THE Irish rugby team touched down in Dublin last night to a thunderous welcome from hundreds of fans.
Wearing Ireland jerseys and clutching autograph books and camera phones, the fans cheered as captain Paul O'Connell glided down an escalator in the airport holding the Six Nations trophy aloft.
He was followed by the rest of the team who were clearly still on a high from their victory over France in Paris.
Ireland narrowly beat France 22-20 for only the second time in 42 years and it was an emotional Brian O'Driscoll who held the championship trophy at the Stade de France as he enjoyed a fairytale ending to his international career.
Fans had been able to follow the team's journey home via social media as Cian Healy tweeted a number of pics, including one from the back of the bus enroute to Charles de Gaulle airport showing himself, O'Driscoll and team-mate Rob Kearney sitting with the Six nations trophy.
After the game on Saturday Taoiseach Enda Kenny congratulated the team on a victory which he said was testament to the players' "bravery and resilience".
He also praised O'Driscoll who tweeted a photo of his jersey and boots hung up for the final team.
"He was a warrior and a genius and gave Irish rugby fans great joy through years of commitment and pride in playing for his country," the taoiseach said.
* TOUCHING DOWN: Ireland captain Paul O'Connell, above, arrives at Dublin Airport yesterday with the Six Nations trophy following his side's victory over France on Saturday evening. Brian O'Driscoll's wife Amy Hubermann, below left, is escorted out of the airport while Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt, below right, poses with the trophy with O'Connell PICTURE: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
* CHILD'S PLAY: Brian O'Driscoll is welcomed home by young fans at Dublin Airport yesterday PICTURE: Brian Lawless/PA Wire