Updated 10:20am
The Ireland rugby team has made history after beating the All Blacks in Dublin - the first time ever on Irish soil.
Jacob Stockdale was the only man to cross the line in a 16-9 win for the Ulster winger - with the rest of Ireland's points coming from the boot of Johnny Sexton.
Beauden Barrett kicked two penalties and a drop goal for the All Blacks but it wasn't enough.
It was the first time the All Blacks were also kept try-less in a game against a Northern Hemisphere side since 1995.
President Higgins has written to the IRFU and to Ireland captain Rory Best, to congratulate the team "on an extraordinary achievement and to thank the players and coaches for an evening that will live long in the memory of everyone who loves Irish sport."
Sports Minister Shane Ross, meanwhile, said he was "delighted to congratulate" the team on behalf of the Irish people.
Ireland's Rory Best tackled by New Zealand's Owen Franks (left) and Brodie Retallick during the Autumn International match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Picture by: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA Images
Minister Ross said: "The All-Blacks are the yardstick by which every team measures themselves and this victory tonight is a monumental triumph for Joe Schmidt and his team following on from a Six Nations Grand Slam success earlier this year and a first Test Series win in Australia since 1979 in the summer.
"These are hugely exciting times for Irish Rugby and I would like to wish the management and team continued success next year in the Six Nations and especially in the World Cup in Japan.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar took to Twitter to congratulate the squad:
What a game! We may be a small country but sometimes we can be the best in the world. #COYBIG #IRENZL
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) November 17, 2018
Reporting by Teena Gates and Stephen McNeice
