THREE WEEKS SINCE departing with the hopes of a nation in tow, Ireland have touched down on home soil to mark the end of the team’s memorable Euro 2016 journey.

Hundreds of fans greeted Martin O’Neill and his players at Dublin Airport after the Boys in Green reached the knockout stages of a European Championship for the first time.

The team touched down shortly after 3pm and were welcomed home by a small party including Minister for Sport Shane Ross and Minister for State Patrick Donovan.

The squad then headed out the back entrance of the airport, where fans gave them a rousing reception.

Captain Robbie Keane addressed the crowd, thanking all the fans – both at home and those who traveled to France – for their support throughout the campaign.

“I am a very, very proud Irish man. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. ”The journey’s only beginning with these young players.”

Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

TV viewing figures for yesterday’s game released – and France weren’t the only winners on the day

Optimism the overriding feeling as O’Neill looks to take Ireland onwards and upwards