YESTERDAY BROUGHT THE curtain down on Ireland’s 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup odyssey.
It was a journey that brought them to extreme highs and historic results, but ended with consecutive defeats. It is the first time any senior Irish team has made the final four of a World Cup, here’s how it looked.
Game 1: Ireland v USA
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Ranked two places above Ireland and boasting the tallest and heaviest squad in the tournament, three-time World Cup-finalists the USA were always going to provide a barometer of how Ireland had prepared for this World Cup.
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
The answer came with an emphatic display of brilliant defensive organisation and tireless work-rate – not to mention an injection of power from Jenny Murphy.
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Ailis Egan scored the opening try of Ireland’s campaign and Niamh Briggs provided the other 18 points in a 23 – 17 win, including this try.
Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
"It's only step one", said captain Fiona Coghlan immediately afterwards. Ireland were focused on the big task ahead.
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Game 2: Ireland v New Zealand
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
The Black Ferns: The best team in the world, beaten only once in the history of the tournament and reigning World Champions since 1998...
Nobody gave Ireland a chance, except Ireland themselves.
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Ashleigh Baxter claims the ball ahead of Selica Winiata.
Alison Miller scores one of the most iconic tries in Irish rugby history.
Niamh Briggs kicks the winning penalty to make it Ireland 17 New Zealand 14.
Only the full-time whistle would reveal the pressure as Briggs collapsed to the turf.
Sophie Spence and Lynne Cantwell show what it means.
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Game 3: Ireland v Kazakhstan
There were reports of fans being turned away at Marcoussis as Irish support ramped up before the knock-out stage.
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
It was by no means a classic performance, but a touch of magic from Tania Rosser tilted the game in Ireland's favour early on.
Jackie Shiels seamlessly slotted into the role of fullback and place-kicker in Briggs' absence.
Flanker Siobhan Fleming ran in one of the tries of the tournament, a thundering 60-metre run to the line as Ireland win 40 - 5.
Semi-final: Ireland v England
Captain Coghlan forces her way through
Alison Miller is caught by Danielle Waterman.
Murphy rocks Waterman with a ferocious tackle
The efforts are not enough, however, and England seal their place in the final where they would bridge the 20-year wait for their second World Cup.
Third place play-off: Ireland v France
Spence and Baxter try to lift spirits for one more game.
Lynch and Miller pre-match.
Grace Davitt's try can't stop France taking third place with a 25 - 18 home win.
28 pictures to chart Ireland's brilliant journey to 4th in the Women's Rugby World Cup
YESTERDAY BROUGHT THE curtain down on Ireland’s 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup odyssey.
It was a journey that brought them to extreme highs and historic results, but ended with consecutive defeats. It is the first time any senior Irish team has made the final four of a World Cup, here’s how it looked.
Game 1: Ireland v USA
Ranked two places above Ireland and boasting the tallest and heaviest squad in the tournament, three-time World Cup-finalists the USA were always going to provide a barometer of how Ireland had prepared for this World Cup.
The answer came with an emphatic display of brilliant defensive organisation and tireless work-rate – not to mention an injection of power from Jenny Murphy.
Ailis Egan scored the opening try of Ireland’s campaign and Niamh Briggs provided the other 18 points in a 23 – 17 win, including this try.
"It's only step one", said captain Fiona Coghlan immediately afterwards. Ireland were focused on the big task ahead.
Game 2: Ireland v New Zealand
The Black Ferns: The best team in the world, beaten only once in the history of the tournament and reigning World Champions since 1998...
Nobody gave Ireland a chance, except Ireland themselves.
Ashleigh Baxter claims the ball ahead of Selica Winiata.
Alison Miller scores one of the most iconic tries in Irish rugby history.
Niamh Briggs kicks the winning penalty to make it Ireland 17 New Zealand 14.
Only the full-time whistle would reveal the pressure as Briggs collapsed to the turf.
Sophie Spence and Lynne Cantwell show what it means.
Game 3: Ireland v Kazakhstan
There were reports of fans being turned away at Marcoussis as Irish support ramped up before the knock-out stage.
It was by no means a classic performance, but a touch of magic from Tania Rosser tilted the game in Ireland's favour early on.
Jackie Shiels seamlessly slotted into the role of fullback and place-kicker in Briggs' absence.
Flanker Siobhan Fleming ran in one of the tries of the tournament, a thundering 60-metre run to the line as Ireland win 40 - 5.
Semi-final: Ireland v England
Captain Coghlan forces her way through
Alison Miller is caught by Danielle Waterman.
Murphy rocks Waterman with a ferocious tackle
The efforts are not enough, however, and England seal their place in the final where they would bridge the 20-year wait for their second World Cup.
Third place play-off: Ireland v France
Spence and Baxter try to lift spirits for one more game.
Lynch and Miller pre-match.
Grace Davitt's try can't stop France taking third place with a 25 - 18 home win.
The end of an era
Doyle steps away hoping to see IRFU drive women’s rugby forward
Ireland captain Coghlan retires on losing note but with immense pride
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