'You are amazing', McCarthy tells crowd

Mick McCarthy and the Irish players have thanked the crowd at the Phoenix Park for their big welcome.

"We were told to expect a reception but we never expected anything like this, you are amazing. Thanks very much for coming out," he said.

"We had great support out there but this is incredible. It makes you feel very humble and very proud to be Irish.

"To all the players, thank you very much."

Damien Duff said: "I'd like to say, whether your in Japan, Korea or here, you're the best fans in the world.

Robbie Keane said: "I'd like to say thanks very much to the fans for turning out today. As Damien said you are the best fans in the world."

Shay Given said: "I'd say the biggest memory of the World Cup was Robbie scoring the goal against Germany, it was a amazing."