Dublin wasn’t chosen at random. Its strong Irish-American ties, especially to Pittsburgh, and rising Irish interest in American sports make it a strategic pick. For Minnesota, the Dublin game kicks off a rare two-country stretch, with London up next. The international momentum is real and growing.

Croke Park Hosts a Game Unlike Any Before

Croke Park, steeped in Irish athletic tradition, has never hosted a professional American football game of this scale. It’s a bold choice. The stadium usually houses Gaelic football and hurling, but for one Sunday in September 2025, it becomes the center of the NFL world. The matchup between the Steelers and Vikings will unfold before a crowd that blends die-hard fans, curious locals, and international travelers.

For the Steelers, this game is more than just a travel assignment. Pittsburgh’s identity is closely tied to Irish heritage, making the team a fitting “home” representative. Their fanbase, known for traveling well, is already rallying behind this milestone.

The NFL has gone beyond superficial marketing here. By choosing teams with cultural resonance and strategic brand alignment, it is positioning the league not just as a visitor in Europe, but as a participant in its sporting culture.

The logistics are equally ambitious. Charter flights, local partnerships, and broadcasting infrastructure are being fine-tuned to ensure both on-the-ground attendance and digital reach. Irish fans may be new to NFL tailgates, but they won’t be unfamiliar for long.

The Vikings Make History With a Two-Game Tour

The Minnesota Vikings are setting an NFL precedent. After facing the Steelers in Dublin, they’ll head straight to London to play the Cleveland Browns, becoming the first team in history to play back-to-back regular-season games in two countries.

This scheduling decision isn’t just about headlines. It tests how teams adapt to extended international travel during the season, and could shape future expansion models.

This stretch will challenge players and coaches alike. European stadiums mean altered routines, new fan dynamics, and logistics that go far beyond the typical game week. Yet for the Vikings, who have been strong supporters of the league’s global push, it’s an opportunity to grow the franchise internationally.

Both the Dublin and London games will give the Vikings exposure across two vibrant European capitals in a matter of days. That sort of visibility could pay long-term dividends in merchandise, fan loyalty, and brand equity. If this experiment proves successful, expect more teams to follow a similar path.

Europe’s Growing Role in the NFL Calendar

The 2025 NFL season includes seven international matchups, spread across Germany, Spain, Brazil, England, and now Ireland. This marks the largest slate of global games in league history. The move aligns with the NFL’s long-term objective: establish a consistent international presence that goes beyond preseason games or rare one-off events.

Each market plays a different role. Madrid is new. Berlin returns after a strong debut. São Paulo introduces South America. But Dublin carries unique weight. It’s not a huge population center by NFL standards, but its symbolic value is undeniable. It’s also a test case for less saturated European markets.

For many fans in Ireland, this game could be their first live NFL experience. The strategy here is long-term: build roots now, harvest loyalty later. NFL Europe may have failed decades ago, but today’s strategy is far more calculated. It builds on the back of digital access, streaming partnerships, and social media momentum that didn’t exist when the league last attempted to expand outside of U.S. borders.

Cultural Ties Make Dublin a Natural Fit

Few American cities have embraced their Irish roots as proudly as Pittsburgh. The city’s identity includes massive annual St. Patrick’s Day events, deep ancestral ties, and even Irish themes in its neighborhood names. Choosing the Steelers to host Ireland’s first NFL regular-season game was no accident. The connection runs deeper than just branding; it reflects shared history, values, and community pride.

It also helps that the team is one of the most storied in the league. With six Super Bowl titles, a national following, and a rugged style of play, the Steelers are an ideal ambassador for American football. Meanwhile, the Vikings are no strangers to international play, having previously appeared in London games with strong overseas support and frequent mentions in NFL team news around their global outreach strategy and consistent competitiveness.

These choices matter. The NFL isn’t just exporting a game; it’s curating a narrative. The matchup in Dublin will be more than a contest. It will be a shared cultural event, with themed festivities, Irish-American symbolism, and storytelling that connects fans across continents.

Travel, Broadcast, and Fan Experience Plans

Planning a regular-season game overseas involves far more than just travel. The NFL is creating a full experience for fans on both sides of the Atlantic.

Broadcast, Engagement, and Real-Time Fan Tools

On the broadcast side, the game is set for a 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time start. That ensures live U.S. coverage while still filling Croke Park’s afternoon slot. Fans in Ireland will enjoy a daytime event, while American audiences can tune in with their morning coffee. Platforms like FanDuel are also enhancing the experience with real-time team odds, fantasy matchups, and interactive tools that keep viewers engaged.

Flight Packages and Ticket Access

A game abroad brings more than a new venue. It demands a complete rethinking of logistics for fans and teams. The NFL has partnered with Aer Lingus to offer special flights and packages for traveling Steelers fans. In fact, Aer Lingus has signed a four-year partnership with the Steelers, becoming an Official Airline Partner and a Founding Partner of Steelers Ireland.

Ticket availability is being managed with Irish law in mind, which restricts resale to prevent price gouging.

Weekend Events Around the City

Beyond the game itself, expect surrounding events. NFL-themed pop-ups, player appearances, and media activationswill transform Dublin’s city center into a weekend celebration of football. This isn’t just about the 60 minutes of gameplay; it’s about staging a global spectacle.

Strategic Importance For the NFL’s Future

If this game sells out, draws strong ratings, and sparks fan growth, the NFL may increase its European footprint further. Dublin could become a regular part of the international rotation or even host playoff games in the future. The league is watching more than the scoreboard.

With several European games now hosted annually, the NFL is inching toward a time when playing overseas won’t be news; it’ll be routine.

*This article is based on information available as of 2025/07/14. Scheduling, team participation, and event details are subject to change. Readers should consult official NFL sources for the latest updates.

