Ireland Blog: Spreading the love of football

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Youth football clinic a hit:One of the first activities the Steelers took part in during their time in Ireland was a youth flag football clinic in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

"We want to be Ireland's team and that means the whole island of Ireland," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "We hope and think we have fans in Northern Ireland. We're happy to have had the chance to go up there and visit while we're over here."

The camp, which was attended by Steelers legends, was held at Colin Glen Leisure Entrance for kids 11-15.

"The Steelers mission with American football on the island of Ireland has always been about the entire island, so it was really important for us to travel to Northern Ireland, to Belfast, to hold this youth football camp," said Dan Rooney, the Steelers Vice President of Business Development and Strategy. "It is special to have Steelers alumni teach American football to the children of Belfast and other areas of Northern Ireland.

"We're most comfortable on a football field, so being able to teach the game we love to the youth of the island of Ireland is important."

Steelers legends Jerome Bettis, Max Starks and Ike Taylor were handling the instruction, enjoying the experience immensely.

"This was an opportunity for these kids to fall in love with the game," said Bettis. "The reason I know that is that's when I fell in love with the game when I was 15 years old at a football camp.

"So, I know it's real. I know the possibility is there. The key was we made sure that we gave them the experience that they won't ever forget."

Many kids in Northern Ireland have never been exposed to American football up close, and that was a fun challenge for Bettis and company.

"They were really listening to instruction because they don't know the game, which is a beautiful thing," said Bettis. "They were hungry for instruction. They were listening, they were attentive and that's always the best audience. We had a blank slate in terms of the kids' knowledge and what we were asking of them."

Starks remembers the passion late Steelers chairman and United States Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney Sr. had when it came to hosting youth football camps in Ireland, so the opportunity to take part in this one was something he cherished.

"It's the ultimate honor," said Starks. "I think about back to when Mr. Dan Rooney was appointed Ambassador to Ireland while I was playing. And his dream was to bring American football camps to Ireland while he was there.

"Now, we didn't get to do that to the extent that he wanted while he was alive. I remember him asking, 'Hey, Max, would you ever be interested in doing that?' I said, 'Absolutely, sir.' That would be my honor and my pleasure.

"So, to realize that request all these years later and still be able to make good on that promise. It just means the world to me because I thought the world of Mr. Rooney.

"To be able to do this kind of in his honor and his family's honor is a real special blessing."

Steelers legends making an impact:The Steelers will have an array of events in Ireland, including appearances by the team's legends at events including the Steelers Tailgate Party in Dublin's Merrion Square and at Fitzsimons Temple Bar.

Bringing the legends is something the team wanted to do so fans traveling from the Unites States as well as those in Dublin have an opportunity to interact with them and learn more about the team from them.

"It's important to us to be able to involve our Steelers alumni in such a special trip like this," said Dan Rooney, the Steelers Vice President of Business Development and Strategy. "The names traveling over, we have Hall of Famers coming over, we have Steelers Hall of Honor members coming over to engage with Steelers Nation, Irish NFL fans, and just the Irish people in general.

"We have a full slate of events that if you're a Steelers fan, or an NFL fan, and want to come by one of these Steelers events, you're going to probably run into a Steelers' alumni that you can meet and hear from.

"So, it's really cool for us to bring our alumni over and help make this game as special as it's going to be."

The plan is for the team to bring several players who took part in the 1997 preseason game in Ireland, when the Steelers defeated the Chicago Bears.

It will be an opportunity for them to share and relive what it was like to play in Ireland, while also enjoying the excitement surrounding this year's game.

"For us to bring those guys that have memories of the 1997 preseason game is special," said Rooney. "So, they're going to come over and be able to tell stories of that preseason game and the trip that Coach (Bill) Cowher and my grandfather (Dan Rooney Sr.) led back in 97.

"And they're going to remember those days and see how much the passion for American football has come alive in Ireland."

Wednesday, September 24

A tour like no other:The final day of the Terrible Towel Tour began in County Sligo, known for it's rugged landscape and the area that captured the heart of poet and Nobel Laureate, WB Yates, who christened it 'the land of heart's desire.'

A walk on the beach in Strandhill, the jewel of the Wild Atlantic Way's surf coast, provided an amazing scenic respite amid a historic backdrop.

