DUBLIN, June 17: Ireland plans a massive homecoming party costing at least 500,000 euros (471,560 dollars) on Tuesday for its squad, hailed as heroes despite the bitter disappointment of a penalty shoot-out defeat to Spain.

The government is to provide the cash for the celebrations which are planned to include a free concert, Sports Minister John O’Donoghue said Monday.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to congregate for the party in Phoenix Park on the outskirts of Dublin on Tuesday evening.

The park is the location of the official residence of President Mary McAleese but a spokesman said no decision had yet been made about whether she would personally greet the players.

She sent a special message to the team thanking them “for the great experience” the team had given the country.”

Meanwhile, Mick McCarthy will remain Ireland coach for another two years, the Football Association of Ireland said Monday.

“We are delighted that Mick has agreed to stay in charge for another two years,” a FAI spokesman said.

“We were aware that he was seriously considering his position after the Roy Keane affair, and it is good for Irish football that he is staying on.”—AFP