Ireland’s World Cup loss is heartbreaking but one sight made everyone proud

Some support.

There's something so heartening to see so many Irish rugby stars out supporting our women. Ireland pitched into World Cup battle against France at the UCD Bowl in a winner-takes-a-semi-final-spot battle that had so, so many gripped. Tom Tierney's side could secure a last four place, up at Belfast's Kingspan Stadium, by defeating a potent French side. Having already dismantled Japan and Australia, France were out to do some more damage. Captain Claire Molloy had the Irish side primed, though: There was a sell-out crowd at UCD and, sitting alongside fellow fans and nail-gnawers, were Iris rugby luminaries such as Brian O'Driscoll, Sean O'Brien, Joe Schmidt and Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek. https://twitter.com/BrianODriscoll/status/898251580293603328 https://twitter.com/DanPitchside/status/898251196103704576 Minister for Sport Shane Ross was also in-situ, as was injured Ireland star Niamh Briggs. Ruled out a week before the tournament started, Briggs was nothing but class as she spent much of the countdown to the match posing for pictures with Irish fans and signing autographs. https://twitter.com/EmmaThurston23/status/898254318242889728 An Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald was also there to cheer on the girls in green. For all the good will and support that was on show, France are a serious, serious outfit. Ireland got into their 22 on a few occasions but, their opponents were ruthless and, inspired by centre, Caroline Ladagnous, they bet the Irish 21-5.