We were all very disappointed to see them bow out of the competition. They were the best supporters we have had at the World Cup.- Tournament director Junji Ogura, saying Ireland had the best fans in the competition.
We were told to expect a reception but we never ever expected anything like this.
- Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, addressing the estimated 100,000 people who turned out to welcome the team home at a rally in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
If David Seaman is made a scapegoat it is an absolute disgrace. He has been the best goalkeeper in the tournament.
- England captain David Beckham, after the team were dumped out of the competition by favourites Brazil. Seaman was widely faulted for Brazil's two goals.
I am a patriot and I consider this behaviour not only an affront to Italian pride but also an offence to the country that threw its doors open to him.
- The owner of Italian Serie A club Perugia, Mr Luciano Gaucci, sacking Korean international Ahn Jung Hwan after the striker knocked the Azzuri out of the World Cup with a sensational extra time goal. He later revoked his decision.
There is no way this can be called a fresh team. It is back-to-the-future stuff.
- An anonymous backbench Fianna Fáil TD, after the Taoiseach handed Minister of State portfolios to a number of former cabinet members.
As long as young people feel they have got no hope but to blow themselves up, you are never going to make progress.
- The British Prime Minister's wife, Ms Cherie Blair, provoking outrage among Israeli, who claimed she was sympathising with Palestinian suicide bombers.
This may be even bigger than Bloody Sunday.
- Mr Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin on a BBC documentary which alleges RUC special branch collusion in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
I personally, and the Palestinian Authority, are completely against it.
- Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat, calling for an end to suicide bombings after a fresh wave of attacks on Israeli civilians.
If you consume more than one seat, you will be charged for more than one seat.
- A spokeswoman for United States Southwest Airlines, defending its decision to charge double to passengers who are so fat they take up two seats.
He played keyboards and she played drums. It was wild.
- Paul McCartney on spending four hours jamming with brother and sister apes at a research lab.
I reject Mr O'Leary's assertion that he was not hostile or aggressive or bullying towards the plaintiff. I find that he was.
- High Court judge Mr Justice Kelly, dismissing the testimony of Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary and awarding €67,500 in damages to the airline's one millionth passenger, Ms Jane O'Keeffe, after it reneged on its promise of free flights for life.
This is the first time there has been a formal evaluation by scientists that has concluded that passive smoking is carcinogenic.
- World Health Organisation member Professor Richard Doll.