Ireland have been rewarded for their World Cup exploits by an invitation to a reception at Parliament Buildings upon their return home. The joint invitation comes from the Democratic Unionist Party's Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, who were once sworn enemies.

"This is a real boost for grassroots cricket locally and a big encouragement for young people to take up the game," a very on-message Paisley wrote. McGuinness hinted at the party they could expect: "Irish teams and their supporters are world renowned for their willingness to celebrate sporting successes." Party on.

Ireland's players ended their World Cup adventure by giving statements, fingerprints and DNA samples to Jamaican police investigating the death of Bob Woolmer. "These tests were carried out with a view to eliminating the Ireland squad from their enquiries," a team spokesman said.

On the night Woolmer was murdered none of the Ireland squad was in the Pegasus Hotel in Jamaica. The players were celebrating St Patrick's Day and the victory over Pakistan in Ocho Rios, which is "some 50 miles away".