A group of middle-aged office workers pressed their noses to the gates of Government Buildings but they were too far away to glimpse their hero.
The British Open champion Padraig Harrington stood on the steps of Government Buildings, the sun glinting off the Claret Jug in his hands. He was flanked by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and a beaming Minister for Sport , Séamus Brennan. The Taoiseach was hosting a reception for the golfer, his family, friends and fellow golfers.
All was well with the world and the stage was set for speeches, followed by questions from waiting reporters.
Did Padraig allow his young son to put ladybirds in the Claret Jug, as he had requested? Is he still telling himself in the shower that he is the Open champion? And for the Taoiseach: What is your handicap? And what iron do you use to get out of the rough that is the Mahon tribunal?
Some bad golfing metaphors about Mr Ahern's finances were waiting to be employed but Bertie's handlers were having none of it.
No sooner had Harrington's speech finished than the microphone stands were whipped away. After a few photographs the group was whisked inside for a reception. A few intrepid reporters tried to follow but they were met with a large arm. No reporters!
The photographers continued on their way to watch Harrington signing the distinguished guests book. "Photographers don't ask questions," sighed a reporter as we were escorted out the door.
But the Mahon tribunal was far from the Taoiseach's mind when he welcomed the golfer earlier on and thanked him for "years and years of enjoyment, and sometimes a bit of pain".
The Open champion stood beside his wife Caroline as Mr Ahern told him he was "a national sporting hero, your place in golf and sporting history secured."
Harrington has enjoyed some big days but the Government reception was "the icing on the cake", he said.
"To come here and be warmly congratulated . . . is a very special moment for me."
