THE luck of the Irish finally ran out yesterday in the World Cup.

But for such a long time it looked to be in the Republic's hands to make the quarter finals instead of Spain.

They may have missed one penalty, but Robbie Keane made sure when he stepped up for another in the last minute of normal time.

The enthralling match had Irish supporters on their feet in bars around the region.

And nowhere was the tension felt more than in McCarthy's Irish bar, in Duke Street, Darlington, where English and Irish fans cheered the men in green.

Guinness and the odd glass of whiskey was downed as people of all ages crowded in to the bar to watch Ireland take on one of the tournament's favourites.

But the penalty shoot-out was too much for some fans, many preferring to stand outside the pub while it took place.

Tim O'Tae, 29, said that Ireland had been very unlucky to lose on penalties.

He said: "I know we were up against a very good side, but we fought back. We had every reason to walk away and think that we should have won that game but penalties are always a lottery.

"We missed that penalty in normal time, but you can't dwell on these things, you've just got to bite the bullet.

"The lads did brilliantly and I'm sure all the Irish are very proud of the performance."

Revellers were drowning their sorrows last night after the defeat, but many said they would be cheering England on Friday.

Ged Feeley, 32, said: "At the end of the day we were the underdogs, and I thought the lads fought brilliantly.

"It's great that Ireland can mix it with the likes of Spain, and we were always in with a chance.

"I'm sure there will be plenty of pints supped tonight around the town because the boys made us proud.

"Many of the lads have English blood in them so they will be cheering them on - me included."