As last week's opening ceremony kicked-off the Special Olympics with such flair and vibrancy, tonight's party of over 70,000 people was more about the celebration of every single athletes' participation, and every one of the 30,000 volunteers, whose energy and commitment, made these Games the success story they have become.
Peering down from the dizzy heights of the Hogan Stand was the perfect location to witness the arrival of all the teams as they paraded into the stadium to rapturous applause, with Team Ireland's arrival creating the loudest cheer of all.
As numerous 'Mexican Waves' made their way from one side of the stadium to the other, blocks of colour formed in the middle of the stadium as athletes from every country took to their seats for their night of fun. MC's Ian Dempsey and Westlife's Nicky Byrne soon got the party started as they introduced Blue, the first live act of the night.
The party atmosphere ignited as musical sets from Busted, Liberty X, Mickey Harte, Triple 8, Ashley Hamilton and Simon Casey entertained before the eagerly awaited appearance of Westlife sent the masses into hysteria.
Guest appearances from Ireland's latest Hollywood star, Colin Farrell, and Jamie Lee Curtis added glamour to the celebrations as they gave their own message of thanks and congratulations to everyone involved.
As nightfall drew-in, the Olympic flame became more prominent, as did the flashes from the hundreds of cameras clicking around the packed stadium. It was the perfect back-drop as video snippets from the week of competition reminded everyone what this unique experience has been all about.
Soon it was time to bring these Games to a close as Mary Davis, CEO Special Olympic World Games (SOWG) and the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern TD got the flag ceremony under way. Included in the formalities was the official hand-over of the Olympic flag to Japan and China, who will host the Games in 2007.
The concluding act was left to President Mary McAleese, who was introduced to the stage by Denis O'Brien, Chairman of SOWG to officially close the Games. The Olympic flame was extinguished, and with it, an experience this country has never encountered before.