The Republic of Ireland homecoming was more pop concert than soccer match but with the rousing and passionate reception the team recieved who cares, writes Piaras Murphy.
With the crowd in the park made up mostly of teeny-boppers it was hardly the type of support the Irish team have been used to from the travelling green army in Japan and South Korea.
However, whether it was grown men or exuberant teenagers the passion in the support remained the same, if, so much more shrill in the park.
Supporters themselves seemed a little taken aback by the size, noise level and colour of the support in the Phoenix Park.
Niall Quinn, who was one of the lucky ones to be around during Italia 90 and USA 94 told ireland.com"1990 was a bit mad because people were scattered all over the streets of Dublin in 94 I'd say we had a third of the crowd we got today. Today was phenomenal and it just topped off an incredible five weeks."
Those who thought that this event would be a replica of the 1994 disaster were proved wrong, not by the organisers - who must be praised for a well organised, if somewhat tacky event - but by 100,000 Irish people - who came today to say thank you for a job well done.
If any proof was needed it was found in the difference between the tears for the onstage welcome of Westlife and the mammoth, almost frenzied reception for the Irish team.
Westlife were a long way behind in second place. Mick McCarthy had the last word, as usual, on the days festivities he spotted several banners in the crowd that claimed their owners were Mick McCarthy's babies. To this the Big Man replied : "to all those people who claim to be may babies, please don't come around to my house. I'm not feeding you, it's to late."
If that is the case he'll have a nation to feed.