Matt Holland and the rest of the Irish squad returned to the Republic last night and were greeted by crowds at a party in Phoenix Park, Dublin.

100,000 Irish fans turned up to welcome Matt and the boys, a reception which manager Mick McCarthy said made him feel "very humble but very proud to be Irish."

He added: "We were told to expect a reception, but we never, ever expected anything like this. This is amazing."

The players had previously met Irish President, Mary McAleese, who presented them with a Waterford Crystal platter and toasted them with champagne.

The players had previously landed at Dublin Airport after an 11½-hour flight from Seoul.

Photo: Action Images

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