A sea of green, white and orange was on hand in Dublin airport last night to offer a much deserved welcome to Ireland's returning Special Olympics athletes, writes Steven Carroll
The 141 athletes and 55 coaches arrived back in Dublin following a gruelling 13-hour flight from Shanghai via London.
However, there were no signs of tiredness as the team was proudly led by a piper into the arrivals hall where they received a rapturous reception.
The Irish team put in an outstanding performance at the games, winning a total of 119 medals and 69 ribbons in 11 sports.
President Mary MacAleese offered her "congratulations and warmest good wishes" to the team on their achievements, and Minister for Sport Séamus Brennan was present to greet the returning athletes.
"I am delighted to welcome home our returning special olympians, and congratulate all the athletes, coaches and volunteers for what has been a memorable and joyous few weeks. Our athletes have done the country proud with their courage, skill, and superb sportsmanship," he said.
Dublin athlete Patrick Monaghan, who was proudly displaying the three medals he won in swimming events, was overwhelmed by the welcome home. What he was most looking forward to was getting reacquainted with Irish food and his own bed in Ballyfermot.
"It was just brilliant. Shanghai is a very different place but the locals were very nice to us. It's great to be home but the memories will always stand out in my mind," he said.
The head of the Irish delegation, Dorothy Timmons, was delighted with the response the tired athletes had received.