A wave of Mexican delight swept through Cork Airport yesterday as Munster's largest delegation touched down for their four days in the "Real Republic".
The 90-strong delegation is staying in Blarney. Despite a 24-hour journey from their home country to their host town, the 69 athletes were jubilant on arrival at their final destination, and burst into a lively chant of "Mexico, Mexico" amid enthusiastic claps and cheers while waiting for their luggage to arrive.
"We have included trips around Blarney Castle and they can kiss the stone, but in the hours since I've met them, I don't think they've any need of the Blarney. They are in good humour, totally uninhibited in their delight in being here," said Cork/Blarney host town committee chairman Mr Tom Rice at the arrivals hall.
Members of the committee greeted the athletes before bringing them to a reception at Blarney Woollen Mills, where they met with the 45 families into whose homes they are being welcomed.
"We're very excited to be here. The athletes are all happy to be in the 'real' republic. Whatever we could have told them about Cork before now, they will learn much more in the next few days," Mexican head of delegation, Ms Viveca Torrey, told reporters.
"They travelled from different states around the republic of Mexico, so they're tired but glad to be here, and can feel the warmth of the Irish welcome already," Ms Torrey said.
One of the main events taking place this week will be on Wednesday, when a festival of Special Olympics will be held at Blackpool Shopping Centre, as a prelude to the arrival of the torch run later that evening. Athletes from Mexico and Liechtenstein (who are staying in Crosshaven/Carrigaline) will participate in a feast of music, food and dance. The centre will be the starting point for the run into Cork, led by 150 law enforcers, which will finish at City Hall.
Ireland's "real" capital has also come up with an innovative way of greeting their Mexican visitors: T-shirts proclaiming the city's independence in Spanish (La Republica Popular de Cork) are on sale.
For every T-shirt sold, the People's Republic of Cork will donate €5 to the Special Olympics Fund.
Yesterday also saw the arrival of Aruba, Belarus, Oman and Denmark to their respective host towns of Mallow, Bandon, Youghal, and Clonakilty.