The “religion” of American Football is back in Dublin with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic – and there is an Irish player on the field this weekend.
Over 25,000 people are arriving to Ireland to watch the highly anticipated match between Georgia Tech and Florida State at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.
With over 47,000 tickets sold, the 2024 College Football season opener is officially a sell-out for the second year in a row.
Along with the sport itself, the fixture brings a host of US traditions to Ireland – including cheerleaders and marching bands who will perform ‘pep rallies’ ahead of the big game.
The Florida State University ‘Marching Chiefs’ band will be taking over Smithfield Square in Dublin for the weekend – renaming it ‘Seminoles Square’.
Members of the band told Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie that when people describe American Football as a “culture”, they really mean it.
“It’s like a religion,” one flute player told Newstalk Breakfast.
“Especially in the south-east, you can’t get away from it.”
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech, who will host their pre-game rally at Merrion Square, have a secret weapon – GAA player turned punter David Shanahan.
The Kerry native is believed to be the first Irish person to earn a full scholarship to play American Football.
He told Josh the transition from the GAA pitch to the football field was easier than you might expect.
“Obviously no one had done it before, I felt like the hands and feet coordination was there,” he said.
Georgia Tech punter David Shanahan (43) has his punt blocked by Mississippi’s Cedric Johnson (2). Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo“It felt like it was a natural transition – I’ll definitely give it the best shot I can.”
Mr Shanahan said he might consider a long-term career in American Football – but for now, the goal is to defeat Florida.
“You learn pretty quick in college football that if you look too far ahead you do yourself an injustice.”
Mr Shanahan’s coach Brent Key said the relations between the US and Ireland are so strong, it makes sense America’s favourite sport would come to Dublin.
“It’s everything from tourism to trade to people moving [to America],” he said.
American sportswriter Chad Bishop said Georgia Tech is an “up and coming team” – but they’ll still be the underdogs in the Aviva on Saturday.
“Florida University is expected to compete for a national championship,” he said.
“It’s not a David and Goliath, but there is one team expected to win quite handily.”
Tomorrow’s game between Florida and Georgia marks the beginning of the 2024 College Football season.