THOUSANDS of Ireland fans gathered in south Belfast to witness a nail-biting clash with France on Sunday.
The fanzone at Boucher playing fields was packed with supporters glued to a big screen showing the match live from Lyon.
The crowds had only just begun to settle into their viewing spots when Ireland went ahead from a penalty. But it was not to be after France scored twice in the second half to break Irish hearts.
Meanwhile, it was a day of firsts and lasts for the short-lived fanzone in Dublin's Smithfield.
Several thousand fans, families and teenagers packed into the old market square after the city council put up a big screen for the knock out last 16.
Among those making their debut was six-month-old Cara Sheridan, cradled among the crowds by proud father Paul, from Lucan.
"She's quite happy with the noise, her mammy Anita is an Irish dancer so she's used to it," Mr Sheridan said.
Leslie Rose (26), from Paris but studying in Dublin for the summer, was magnanimous despite her compatriots playing the better football.
"It was very stressful but even if we had lost it would've been OK - we would support Ireland," she said.
"We want to thank the Irish fans in France - they made it."
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan spoke of his pride in the Irish team.
"The 'can-do' spirit of the team, and the remarkable friendliness and bonhomie of the Irish supporters has made them every other country's second team at this championship," he said.
Mr Flanagan said football fans on both sides of the border have created memories that will be cherished for years.
