Interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby praised Peter O’Mahony, Sian Healy and Conor Murray following his final Test match against Italy on Saturday.
Ireland scored the four bonus points needed in a 22-17 victory in Rome, but the British victory over Wales guaranteed they would not win the title.
However, the match also said emotional farewells for Omahony, Healy and Murray, who played their final match at Emerald Green before retiring.
“These three players were incredible about what they did on the pitch, but we talked about them in the changing room about how they got off the pitch, helping them in positions similar to them and helping them connect with the players,” Easterby said.
They left a mark on the pitch for the team and Irish rugby, but internally it really had an impact.
“You’re always going to miss players who move on, especially with experience and time in groups, but that’s part of the sport and parcel. I’ll recognize and admit that tonight, but we have to move on.”
Easterby said he would enjoy the evening, regardless of how things unfolded.
“For us, we can’t affect it now, so we’ll go back to the hotel, change and share a bit of time,” he said.
“Now is the time to share with people who know that they are putting a lot of work and effort into it.
“Sharing that time with each other, especially with players who are about to leave us should not be fired. You can’t get back that time.”