Saturday, June 1: As the sun was rising in Ireland, our celtic tigers roared onto the pitch in Niigata.

worldcup.ie's Tokyo diarist Carrie Tighe celebrated Ireland's draw with Cameroon and ended up dressing John Salako as a Leprechaun and drinking with David Beckham's mum and dad.

Saturday, June 1: As the sun was rising in Ireland, our celtic tigers roared onto the pitch in Niigata. The stadium was awash with 8,000 irish supporters looking like a pantomine cast.

Green, white and gold decorated every inch - there was no doubt, the irish were in town.

It was a slow first half but nothing would dampen the tremendous support from the irish crew-singing, dancing and cheering non-stop until well after the final whistle.

Matt Holland's golden goal uplifted the game and the fighting Irish were unstoppable.

The atmosphere was electric!

There were mixed reactions after the game: we should have.. we could have.. but nothing could take away from our delerious state; the ball was rolling, bring on Germany!

Back in Tokyo, Paddy Foley's Irish pub was bursting at the seams - crowds spilled outside, sing songs erupted and the pints flowed.

David Beckham's parents joined in our celebration, they were delighted for Ireland as were all the English fans in the pub - the cameraderie was second to none and there was no trouble at all apart from the usual Fooliganism antics.

It was an amazing sight, all nations joined in countless renditions of the fields of Athenry. We transformed John Salako into our very own Leprechaun mascot.

Every travelling supporter I`ve met has been overwhelmed by the welcome they`ve received in Japan

Many worried about the train system, getting lost, dazed and confused but the Japanese have helped many a footie visitor find their feet.

Don't be afraid to ask, they're only too happy to practise their English.

Wednesday evening, the Irish take on zee mighty Germans.

The stage is set for one of the most exciting group games so far.

Ted Beckham believes "Ireland will no doubt beat Germany. If Roy Keane was here Ireland could win the World Cup."

With the spirit and determination seen on Saturday - the Irish won't go out without one hell of a fight!

Until we speak again (when Ireland are top of group E), Ki wo tsukete - Take care

Tokyo`s Top Cailin,

Carrie