Andrew White after his arrival at Dublin Airport on Tuesday

Irish sports minister John O'Donoghue was among hundreds of supporters who turned up at Dublin Airport to greet the returning heroes on Tuesday.

The Irish team created a sensation at the competition by defeating Pakistan to qualify for the Super 8s stage.

Ireland then went on beat another Test-playing nation Bangladesh.

"It has been a fairytale for all of the guys," said vice-captain Kyle McCallan.

"We have been all over the Caribbean and have played against the best teams in the world.

"Now we are coming home to a Friends Provident match against Kent on Sunday and hopefully we will see a big crowd at that."

Bowler Boyd Rankin has been ruled out of Sunday's match at Stormont because he is required by his county Derbyshire this weekend.

There are also doubts about the availability of Niall O'Brien and Eoin Morgan who are on the books of Northants and Middlesex.

An Irish cricket spokesman said on Tuesday that they were hopeful that the duo would be available for this weekend's match.

Ireland are also making strenuous efforts to sign two overseas professionals for the Friends Provident Trophy.

At least one deal is expected to be announced later this week.