Fans rally round boys in green after heartbreak in Lyon

Heartbreak, pure heartbreak.

The Republic of Ireland made the perfect start to their last 16 match against France in the European Championships, leading 1-0 after three minutes.

Martin O’Neill’s men fought like lions and, when we got to half-time on the same scoreline, fans began to dream of history.

But it was not to be. Tiredness and the extra three days France had to recover were clearly huge factors as France scored twice in 5 minutes and held on to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Ireland fans are devastated, but so proud of the boys in green and their heroic performance.

Head held high always
We were like something out of la liga at times out there. And we lumped into tackles too. Hard luck boys #DeservedMore

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 26, 2016

Proud☘

Gave it their all.

Punched above their weight.

Can't ask for more than that. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/XR6AWL4Lt5

— Conor McNamara (@ConorMcNamaraIE) June 26, 2016

Well done lads #COYBIG. no shame. Thanks for all the good times. Roll on World Cup qualifiers! We'll be behind you against as always🎉 thanks

— David McWilliams (@davidmcw) June 26, 2016

Ah, proud of how well they played. No shame in being beaten by a better team. Well done Ireland. #coybig

— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) June 26, 2016

Not to be for @FAIreland today, but still the boys have done us proud! #heroes #COYBIG

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) June 26, 2016

😭🇮🇪 #COYBIG Well done!😭

— Chris Donoghue (@chrisrdonoghue) June 26, 2016

Frustrated because they really aren't that great but proud, especially with 10 men #FRAIRL #COYBIG #IRL @FAIreland

— Peter McNamara (@PeterMcNamara_) June 26, 2016

We can say without fear of contradiction that we've had the best fans from beginning to end! #Proud #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/ERyibM1C92

— sportsfile (@sportsfile) June 26, 2016

The FAI have thanked supporters, but supporters are equally grateful to the team.

The team and supporters have been a credit to #IRL throughout. Thank you for an incredible journey. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/UHpiCqo1Eb

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 26, 2016

Thanks lads, it has been an incredible few weeks.