Praise was heaped on Ireland's cricket team in parliament Thursday following its qualification for the Super Eights and a series of games against the world's biggest cricketing nations.

"I congratulate the Irish cricketing team very sincerely on their magnificent achievement in the West Indies," Deputy Prime Minister Michael McDowell told the Dail (lower house of parliament).

He said Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern had made special consular support available for the estimated 1,500 supporters accompanying the team.

The team is predominantly made up of part-time players who balance their cricketing commitments with full-time careers.

Sports Minister John O'Donoghue describes the team's success as "a terrific achievement".

"Their impressive performances against Zimbabwe and, in particular, Pakistan, has deservedly earned them a place in the coveted Super Eight of the World Cup," he said.

"Their success has played a major role in raising the profile of cricket in Ireland.

"I congratulate the manager Adi Birell and his captain Trent Johnson and wish them every success."

Leaders of opposition parties also sent their good wishes to the team.

Debutants Ireland were ensured a place in the Super Eights thanks to Pakistan's thumping consolation win over Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

Ireland previously tied with Zimbabwe and upset Pakistan in a three-wicket win, and will progress from Group D to the second phase of one-day cricket's showpiece tournament.

The small but growing number of cricket fans in the Irish Republic are revelling the glowing media coverage of the team that is giving the game a profile that it has not had for more than a century.

Though the Irish Cricket Union is an all-Ireland body, Northern Ireland has been the stronghold for the game on the island and it is a minority sport in the Republic.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)