A thumping 51-24 victory over Italy put Ireland in pole position to snatch the championship from Frances grasp but the dramatic events that unfolded in Paris left them shaking their heads in disbelief.

Needing to win by a margin of 24 points to secure the crown, Frances Elvis Vermeulen was awarded a last-gasp try by Irish television match official Simon McDowell that saw Les Bleus retain their crown with a 46-19 triumph over Scotland.

The result brought St Patricks Day celebrations to a sobering end but Hickie, who was in magnificent form against Italy, insists Ireland will draw strength from their RBS 6 Nations misery.

England, who lost out on several Grand Slams before winning one, are a good example of how you can come back from disappointment a lot stronger, he said.

Even closer to home, you look at the defeats and near misses Munster had before they won it.

Maybe the harsh lessons and heartbreak that we endured in this Six Nations will stand us in good stead, not just in next years championship but more importantly at the World Cup.

Well be able to draw on these disappointments and use them to spur us on. This could turn out to be a very valuable championship, despite the pain.

Hickie led the charge as Ireland ran in eight tries at the Stadio Flaminio, overcoming an impressive start from the Azzurri to seize control.

The Leinster winger finished with two, as did Girvan Dempsey, while Simon Easterby, Gordon DArcy, Shane Horgan and Ronan OGara also crossed in a ruthless display of finishing.

But they also conceded a crucial late try to Roland de Marigny - Andrea Scanavacca converted - that ultimately cost them the championship as it reduced Frances target in Paris from 31 points to 24.

After dispatching Italy, Ireland raced back to the team hotel to catch the end of the match at the Stade de France.

Many of the squad gathered next to the bar to watch the drama unfold and an enormous groan rang out when Vermeulens try was confirmed by McDowell with a late signal failure on the television further heightening the tension.