There were plenty of highs for the Irish at Cheltenham last week, but for our rugby players they suffered a low point as Wales dashed the Grand Slam dream in Cardiff.

Here are some photos which tell the story of the past seven days: 

Faugheen ridden by Ruby Walsh on the way to winning at Cheltenham ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Dell'Arca ridden by Tom Scudamore falls during the Coral Cup ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

General view of racing during the third day of the 2015 Cheltenham Festival ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Nico de Boinville onboard Coneygree celebrates winning the Gold Cup ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald gets animated during the win over Dublin ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

Bernard Brogan of Dublin has a shot on goal blocked by Mayo's Seamus O'Shea ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

Ireland's Robbie Henshaw tackled by Welsh defenders ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Paul O'Connell comes out for his 100th cap ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan