Scott Evans' Olympic journey came to an end as Denmark's world No.4 Viktor Axelsen proved too strong for the Irishman in the last 16 of the men's badminton singles.
Evans broke his Olympic duck by winning both of his group games to advance to the knockout stages, but European champion Axelsen was a different proposition entirely, coming out a 21-16, 21-12 winner to see off the gutsy Dubliner.
The Ireland men's hockey team were at the arena and greeted Evans arrival by taking off their shirts in a wild show of support.
Evans celebrated booking a place in the last-16 after a 2-1 victory over Brazilian Ygor Coelho de Oliveira by whipping off his tee-shirt and he hailed the vociferous support he received throughout his clash with Axelsen, and the wider support he has enjoyed during his time in Rio.
"When I walked in and all the lads had their shirts off, I just love it," he told RTÉ Sport.
"It gives you that extra bit to go on and just give it everything. I feel like I did that today.
"I've had so many messages the last couple of days, people wishing me good luck, saying they want to take up badminton, that they love my celebration. It's just unbelievable.
"I'm really proud to have done a good job here. I'm proud to be Irish and proud to be part of this Irish team."
Six years Evans' junior, the 22-year-old is hotly tipped to challenge Chinese dominance of the event, but Evans was not intimidated and matched Axelsen for much of the opening set.
Both men were making unforced errors, while Evans showed his talents when moving the Dane around the court and finishing off points with his trademark smash.
But if Evans was guilty of anything it was being overly ambitious, and a couple of wayward shots handed Axelsen the initiative late in the opening game.
Scott Evans hails his support and says he's "proud to be Irish" as he bows out of the Rio Games #rterio2016 https://t.co/9Ojn4p8fdI
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 15, 2016
Needing a fast start to the second game, Evans had anything but as a run of six straight points gave Axelsen an early 6-2 lead.
The Dane continued to pile the pressure on the Dundrum player and the errors began to mount from the racket of the frustrated Evans.
The game was drifting out of reach but Evans' vocal support, including the hockey team, helped lift the 28-year-old for a final comeback surge.
With Axelsen two points from victory, Evans suddenly became dominant at the net and won six points in a row to cut the deficit to 19-12.
But an errant shot handed Axelsen eight match points and the Dane only required one to advance and end Evans's superb Rio campaign.
