President pays tribute to Munster heroes

President Mary McAleese tonight led tributes to Munster as they were crowned champions of Europe.

President McAleese, who watched the Heineken Cup win in Lourdes, said people across Ireland would celebrate the win.

Munster secured the title for the second time in three seasons after edging a tight victory over Toulouse.

"Congratulations and well done to a great Munster team, who showed such courage and determination in achieving this memorable win," said Ms McAleese, who was attending the 50th International Military Pilgrimage.

"All of us will join with the dedicated Munster fans in celebrating this outstanding victory."

Up to 60,000 Munster rugby fans made the convoy to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for the clash to see Munster emulate their 2006 Heineken triumph against French side Biarritz.

Limerick also came to a standstill as giant screens beamed the match to tens of thousands of spectators on O'Connell Street.

Meanwhile, it was claimed that the bookmaking industry could be left facing a €5m bill following Munster's triumph.

William Hill's Irish spokesman Tony Kenny said one lucky Cork man who placed a €2,000 bet on the team at the start of the tournament at 9-1 is set to collect €20,000.

"It was an absolute shocking result for us, and the rest of the bookmaking industry," he added.

"Everyone in Ireland was on Munster this afternoon, and it goes without saying that this is the worst rugby result that we've had for a very long time."