More than 4,000 people thronged the streets of Athlone last night to welcome home the You're a Star heroes, Donna (20) McCaul and her brother Joe (17), after their televised victory on Sunday night.
"We would really like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for us, and all of you who have turned out tonight," said Donna.
The fans were given an impromptu concert, with the biggest cheer of the evening reserved for the siblings' Eurovision song Love?
Crowds turned out in Tyrrellspass, Kilbeggan and Moate along the way to cheer the McCauls home.
Their uncle Paddy, one of the country's leading soccer officials, said it was "even better than Athlone Town getting into the premiership".
Until now, when Athlone people spoke of great European nights they were referring to when the town held AC Milan to 0-0 draw in St Mel's Park 30 years ago.
Martin Costello (17) and Joe have been friends since they attended their first day in primary school together at St Mary's National School in the town. "He was always into music, either playing it or singing. He was never into sport - I'm not surprised that he has done so well," Martin said.
A local, Joe Duke, added: "I had Joe as part of the Coosan Variety Group for a number of years, and he was just brilliant. A real natural."
Cllr John Butler, who was also involved with Coosan Variety Group, paid tribute to their mother, Helen. "She brought those children to all-Irelands all over the country from when they were little children. She was marvellous, and this is a reward for her."
Among the crowd was TR Dallas, the Moate man who topped the charts many years ago with Who Shot JR Ewing? He said: "I am emotional. It is great to see another Westmeath act make it to the top, and also to see a new generation of musicians coming through."
Despite the exhausting schedule of recent weeks, the roadshow continues for the McCauls. Today they will be in Ennis, Co Clare, to promote the You're A Star CD, and on Friday they will be in Galway and back in Athlone to sign autographs.