Taoiseach congratulates Ireland team

The Taoiseach has congratulated the Republic of Ireland football team on what he describes as a courageous performance in Paris last night.

"To a man", Brian Cowen said, "they did Ireland proud".

France snatched away Ireland's World Cup hopes in the first half of extra time, with a William Gallas goal after Thierry Henry handled the ball in the build up.

The offence went unnoticed by the referee and at the end of 120 minutes in Paris, Les Bleus went through on an aggregate score of 2-1.