They came from all parts of the country, young and old, converging on the 15 acres site to show their appreciation for Mick McCarthy’s squad.

Hundreds of buses ferried most of the people the three miles from the city centre but others made it on foot. Some came early. Youngsters began to converge on the park from breakfast time although the show wasn’t to start until tea time.

Typical of the enthusiasm was that shown by the Kelly family from Templebar in the city centre.

“We’re here since about 1pm,” said grandmother Ellen Kelly who travelled with her daughter Gwen and granddaughter Amber Rose, 3.

“We walked up, it’s only down the road,” said Ellen, making light of their effort. A string of top bands kept the multitude of fans entertained.

They included Westlife, Six, Bellefire, Picture House and Kila. The apres match comedians kept the ball rolling before the main event of the evening.

A huge roar erupted from the estimated 100,000 fans when the giant video screen showed the Irish squad being greeted by President Mary McAleese a half mile across the fields at Aras An Uachtarain.

To the backdrop to the Irish football anthem, “Here Comes The Good Times” the squad came on stage to a tumultuous reception from ecstatic fans.

McCarthy was clearly taken aback by the enormous reception: “We were told to expect a reception but we never expected one like this. It makes you feel humble but great to be Irish.”

Introduced to the crowd, Damien Duff told the assembled ecstatic gathering, “your the best fans in the world”.

Fellow Dubliner Robbie Keane was undoubtedly the hero for the fans. They chanted his name over the hour and then gave him a rapturous ovation when he was introduced on the stage.

Irish captain Steve Staunton, who announced his retirement from international football, said, “it’s great to be captain of your team, but fantastic when your the captain of a World Cup side”.

Niall Quinn who also retires from the Irish squad admitted to being emotional as he made his last farewell to the Irish fans. “I’d love to be 10 years younger but at the same time I had a great career, especially with Ireland.”