John O’Shea and Republic of Ireland suffered Euro 2016 heartbreak on Sunday as Antoine Griezmann inspired France to a 2-1 win.
Nobody gave Martin O’Neill’s side a chance heading into the game, but a dramatic start saw Paul Pogba foul Shane Long in the box and within 60 seconds Ireland were awarded a penalty.
Robbie Brady, whose header inflicted defeat on Italy, stepped up and sent Hugo Lloris the wrong way, sending the Irish players, coaching staff and fans into raptures as they dared to dream.
The interval came and passed with Ireland in control and France rarely testing Darren Randolph, but with 57 minutes played Griezmann sent a powerful header into the net and O’Neill’s side crumbled.
Four minutes later Les Tricolore went ahead as Griezmann grabbed a second following poor defending from Ireland, with O’Shea entering the fray shortly after following a Shane Duffy red card.
Ireland continued to battle and, as they did throughout the tournament, were spirited and resilient, but they was no way back as France marched on and the Boys in Green headed home.