DAN ROONEY WAS present in Pennsylvania yesterday for the U.S. launch of next year’s Croke Park Classic, which has a trophy named after the former U.S. ambassador to Ireland.
The 81 year-old served in the role of ambassador between 2009 and 2012 and he flew in from Pittsburgh for yesterday’s launch in State College, Pennsylvania.
The U.S. launch took place before last night’s meeting of Penn State and UCF (University of Central Florida), the two colleges who clash in Croke Park on August 30th 2014.
UCF, who included Cork-born Sean Galvin in their ranks as a kicker, won the game 34-31 against Penn State at Beaver Stadium.
Rooney had been previously involved with the GAA in attempts to bring an NFL game to Croke Park but after that fell through, the GAA switched their attentions to college football.
Rooney has been honoured by the fact that the teams will compete next year for the Dan Rooney trophy – a replica football made of bog yew and Pittsburgh steel.
Rooney expressed his delight that the game is set to take place in Croke Park next August.
YouTube: Fintan O’Toole
GAA Director-General Paraic Duffy was also present at yesterday’s press conference. While being quizzed by US media, he was asked to explain hurling and the amateur status of GAA players.
YouTube: Fintan O’Toole
Fair play to ye lads. An example to us all who look upwards and plan.
And any of the 3 teams they beat could still beat them
Before the criticism starts about Sundays style of football – Derry normally play an open game of football effectively like they did against Tyrone and Monaghan, however in the Ulster Final they were dragged into playing Donegal at their own game, and though not the most exciting to watch, it resulted in a most needed win and Donegal taught a lesson in using defensive football to stifle and choke open football. Hopefully Derry go further this year!
@Seamus O’Caolaidhé: from watching the game can’t agree with that. Derry played that way from the off-ultra defensive(as did Donegal)