Northern Ireland was the next destination, which began in Derry/Londonderry, the second-largest city in Northern Ireland. While the area is surrounded by history and coastal landscape, it also offers the modern touches of a bustling area further inland.

While in the region, the group met with players and management from Derry City Football Club on a visit to Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Starks took part in a jersey swap with Derry City FC, an opportunity to connect and teach each other a little about their respective sports.

Before departing, the group went on a guided tour of City Centre, which is the compact and walkable heart of the area. It is known for the 17th century city walls, as well as modern waterfront attractions such as the Peace Bridge.

The group then departed for Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the Steelers will host a youth football camp, and then the Rooney's home of Newry, where activities are planned on Thursday.

"Knowing the rich history of Ireland, and then you mix that with the Steelers organization and the ownership at the top, and their origins, it's incredible," said Starks. "Thinking about places like Newry, where 'The Chief' (Art Rooney Sr.) is from.

"Being able to go see that, do a tour that ends in Belfast for the football camp is amazing."

Tuesday, September 23

The journey continues:Day two of the Terrible Towel Tour, sponsored by took the group to Limerick, where the main stop was at the University of Limerick. While there, Starks and company visited with members of the Munster Rugby team, who are part of the Irish Rugby Football Union, and have their performance center on the campus.

One of the most beautiful stops along the tour was at the Cliffs of Moher, which tower over the rugged West Clare coast, with spectacular views of the Wild Atlantic Ocean and Aran Islands in Galway Bay.

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Irelands most visited attractions and offer a beauty that is hard to beat.

"There are so many beautiful parts of Ireland that I hope Steelers Nation will get to be exposed to on our journey," said Starks. "I'm absolutely loving it. It has been a fantastic trip."

After the breathtaking views, it was back on the road to Gort, a market town in County Galway, where they visited Harte's Pub. The quintessential Irish pub is owned by a Steelers fan, offering a warm welcome for the group.

The group concluded the tour with a stop in Galway City. There they visited the Spanish Arch, one of Galway's gems that dates back to pre-medieval times. The Arch is located where the river meets the sea, making it a perfect stop for a relaxing visit.

Other stops in Galway included Shop Street, the primary pedestrian shopping street that is known for unique shops, pubs and a lively atmosphere. The group also visited Eyre Square in the heart of Galway City, which is officially known as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.

"It's so important to do this, because Ireland has a rich tradition in Gaelic football and they are fans of American football," said Starks. "I have an opportunity to spread the interest and love in American football even further as we reach the corner of the island and figure out what people know.

"But at the end of the day, as long as you have a Terrible Towel, you'll always be good anywhere. It's your football passport, so to speak.

"I love engaging with new fans, creating new fans and of course reinforcing the fans that we already have."

Visit the Pro Shop:Steelers fan who are traveling to Dublin for the Steelers-Vikings game, or those who live in the region, can visit the Steelers Pro Shop in Dublin.

A new 1,500 plus square foot shop opened earlier this month, featuring exclusive gear that is part of the Steelers Ireland Collection. The store also carries all the black and gold gear that any fan will need for game day and beyond.

The store, which is operated by National Merchandise, Europe's leading merchandise concessions company, will be open for the duration of the 2025 NFL season.

The store is located at 40 Clarendon Street, Dublin D02 R921.

Fans can also purchaseIreland Collection gear here.

WATCH/STREAM

* The game broadcast is carried on NFL Network (WTAE-TV locally in Pittsburgh). Game coverage begins Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET;

* The BetMGM Steelers Kickoff pregame show with Bob Pompeani at 8:30 a.m. ET on KDKA-TV in the Pittsburgh market.

* Joe Davis (play-by-play), Greg Olsen (analysis), Pam Oliver (field reporter), Jamie Erdahl (field reporter), and Mike Pereira (rules analyst) are on the game call.

* NFL+ Premium gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market games, LIVE local & primetime Regular Season and Postseason games on your phone or tablet, full & condensed replays of every game, and MORE! Whether you are at the stadium or on-the-go, you will never miss a moment with NFL+. NOTE: NFL+ is only available to users within the United States. For a full description of features, requirements, limitations, and other information, visit NFL+ Support.

