The Irish team return home to a rapturous welcome at Dublin airport

The dream might be over but Ireland couldn't be prouder of the team that put up such a good fight in the Euro 2016 football championships.

After yesterday's game against France which started fantastically for the Irish side but ended in tears with a 2-1 defeat, the team flew home to Dublin Airport this evening. Stoic fans were out in force to greet them and show just how much their hard work meant to everyone back at home. It's believed that Minister for Sport, Shane Ross, greeted them at the airport where they gave a press conference and spoke to the crowds who had gathered to see them. The only thing now is for the fans to get home and we imagine that will be some reality check after the madness that was the last couple of weeks. Let's hope they manage a couple more videos first!

Back on Irish soil. ☘ #COYBIG https://t.co/O1deywGx9p

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) June 27, 2016

Great day welcoming the lads home ? #COYBIG @FAIreland pic.twitter.com/EOJi2f5DcU

— Megan Mc Cann (@MeganMcCann1_xx) June 27, 2016

Me buddy all pal Robbie Brady arriving in to Dublin today! #COYBIG #pap pic.twitter.com/o00ZKanQdX

— fiona kenny (@fyokenny) June 27, 2016

Welcome home lads #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/HI5dVVeoQM

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) June 27, 2016

Now for the real welcome, with crowds of fans outside @DublinAirport pic.twitter.com/2JGsPuDdq4

— Caroline Twohig (@CarolineTwohig) June 27, 2016

Main image via FAI Ireland