The start was unfavourable, conceding two tries in the early stages. But then Madigan countered with a penalty before laying the foundations for a Luke Fitzgerald try heading into the break. That gave us back our right to be ambitious about the second half.

And Jordi Murphy's leap over the line brought proceedings back to a three point affair, sent heart rates and enthusiasm soaring. But a Nicolas Sanchez penalty on 62 minutes coupled with two tries, committed the irreparable damage that brought our World Cup campaign to an abrupt end.

And here are the images that captured Ireland's final act in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.