Niall receives a hero's welcome in the O2

Niall Horan received a hero's welcome at the O2 Arena in Dublin last night, Tuesday March 5, when him and his One Direction band mates kicked off the Irish leg of their world tour.

The 7,000 fans that packed into the O2 last night let the lads know where their allegiances lie chanting "Mullingar, Mullingar" at the top of their lungs.

Happy to be back in Ireland, Niall asked: "What's the craic Dublin?", much to the delight of the captivated young crowd. He also showed off his guitar skills by performing a number of solos on his Fender.

The young singer wasn't the only member of the Horan clan to have the spotlight shone on him though. The group dedicated their new single, One Way or Another, to Niall's father Bobby, who was described as a "great man".

One Direction play the O2 again tonight before heading up to Belfast for two nights in the Odyssey Arena.