IRISH eyes were smiling at Accrington Stanley's civic reception yesterday.

Five members of the Omagh branch of the Accrington Stanley Supporter's Club flew from Ireland for the special day.

The branch was formed in March this year and has 27 members.

Member Paddy Campbell, 35, said the Irish lads are overjoyed with Stanley's success and the connection of Accrington Stanley unites the group, no matter what their background or religion.

He said: "The success has been unbelievable. We all support different sides so this is one of the main reasons why we support Accrington Stanley because it brings us all together."

The branch began after one friend became interested in Accrington Stanley and ordered a shirt over the internet. Now the lads look out for the scores every week on teletext and cannot get enough of the club with the most famous name in non-league football.

The five members were given VIP treatment at the reception.

Paddy, a supervisor in an Omagh meat processing plant, said: "We all felt humbled being there.

"We thought we were going to be outside and part of the crowd which we would have been happy with but we were very humbled to get invited in and meet Peter Cavanagh."

The branch is now planning an official visit to one of the matches next season as Stanley take on the Conference.