MORE THAN 30,000 rugby fans lined the streets of Cork last night to welcome back the victorious Munster team.
Declan Kidney's men beat Toulouse 16-13 to win the Heineken Cup final in Cardiff last Saturday.
The players were given a civic reception at Cork City Hall last night, followed by a public homecoming event at Parnell Place. Fans started to gather in the city centre from 6pm despite blustery and wet conditions.
The players held the Heineken European cup aloft from a stage at the junction of Lapp's Quay and Parnell Place amid scenes of jubilation.
Last night's celebrations were especially sweet for Ronan O'Gara, who not only has another Heineken Cup victory under his belt but is due to become a father for the first time later this year. Much of the limelight was left to O'Gara and fellow Corkman Donncha O'Callaghan.
Munster's outgoing coach Kidney said he was determined to relish the Heineken European Cup win and to enjoy every second of the celebrations.
"One of the things I personally learned the last time [ Munster won the cup] is that you are so busy in the aftermath. I am going to enjoy this one. This one is special now. You know how often does this come around? To come around once is a dream and then for it to come around twice. I think the best thing to do is enjoy it and then get back on the horse and see what happens next."
The biggest tributes of the night were for Kidney, as he moves to the Irish job, and for the man they call "Gentleman Jim", forwards coach Jim Williams who is leaving his position to return to Australia.
Williams told supporters he had enjoyed every minute of his time with Munster.
"Six-and-a-half wonderful years. It has been fabulous, especially living in Cork. It has just been a great time."
Player Ian Dowling said he was proud to be part of a special team with only the best squads able to claim multiple wins in the competitive Heineken cup.
Dowling said the goal wasn't to win just one Heineken cup but to "compete at the top" in Europe.