They carried the hopes of a nation on their shoulders and boy, did they deliver. Inspirational stuff from the boys in green. Ireland overcame France today in the Rugby World Cup in a 24-9 victory that was embedded in pride, determination and passion. The boys in green were dealt two enormous blows in the opening half as first Johnny Sexton and then stalwart Paul O’Connell had to leave the pitch, it looked like there was a momentous and almost insurmountable task ahead of the lads going into the second half. If you want to see belief in physical form though, then you need not look further than Ireland’s second half display, as a blistering performance from Robbie Henshaw coupled with determination across all areas of the pitch, saw Ireland stamp their authority all over the game to top Group D. The atmosphere in Cardiff was electric and the celebrations tonight are without doubt, going to be amazing. What a day to be Irish. Here's how Twitter feels...

What a game #IREvFRA #COYBIG

— aoife (@aoifeclx) October 11, 2015

Proud to be Irish - what strength, what taken to, what team work, what depth!!! #IREvFRA pic.twitter.com/PW3ujdSG74 — Ann Rodgers (@AnnRodgersPBC) October 11, 2015

I'd love to be from Ireland right now.... Oh wait, I am! #IREvFRA

— Una Sinnott (@UnaSinnott) October 11, 2015

Hopefully all the guys that were injured are ok! @IrishRugby def stood up today, marching on to the QF! #IREvFRA #RugbyWorldCup — Anne Doyle (@AnneDoyle1987) October 11, 2015

What a match so many injuries, some second half, such a test #soproud #ire #IREvFRA #RWC2015 #unbelievable #braveperformance

— Rebecca Bolger (@BuckaaaBolger) October 11, 2015

My cardiologist will be seeing me shortly #IREvFRA it was worth it — brian walsh (@bhriano) October 11, 2015

What a Game #IREvFRA 24-9 !!! #IrishRugby gave everything !!! So proud of the lads !!! #ShoulderToShoulder #RWC2015 pic.twitter.com/r85zBBj6xB"

— W-Pie (@WayneRyanJackso) October 11, 2015

I do believe a huge factor of today's win was down to the amazingly vocal #ire crowd - amazing support! #IREvFRA #RugbyWorldCup #RWC2015 — Rula Zein-Iddin (@rula_z) October 11, 2015

@JOEdotie COYBIG pic.twitter.com/627bJfzo9r

— mark degnan (@markdego) October 11, 2015

Amazed that with all the tension in the Millennium Stadium everyone still manages to have full pints — Evan Fanning (@evanfanning) October 11, 2015

Rob Kearney you sexy, sexy man.

— Richard (@_rking) October 11, 2015

There is not a woman in this country that wouldn't have Ian Madigan's.babies right now. And I'm guessing the men if they could #IREvFR — Niamh Hassell (@niamhhassell) October 11, 2015