Around 12,000 local football fans turned out in Gdynia this evening to watch the Republic of Ireland's opening training session.
The session was Ireland's first run-out in Poland as they prepare for their Euro 2012 Group C encounters with Croatia, Spain and Italy.
There was some concern when Shay Given did not take part in the session.
The goalkeeper stood beside coach Alan Kelly as Kieren Westwood and David Forde went through their warm-up.
However, Giovanni Trapattoni said afterwards that he had been rested and there was no injury problem. Given is due to resume full training tomorrow morning.
The activities of John O'Shea and Glenn Whelan were limited as they took part in the warm-up before stepping out. Trapattoni again said that both players are "okay".
There were balloons, cheerleaders and even a hand-glider as the Irish players were welcomed at the 15,000-seater arena.
Keeping with the relaxed theme, Irish kit man led the team onto the pitch waving pompoms.
Sean St Ledger and Robbie Keane joked around in the centre circle.
The players started to ease out the aches of last night's match against Hungary with gentle laps around the pitch.
The large bank of photographers at pitchside was a clear indication that the tournament is just days away. There were just three at the training camp in Monticatini last week.
Once the mundane activities of a gentle session kicked in, the buzz of the crowd was replaced by the gentle hum of conversation.
The crowd came to the obvious conclusion that training sessions can be boring exercises, even for those taking part.
They became so desperate that there were cheers any time the ball ended up in the net during the goalkeepers' drills.
Several hundred had streamed out of the ground even before the short session was wrapped up.
The players will care little about that, as they have other things on their mind with the opening game just five days away.
