Dan Sheehan's hat-trick sees nervy Ireland edge past Italy to keep Six Nations title hopes alive

Ireland got the bonus point victory they needed as attention now turns to England's match with Wales and France's fixture with Scotland.

HAT-TRICK HERO: Ireland's Dan Sheehan scores their side's fourth try during the Guinness Men's Six Nations match at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome. Pic: Domenico Cippitelli/PA Wire.

Six Nations: Italy 17 Ireland 22

Ireland claimed the bonus-point victory that kept them in the Guinness Six Nations title hunt on the final day of the championship but it was a far from convincing performance as they failed to deliver a dominant performance against an ill-disciplined Italian side.