Ireland's cricketers were hailed as the country's latest sporting heroes yesterday after their astonishing three-wicket victory in the World Cup over England in Bangalore.

Prime-minister-in-waiting Enda Kenny said their historic victory "marks one of the finest days in Irish sport".

"Ireland's cricketers exemplified all the best qualities of our nation, playing with courage and pride and showing that seemingly insurmountable odds can be overcome.

"Their supreme effort will lift the spirits of every single Irish person, no matter where they are in the world.

"Ireland's performance is truly inspiring demonstrating that, with self-belief, the apparently impossible can be made possible and real change can occur," Kenny said.

Kevin O'Brien struck the fastest-ever World Cup hundred with a brilliant burst of power-hitting getting him to three figures in just 50 balls.

The last time Ireland hailed its cricketers was in 2007 they also caused an upset by beating Pakistan in a World Cup match.