* Don't forget all Steelers postgame press conferences are streamed live on Steelers.com, the Steelers Official Mobile App and the team's Official YouTube Channel.

Monday, September 21

Terrible Towel Tour is underway:A contingent from the Steelers has already touched down in Ireland, and are making their way across the island, visiting various cities as part of a Terrible Towel Tour, presented by Aer Lingus.

Throughout the multi-day tour, which touches all parts of Ireland, the group is stopping along the way and visiting with local celebrities and dignitaries, in a Steelers branded Terrible Towel van.

The main reason for the tour is to visit the different areas of Ireland, something late Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney Sr. did while he was the United States Ambassador to Ireland and visited every county. The trip is also an opportunity to learn more about the Irish culture, while also distributing Terrible Towels to the locals in advance of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park.

Led by Max Starks, the former offensive lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion, getting the towels twirling along the route was first and foremost.

"I have to teach the twirl. That's the first thing," said Starks. "It's about getting a group together. It's almost like a yoga class. Warm up the elbow, get the shoulder rotator cuff going, and then you make sure you have a good grip on the towel.

"You have to pick a corner to hold the towel. You have a lucky corner or whatever corner. You bunch it up and then you just make sure that twirl is consistent. Almost like a lasso. You got to get it done."

The tour began in Dublin, which will be the main point of activity for Steelers Nation this week. Starks stopped by the Steelers Pro Shop in Dublin to pick up a supply of Terrible Towels to take along with him on the tour.

"It's amazing," said Starks. "You would love to say it's a dream come true, but I don't even think I could have that dream. So, it's something of fantasy to be able to do this."

The next stop on the first day of the tour was in Kilkenny, where the group visited the Kilkenny Castle. The Castle was founded after the Norman conquest of Ireland and rebuilt and adapted to suit 'changing circumstances and uses' over a period of 800 years. The castle, which is open to visitors, is a Victorian remodeling of the 13th century defensive Castle.

It was then on to Killarney for the final stop of the day, where they met and toured the city with Gaelic football player Paudie Clifford. Clifford, a lifelong Steelers fan, announced one of the Steelers draft picks in 2024 from a draft party in Ireland and was the perfect tour guide.

Visit the Pro Shop:Steelers fan who are traveling to Dublin for the Steelers-Vikings game, or those who live in the region, can visit the Steelers Pro Shop in Dublin.

A new 1,500 plus square foot shop opened earlier this month, featuring exclusive gear that is part of the Steelers Ireland Collection. The store also carries all the black and gold gear that any fan will need for game day and beyond.

The store, which is operated by National Merchandise, Europe's leading merchandise concessions company, will be open for the duration of the 2025 NFL season.

The store is located at 40 Clarendon Street, Dublin D02 R921.

Fans can also purchaseIreland Collection gear here.

Rally behind the black and gold:There is no doubt Steelers Nation is worldwide, and many are expected to attend the Steelers Tailgate in Dublin's Merrion Square to help kick off the festivities for the Steelers-Vikings NFL Dublin Game.

The tailgate will take place Friday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 28 and feature plenty of excitement including:

- Steelers alumni and guest appearances

- On-stage entertainment

- Football activities, tailgate games and photo opportunities

- Steelers official merchandise

- Tailgate food and beverages

- Flag football games

- Game watch party on Sunday

The full schedule for the tailgate is below:

Friday, September 26th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM IST

Saturday, September 27th from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM IST

Sunday, September 28th from 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM IST

The Steelers Tailgate is presented by Aer Lingus; supported by UPMC and Heinz.

Registration is free, but fans mustRSVP to attend.

Steelers Nation takeover:Ireland is known for their pubs, and one of them will take on a Steelers feel for game weekend.

Fitzsimons Temple Bar will become the Steelers Pub and headquarters Friday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 28. The pub will be a gathering point for Steelers Nation, transformed into a black and gold hub featuring all things Steelers. There will be live content, giveaways, appearances by Steelers legends and much more.

