Capt Robbie Keane says: “I am a very, very proud Irish man."

After an emotional and heartbreaking defeat yesterday, the boys in green have touched back down on Irish soil.

Hundreds of fans greeted Martin O’Neill and his players at Dublin Airport after the Boys in Green reached the knockout stages of a European Championship for the first time.

The team touched down shortly after 3pm and were welcomed home by a small party including Minister for Sport Shane Ross and Minister for State Patrick Donovan.

The squad then headed out the back entrance of the airport, where fans gave them a rousing reception.

Captain Robbie Keane addressed the crowd, thanking all the fans – both at home and those who traveled to France – for their support throughout the campaign.

“I am a very, very proud Irish man. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. "The journey’s only beginning with these young players.”