As a true sporting icon bows out on the world stage, Ireland can say they gave it everything

Now we all know what it feels like to be a Mayo football fan. To endure disappointment, dejection and dismay when falling at the same hurdle each time; to always wonder what might have been, to dream of winning just once.

Ireland went to the Rugby World Cup ranked as the number one team in the world, having won the Six Nations Grand Slam on their way to a record-breaking unbeaten streak. They backed the hype with results, winning the toughest pool in the tournament – which had three of the top five teams in the world – with significant victories over South Africa and Scotland.

The marker was set down: Ireland were a force to be reckoned with. This time it would be different. Ireland have been tipped for greatness at previous World Cups. Yet the closest we have come to winning a quarter-final was a famous try by Gordon Hamilton at Lansdowne Road in 1991, when a legendary Australian side was on the ropes but hit back to edge the game.

Akin to the Mayo curse is the Ireland jinx, which has seen the rugby team never make a semi-final at a Rugby World Cup.

Ireland are no longer the gutsy underdogs. Andy Farrell’s team entered this quarter-final as the favourites. But the opponents were the mighty All Blacks, albeit a side that has been struggling for form. However, this is tournament rugby and we were now in the knockout stages, knowing there could be no room for error.

The opening phases of the game were a wake-up call for Ireland as New Zealand raced out of the blocks to score two tries and build up a 13-0 lead. Ireland struggled to get their game going but they did not wilt and pegged back their opponents.

The pattern was similar in the second half as the game ebbed and flowed. The All Blacks kept their noses in front but Ireland were always a threat. It was nail-biting, intense and passionate. Bodies were drained. Ireland attacked and New Zealand defended.

Despite not performing to the level achieved over the past two years, Ireland had the All Blacks pinned down in their own 22 as the clock passed 80 minutes. An extraordinary spell of Irish possession lasted more than 30 phases, but the All Blacks held firm and Ireland fell short of the try they needed.

After Paris turned green for the past month, now the feeling was blue. There was no stirring rendition of Zombie this time in the Stade de France. Once again, Ireland fans were left wondering, “What if?”.

Saturday night also marked the end of an astonishing career as Ireland captain Johnny Sexton bowed out. In the pantheon of great sportspeople on any code, Sexton’s name is well up there. He backed extraordinary talent with leadership, staying power and character.

On the pitch after the game, as the Ireland squad applauded the fans, Sexton’s son Luca told him: “You’re still the best, Dad.” The eight-year-old spoke for the nation – Ireland rugby fans everywhere will be grateful to say they witnessed this stellar player donning the green jersey the way he did over so many years.