The whirlwind UEFA Regions' Cup adventure ended for the Republic of Ireland's representative side by collecting runners-up medals following a tough final against Zagreb in Istanbul.

Even though they unloaded more shots at goal, stretched their opponents all over the pitch, and never gave up fighting, the dream finish evaded Gerry Davis's side which was made up of players from Connacht-Munster.

The outstanding run of seven competitive games, four wins, eight goals scored, and two goals conceded helps to mark this team out as one of the most talented and hard-working of all the amateur sides to pull on an Irish jersey.

Having won on the competition on home soil two years ago there was hope that the Irish outfit could bring the trophy home again. But it wasn't to be as Zagreb got their revenge from 2015 by claiming victory.

A single goal from Toni Adzic on 26 minutes separated the sides at the interval and Davis's men couldn't find a way back despite rattling the woodwork and forcing the opposing goalkeeper to pull off four big saves.

This is the second time that an Irish side has finished as runners-up in this competition and Davis, his players and the support staff should be commended for achieving what they have.

Zagreb: Durdek; Mohac, Vrbat, Ivkovic, Mislimi; Cibaric, Lihic, Brujic (Krznar 87); Adzic (Svigir 74), Soldo (Filipovic 61), Stulec.

Region 2: B O'Connell; Hoey, Kelly, Horgan, Higgins; Carr, Stack (Chris 77), O'Donovan, Daly-Butz; K O'Connell (Hoban 71), Hayes.

Referee: Artyom Kuchin (KAZ).