Today's rugby Grand Slam victory in the RBS Six Nations will go down in history as one of Ireland's greatest ever sporting victories, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said.
In a statement after the nail-biting 17-15 win to take the Grand Slam at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Mr Cowen congratulated the Irish team on behalf of the Government on an "immense achievement".
"It was a privilege to be in Cardiff today and to witness the team’s courage, remarkable determination and will to win for Ireland," Mr Cowen said.
"The Irish team’s performance in today’s game and throughout the whole campaign has been nothing short of superb. The players have brought great distinction to themselves and to our country.
The scale of the team’s achievement is evident from the fact that the last time Ireland won a Grand Slam was 61 years ago. Today’s triumph will go down in the annals as one of Ireland’s greatest ever sporting victories."
Mr Cowen added: "It has truly been a most memorable season in Irish rugby history and great credit is due to the coach Declan Kidney, team captain Brian O’Driscoll and the entire playing squad.
"Each of the players have displayed great passion, skill and commitment in every game this season. They have led by their example and have made Irish people across the globe proud.
"And what a way to clinch the championship – a drop goal right at the death! It certainly was an edge of seat experience but that made it all the more worthwhile. Truly worthy champions and a rightful place in Ireland’s long and proud sporting history."
The team were also congratulated following their win by President Mary McAleese, who also attended the match.
Minister for Sport Martin Cullen said the night in Cardiff was "a magnificent occasion for Irish rugby" and that the team had performed against "extraordinary pressure".
"They are deserving winners of the highest accolade in northern hemisphere rugby and have secured for themselves a permanent place in Irish sporting history.”
“This is the first time in 61 years that Ireland has won the Grand Slam and only the second time in our history. Huge praise must go to Declan Kidney and his management and coaching team in their first year at the helm
and to captain Brian O’Driscoll and all the players for their determination and on an outstanding achievement that they should all be immensely proud of.”
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the team were "heroes" and that they had made history and made the whole country proud with their "incredible" win.
“This game had some heart-stopping moments, but it was the Irish team’s heroic struggle that secured the Grand Slam. We have followed the team’s efforts throughout the tournament, and have witnessed some of the finest rugby ever seen in the Six Nations."
Mr Kenny said Wales had "played valiantly" and that the result was by no means a foregone conclusion.