...was hosted at Parliament Buildings by the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
The team surpassed all expectations at the recent World Cup qualifying for the final stages and beating top cricketing nations such as Pakistan and Bangladesh along the way.
In welcoming the players and officials of the Irish Cricket Union to Stormont the Rt Hon Ian Paisley MP MLA said: "There is no doubt that the team made an immense impact in the recent World Cup and put Irish Cricket firmly on the world stage."
"To beat the fourth-ranked team in the world, Pakistan was awesome. Great in itself yes, but crowned with qualification for the Super 8 Phase, which also saw a win over Bangladesh. In beating Bangladesh the team achieved Ranking One Day Status and are currently ranked 10th in the world. This is the highest ranking ever achieved by a non-test playing country and I salute you for it. Well done."
Deputy first Minister Martin McGuinness, himself a cricket fan, also acknowledged the journey made by Irish Cricket: "The team's successes have seen Irish cricket elevated to the highest level. Few of us will forget the team's St. Patrick's Day exploits when they produced one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport by beating Pakistan."
"These achievements are due not only to the players but also to the many bodies who have supported the development of the Irish Cricket Union over the years. In particular I would like to thank Sport NI and the Irish Sport Council for the part they have played in the team's success."
Both Ministers also wished the team good luck for their upcoming matches against Glamorgan, South Africa and India.
