THE luck of the Irish ran out in a devastating penalty shoot-out finish to their game against Spain yesterday which sent them crashing out of the World Cup.

Ireland fans at the Irish Club in Lever Street, Great Lever, sat in stunned silence after their team missed three penalties. The game had ended 1-1 after extra time.

But just minutes after the nightmare end to the game, the fans burst into song and pledged to party anyway -- in proud celebration of the brave efforts of the Irish team,.

Adam Stevens, from Kearsley, said: "Ireland were the better team all along and we should have won, I am absolutely gutted."

Trisha Judd, from Bury, said: "It was a fantastic match. It was just a shame we didn't score in extra time."

"The atmosphere was fantastic and we'll celebrate anyway. I will now be getting my England shirt out and I hope they win the tournament."

Stephen Mongan, who comes from Dublin but lives in Great Lever, said: "I think we were unlucky. Ireland were definitely the better team. We're proud of them and we'll celebrate anyway."

Brian Conroy, from Horwich, said: "Our success has proven that we didn't need Roy Keane all along. All the lads were brilliant "