Athletes were given a taste of stardom today when they were welcomed by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to Croke Park stadium ahead of the summer's Special Olympics.
Gymnasts, swimmers and basketball players from across Ireland were among those applauded as they entered the venue for this year's World Games.
Some 7,000 athletes with disabilities will take part in the multi-nation event in just over a month.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said it had been an honour seeing the sports men and women prepare for the games.
Speaking at the launch of Team Ireland he said: "In just over a month's timethis stadium will be alive like it never has been before for the opening of thegames.
"It's been an honour seeing the preparations."The next time I see the teams will be on the opening night."I will look forward to that, it will be a really smashing atmosphere whenyou come out."
The event has been marred by controversy surrounding the announcement thatcontestants from regions affected by the Sars virus have been asked not tocome.
The Government revealed last week that it was asking teams from China,Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines not to travel to thecompetition.
But Mr Ahern said he hoped recent setbacks would not affect the games."Even though we have had a few hiccups we will hopefully get over those," hetold the athletes.
He thanked the competitors, coaches, volunteers and parents for the work theyhave put into planning the event.
"Medals are important but participation is far more important," he added.
Television personality Marty Whelan told the crowds at the stadium:"Today is all about the athletes who are going to be doing us proud in a fewweeks' time.
"They have put many many weeks of hard work into it and we want to celebratetheir achievements."
Áine Lawlor, 19, said she would be competing in a number of athletics events,including the 400-metres, the long jump and relay.
"I've been practising ever since I was 16 but I never thought I would get tothis level," she said.
"All my friends are really excited for me."Basketball player Mary Donlan, 49, of Portarlington, said: "Today wasbrilliant.
"It was great hearing everyone clapping for us when we walked out."I started playing basketball as a teenager and I can't wait to play in theOlympics."
Warren Tate, 24, of Co Dublin, said he would also be competing in thebasketball event.
"I've been playing since I was three-years-old," he said."We always have a laugh whenever we play together. It's a dream to come hereand compete."
Team Ireland, which is made up of 438 athletes, will be the second-largestteam at the event after the USA delegation.
They will compete in sports such as athletics, gymnastics, golf, kayaking andtable tennis.
Towns and cities across Ireland will host athletes from different countrieswhen they arrive here.