The President, Mrs McAleese, was among the first to send congratulations to the Republic of Ireland soccer squad after yesterday's World Cup qualifier in Iran.
In a message to manager Mick McCarthy at the team's hotel in Tehran, Mrs McAleese said the whole country was behind him.
"The people of Ireland are very proud of you today and we look forward to supporting all your efforts next year in Korea and Japan," she said.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, also sent his "heartiest congratulations" to Mick McCarthy and all the players in the Irish soccer squad.
He said Mick McCarthy was once "Captain Fantastic" but had now earned the mantle "Manager Fantastic". He said that over the campaign we had witnessed "heroic efforts" when the team was depleted through injury. Mick McCarthy, he said, had brought Ireland back to the pinnacle of world football.
"He has rebuilt his squad and instilled in them a truly remarkable sense of self-belief and determination to win."
The Fine Gael leader, Mr Michael Noonan, also piled on the plaudits, hailing the team's entry to next June's competition as one of Ireland's greatest sporting achievements.