The Irish soccer squad received personal thanks from both the President Ms McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern when they arrived home earlier today.
The squad were greeted by the President and Mr Ahern at Aras an Uachtarain, in Phoenix Park, just before a monster homecoming party attended by tens of thousands.
"I want to welcome you home on behalf of everyone in Ireland and thank you for your great efforts and the great joy you gave everyone," the president told the team.
"We are very proud of you and the Irish fans that followed your progress in Japan and South Korea," Ms McAleese said. Ahern was also at the presidential residence to welcome the team and congratulate them. "It was an excellent performance. You have done us proud," he told them.
Earlier the team had landed at Dublin Airport in a specially chartered plane from Seoul that flew the Irish tricolour as it taxied on the tarmac.
For security reasons, only media greeted them before they were taken away by coach for a private meeting with their families after their four and a half week absence in the Far East.
Manager Mick McCarthy said they were delighted to be back. "I am still disappointed because we could have still been in the tournament. But once it was over we just wanted to get back. "It is lovely that people want to turn out and give us a celebration. France went back early and they went back to a bit of derision, in Russia there was trouble and it's nice that our supporters want to welcome us back. It is lovely."
McCarthy said he was really pleased South Korea had beaten Italy. "I wish Japan had won as well because they have been wonderful hosts."
Robbie Keane said, "We really appreciate the fans coming out to see us."
Veteran striker Niall Quinn, who is retiring from international soccer, said the welcome home party was important for young players who had never experienced anything like it before.
"For the lads who haven't witnessed it before, this will be a night that will stay with them for the rest of their lives," he said.
Goalie Shay Given said the most memorable World Cup moment for him had been the last-minute goal against Germany by Robbie Keane that gave the team a draw.
"I thought we were out of the game and he got the strike so late. It was a great moment for everybody."
He said he had just missed saving the final penalty shoot-out goal from Spain. "I tried to lift my foot actually but I think it hopped over my leg. That's just the way it goes."
Given said he was disappointed they had not got another score and not ended up 1-1 against Spain after regular and extra time.
Ireland lost 3-2 in the dramatic penalty shoot-out in the second-round tie on Sunday.
"We felt we had done enough in the game to go through without the penalties. When it comes down to penalties, it is a lottery. Whoever's luck is in on the day will go through and it wasn't us."