When: Friday, Sept. 26 Sunday, Sept. 28

Where: Fitzsimons, 2122 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin D02 YK79

Friday Schedule: DVE Morning Show airs 11 AM - 3 PM IST; Legend Q & A from 3 - 5 PM IST; SNR Drive from 4 - 7 PM IST

Saturday Schedule: SNR Drive from 1 - 4 PM IST; Legend Q&A from 3 - 5 PM IST; DVE Morning Show airs 5 - 7 PM IST

--> More details:Fitzsimons Temple Bar Steelers takeover

Broadcast Crew:The Steelers will host the Minnesota Vikings in the 2025 NFL Dublin game on Sunday, Sept. 28, and the NFL Network broadcast crew has now been announced for the first NFL regular season game ever in Ireland.

The game, which will be simulcast on WTAE-TV in the Pittsburgh market, will feature play-by-play announcer Joe Davis, analyst Greg Olsen, and sideline reporters Pam Oliver and Jamie Erdahl, while Mike Pereira will serve as rules analyst.

Kickoff for the game at Croke Park will be at 9:30 am ET.

Game coverage will begin at 7 am ET on NFL Network with NFL GameDay Kickoff, live from Dublin with Colleen Wolfe.

Bringing you the action:For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.

Game Day entertainment:Award-winning music artist Myles Smith will perform at the halftime show during the 2025 NFL Dublin Game at Croke Park. Smith has showcased his sharp rise to stardom after winning the 2025 Rising Star BRIT Award as well as generating over one billion streams globally with hits such as Stargazing and Nice to Meet You. As part of his performance, Myles will be accompanied by The Line-Up Choir, a Dublin-based contemporary choir who will join for some of his biggest hits.

"It's an honor to be part of the NFL's first game in Ireland and be performing alongside all these amazing local artists," said Myles Smith. "Dublin has such great energy, and I hope my performance brings even more excitement to the day for fans attending and watching worldwide."

"We are excited to bring the very first NFL regular season game to Ireland, and there's no better stage than the legendary Croke Park," said Senior Director of Global Game Presentation and Entertainment at the NFL Tim Tubito. "Our aim is to celebrate this historic occasion with the kind of world-class entertainment fans expect from the NFL and showcasing a mix of global and local talent. With Myles Smith and a fantastic lineup of Irish performers, we look forward to creating an unforgettable game-day experience for fans to enjoy."

The NFL will look to infuse moments throughout the game to celebrate Irish culture and music. Prior to kickoff Irish star Lyra will perform the country's National Anthem Amhrn na bhFiann.

"As an Irish singer, standing at the center of Croke Park, singing in front of my fellow Irish and visitors from around the world, fills me with immense pride," said Lyra. "I am deeply grateful to the NFL for giving me the opportunity to represent my homeland at such a momentous occasion. To be part of such an iconic moment, as the NFL makes history with its first regular-season game in Ireland, is an honor I will carry in my heart forever."

"The NFL is synonymous with world-class sport and entertainment, and there's no better stage in Ireland than Croke Park," said NFL U.K. & Ireland General Manager Henry Hodgson. "We're looking forward to making Irish talent and traditions central to an unforgettable gameday experience for fans in the stadium and watching around the world."

In addition to pregame and halftime acts, there will be a host of performances by a range of local acts before and throughout the game to further bring even more entertainment around the game for the fans at Croke Park and watching worldwide, these will include:

The Artane Marching Band

Clada House Band

Hit Machine Irish Drumline

-- From the NFL

Whether fans are staying stateside or traveling to the Emerald Isle, they can stay connected to the team and all the activities happening Ireland in the following ways:

Stay Connected: Download the Steelers Mobile App for team updates and Ireland activities. Download the NFL OnePass app for game day details and additional fan information.

Follow Along: Follow @SteelersIreland for all the happenings in Ireland via X, Instagram, and TikTok. Fans can also tune into the official Pittsburgh Steelers Irish podcast emanating from the island of Ireland.

Tune In: Fans staying stateside can watch the game on Sunday, Sept. 28 via NFL Network at 9:30AM EDT. Local fans in Pittsburgh can also watch the game on WTAE Channel 4.

Featured Content: Fans can enjoy special Steelers programming leading up to game day, including A Steelers Story, Presented by Aer Lingus (Sept. 25), a new documentary on the late Dan Rooney and his impact on Ireland, and The Standard, Presented by Hyundai - Dublin Game Week Edition (Sept. 26), an inside look at the team and Croke Park's preparation for the historic matchup. Both will debut on Steelers digital and social platforms.