyLt9OvB
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 15, 2018
Forward Deirdre Duke recalled the buzz that built around the team as they progressed in the tournament, when speaking to RTÉ Sport earlier.
"It seemed to snowball a little bit. Once we played India in the second game, and after that, based on other results in our group, we qualified for our quarter-finals, was when it really got going for us.
"We didn't really realise what was going on at home, I think we still don't really realise. It's pretty special. It's strange for us because it's something we never experienced before, that kind of exposure and recognition."
The team received a heroes welcome when they returned on 6 August.
"When we came out the back door after the quarter-final and semi-final and there were almost 500 Irish supporters standing there singing Ole Ole. It was amazing to be a part of it."