Ireland's all-conquering cricket team was at Stormont today for a reception hosted by the First and Deputy First Ministers.
The side defied the pundits to reach the final stages of the World Cup, beating established nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh along the way.
First Minister the Rev Ian Paisley said: "There's no doubt that the team made an immense impact on the recent World Cup and put Irish cricket firmly on the world stage.
"To beat the fourth-ranked team in the world, Pakistan, was awesome."
"This is the highest ranking ever achieved by a non-Test playing country and I salute you for it."
Ireland are rated tenth in the world after their achievements in the West Indies in March.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has in interviews revealed his love of cricket and his appreciation of England star Freddie Flintoff.
He said: "The team's successes have seen Irish cricket elevated to the highest level. Few of us will forget the team's St Patrick's Day exploits when they produced one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport by beating Pakistan."
Ireland achievements included a draw with Zimbabwe but the win over Pakistan was marred by the sudden death afterwards of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer in his Jamaican hotel room.
The squad played England, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the Super Eight stage of the competition and managed to beat Bangladesh.
Ireland also managed last month to retain the ICC Intercontinental Cup with a victory over Canada.
Following their successes, the team have lined up one-day games against India, South Africa, the West Indies, the Netherlands and Scotland.
PA