The Irish Olympic team, led by gold-medallist Cian O'Connor, received a rapturous reception when they touched down at Dublin Airport this afternoon.
The team were formally welcomed home by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr O'Donoghue, the Lord Mayor of Dublin Mr Michael Conaghan, the President of the Equestrian Federation of Ireland Ms Avril Doyle, and the Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council, Mr John Treacy.
Mr O'Donoghue congratulated the entire Olympic Team for their performance in Athens before praising Cian O'Connor for his "herculean achievement" in winning a gold medal.
He said O'Connor was a "great sporting son of Ireland" and the magnificence of his performance carried on a great family tradition of sporting excellence. O'Connor is the grandson of Irish rugby great Dr Karl Mullen.
When asked what his thoughts were on the Olympic Council in the wake of negative comments from former sports minister Mr Jim McDaid, Mr O'Donoghue said he was "delighted with their co-operation" and praised the amount of work they did.
Praising O'Connor, Ms Avril Doyle said "I am extremely proud of you and I am speaking from the heart." She went on to congratulate the entire equestrian team, particularly Kevin Babington who narrowly missed out on a silver medal.
The next challenge, she said, was to have a "radical think about how we prepare for Beijing." She also called on the Minister to establish tax breaks for horse owners which would allow them to keep their horses here allowing up-and-coming riders access to top horses.
The Chef d'Equipe of the Irish Olympics team, Mr Willie O'Brien, thanked the entire team for their dedication and preparation for the games. He also thanked sponsor Penneys for the team's uniforms, saying "they moved us away from the green leprechaun look."
Aer Rianta Chairman Mr Noel O'Hanlon presented O'Connor with, fittingly, a piece of Waterford Crystal.
After the presentation, O'Connor said he was "stuck for words" and that his win was only just beginning to sink in. "I hope my win will be a big boost for equestrian sport in Ireland. More horses need to be kept here to allow riders to compete at the top-end"
Asked how he would be celebrating this evening, O'Connor said he "believed there are a few parties organised." He also said he was looking forward to catching up on sleep.
The other star of Friday evening, Waterford Crystal, is due home on Wednesday.
Triumphant show-jumper O'Connor and the group form part of a mass exodus from Athens airport today that sees some 9,000 athletes leave on 600 flights.
The Irish contingent is expected to enjoy official State receptions later this week hosted by the Government and President Mary McAleese.
Despite being buoyed by one gold medal, team officials will face tough questions today following a disappointing overall performance. Former sports minister Mr Jim McDaid has already called for the President of the Olympic Council of Ireland, Mr Pat Hickey, to step down, claiming he is disruptive and confrontational.