Niall Horan and One Direction took Dublin by storm on Friday night – with more to come.

The boyband had the ‘best night ever’ according to the Irish heartthrob at a packed Croke Park stadium.

Over 240,000 One Directioners have bought tickets for the three night run at the home of the GAA. And not even heavy rain could dampen the enthusiasm of the band and their public at Friday night’s triumphant gig.

A proud Horan told the crowd: “You’re the best fans in the world.”

Just a couple of years after getting the bus from Mullingar to Dublin for the X-Factor auditions, Horan was the star attraction.

He added: “I’m a boy from Mullingar playing in Croke Park, the national stadium. It’s ridiculous! I wouldn’t be here without you.”

As the fans lapped up every minute of the One Direction live experience, Horan beamed from ear to ear according to a report in the Irish Independent.

He told them: “This has been the best night of my life. Ireland, thank you so much, you are unbelievable. If you could see what we see right now... it’s amazing.”

Fellow band member Liam Payne was clearly moved by the Dublin crowd and their reaction to One Direction.

He said: “This has been my favourite night yet, don’t tell anyone.”

Superfan Nicole Garcia (16) had travelled 9,000 miles from the Philippines just to see Niall perform on home turf.

She told the Irish Independent: “I’ve never seen them perform before but I’d call myself their number one fan.

“It took me days to get here from the Philippines but it’s worth it to see Niall perform in Ireland.”

Horan’s brother Greg and little nephew Theo, mother Maura and father Bobby were among the sell-out crowd.