In the wake of a crippling defeat, there tend to be two responses.
One is to express empathy for the players and merely praise them for their efforts during the competition. They tend to use the word 'bravery' a lot and utter stirring sentiments about people dying with their boots on.
The other is much more caustic and critical. This gang are more likely to point out that Ireland and Italy remain the only two teams from the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship who have yet to reach the World Cup semi finals. They will mutter darkly about the hype that accompanies this Ireland team.
This was best emphasised by the brief back and forth between Jarlath Regan and Miguel Delaney. Which side are you on?
This is the gutsiest team you're ever going to see. To put up this fight despite the players they are missing. Just incredible. #IREvARG
— Jarlath Regan (@Jarlath) October 18, 2015
@Jarlath guts? They absolutely shat themselves having got to within a whisker. The hyperbole around this team is ludicrous. — Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) October 18, 2015
Here are the reactions from the some of the more soft-hearted folk. Those who have swallowed their disappointment and have just wished the boys well.
#IREvARG we were beaten by an amazing team today. I've loved this #RWC2015 and I love my team. Well done @IrishRugby #proud — Catherine Kavanagh (@KavanaghCk) October 18, 2015
Us as a Nation can be proud of @IrishRugby because we achieved so much by getting to the Quarter Finals with not a full squad! #IREvARG — Craig O' Sullivan (@Sully_Official5) October 18, 2015
Us as a Nation can be proud of @IrishRugby because we achieved so much by getting to the Quarter Finals with not a full squad! #IREvARG — Craig O' Sullivan (@Sully_Official5) October 18, 2015
Cry Now if U want! But thanks Ireland 4 the effort & courage & neverliedowness! — Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) October 18, 2015
Don't cry me Argentina ! Sad to say good bye #RWC2015 Thank you for the courage and class Ireland #RugbyWorldCup2015 COYBIG — cathy belton (@CathyBelton) October 18, 2015
Hard luck to the Irish lads but you did show some great courage great well World Cup. Hold your heads high Ireland is proud of you #IREvARG
— Jane Brophy (@jane_bro) October 18, 2015
Incredible bravery shown by out-muscled Irish players. #IREvARG
— Greg Foley (@GregmFoley) October 18, 2015
@IrishRugby ? Ireland as a Squad are Superheroes. So proud of each & every one of you including Joe Schmidt & Backroom courage in spades?
— Kate Ni Eochaidh (@Cuineas) October 18, 2015
And now for the hard taskmasters. Those who are ruthless in their denunciations. Miguel Delaney and Ewan MacKenna are the spiritual leaders of this troupe.
They shat themselves twice. — Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) October 18, 2015
Eight World Cups in a sport played by essentially eight/nine serious teams. And not one semi-final. — Ewan MacKenna (@EwanMacKenna) October 18, 2015
@whytebarry @MiguelDelaney It's not bad, it's pathetic. Choked twice, ended in a massacre a week after tears shed on same pitch. — Ewan MacKenna (@EwanMacKenna) October 18, 2015
Will get the usual shite about bravery, honour, and guts, but we were shocking today. Terrible World Cup by Ireland. #IREvsARG — Stephen Kelly (@stephenkelly12) October 18, 2015
That game better not be talked over by "bravery" from Ireland. Allowed back into that game and then countless mistakes from us. — Micheál Tuffy (@Finical) October 18, 2015
Glad I won't have to listen to media talking about how good Ireland are anymore. Ireland always seem to believe their own hype #chokers #IRE — Paudie Slattery (@pslatts223) October 18, 2015
For all hype & bluster about Ireland in eight World Cups since 1987, yet to win knockout game in competition. Facts, observe as you will.
— Joe Ó Muircheartaigh (@muirioch) October 18, 2015
I'll tell you another thing, this team's mentality needs serious questioning. Crying with joy after a pool game. Not how winners react. — Ewan MacKenna (@EwanMacKenna) October 18, 2015