The post Steelers vs. Vikings in Dublin: NFL’s European Expansion appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Dismissal of Joe Greiner 

Joe Greiner has barely had time to bed in as the caddy for two-time major champion Collin Morikawa. Yet, after just five tournaments, it was announced that he has been let go. Morikawa brought in a temporary caddy for the Rocket Classic, the veteran KK Limbhasut. The split was announced after the last Travelers Championship. In this, Morikawa ended in a disappointing tie for 42nd place.  

The tournament at the Detroit Golf Club did have him down as the favourite. This was eventually won by Aldrich Potgieter in his maiden outing. Despite his patchy form, and some issues putting at the Rocket, he remains in the top contenders for many of the upcoming events he is in. This includes his odds for the US Open where he is currently 25/1. This is against some stiff competition.

Morikawa’s Previous Caddies

Source: Pexels

J Jakovac had been Morikawa’s original caddy. He had taken him through his switch to a professional game in 2019. This led the pair to pick up the 2020 PGA Championship and the subsequent year 2021 Open Championship. Undoubtedly, this will have made his five-year tenure hard to follow, although many had assumed this partnership would have run at least a little longer.

At the time, Morikawa had said that something had just felt off when he dismissed Jakovac. At May’s Truist Championship, he had hoped that making a change for Greiner would have allowed him more ownership of his game.

Upcoming Tournaments

This crisis of faith has had a marked impact on Morikawa’s outlook for tournaments further afield than the Rocket Classic. The 2025 British Open has Scottie Scheffler at the head of the pack with golf odds of 9/2. While the Open has provided some of his worst results so far, he is still the world number one and on his game.

Rory McIlroy is second in contention at 15/2. He is a golfer on a run at the moment, but a home crowd could put the pressure on him. He has buckled under it before and may do it again.

Following this, a host of other golfers are ahead of Morikawa in the betting, who trails at odds of around 25/1. This will be the next of the Majors before it turns into the 2026 tournaments. The only golfer other than Scheffler and McIlroy who has better sports betting 20/1 odds on the futures markets for these is Jon Rahm.

With a third caddy in place, the open will be the real test for Morikawa. If this does not work, then he must look at his game and realise that this may not be the issue. Alternatively, it could break the crisis of confidence and see him become one of the best turnaround stars of the year.

The post Collin Morikawa Splits With Caddy After Only Five Tournaments appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

THIS WEEK’S TV SPORT

⸻

RUGBY

Wednesday
• Brumbies v Lions – 11am – Sky Sports
• New Zealand U20s v Ireland U20s – 5pm – RugbyPass

Saturday
• New Zealand v France – 8pm – Sky Sports
• ANZAC XV v Lions – 11am – Sky Sports
• South Africa XV v Italy– 4:10pm – Sky Sports
• Portugal v Ireland – 7pm – Virgin Media One
• Argentina v England – 8:40pm – Sky Sports

⸻

GAA – Football

Saturday
• Limerick v Kildare – 2:30pm – RTÉ2
• Kerry v Tyrone – 5pm – RTÉ2

Sunday
• Meath v Donegal – 4pm – RTÉ2

⸻

FOOTBALL

Wednesday
• Champions League Qualifier – Shelbourne v Linfield – 7:45pm – RTÉ2

⸻

HORSE RACING

Newmarket Festival
• Thursday, Friday, Saturday – Virgin Media One

⸻

OTHER SPORTS

• Wimbledon – All week – BBC One / BBC Two
• Tour de France – All week – TNT Sports & TG4
• Diamond League Athletics – Friday, 7pm – Virgin Media Two

#WeekendSport #Rugby #GAA #Wimbledon #TourDeFrance #LeagueOfIreland #IrishSport

The post List of Live Sport on TV this week – RTE, Virgin, TG4 and BBC appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The final Grand Prix of the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments saw twenty-seven horse/rider combinations take on the 615m track designed by FEI Course Designer Santiago Varela.

The top twelve placed riders from the first round then challenged a second track in hopes a combined score would leave them at the top or force a jump-off.

Amongst the top twelve returning for the second round were some of the week’s previous winners, Kyle King (USA), Daniel Coyle and Jordan Coyle – who won the AKITA Drilling Cup earlier in the day.

They were joined by Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) who also finished on zero faults over the two rounds to create a four horse jump-off.

Coyle’s big win

Daniel Coyle was ready for a big win. After two rounds of jumping, a jump-off was required to determine the winner.

Jordan Coyle held the lead briefly with a clear jump off time of 35.86 seconds but younger brother Daniel piloting the brilliant, Incredible, crossed the finish line clear in a time of 35.21 seconds.

American Kyle King came close to topping Daniel’s time but finished second with a clear round time of 35.29 seconds. A rail in the jump-off kept Alrajhi off the podium.

A delighted Daniel Coyle spoke after his major win, stating:

“I like to come here for the summer because every horse gets a little better, even the horses at the top of the game. But not only that, we also have some six, some seven year-olds here, and, they are the future, so we have to bring them along as well.”

Ireland’s Paul O’Shea was tenth with Imerald Van’T Voorhof.

The post Daniel Coyle and Incredible win $1m ATCO QEII Cup appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The winning round format competition had 33 horse/rider combinations challenge the first track and the 10 top results from that round qualified for the winning round.

Five of the riders returning for the winning round carried the Irish flag, a dominant force this 2025 Summer Tournament Season.

It was another victory for Jordan Coyle riding, For Gold, in the AKITA Drilling Cup. The pair delivered the fastest clear ride in the winning round with a time of 51.79 seconds.

Briton Charlie Jones with Capitale 6 took the second step on the podium, as they went clear in 53.33 seconds.

Mexico’s Eugenio Garza Perez, riding Chalouries PS took third, stopping the clock in 58.13 seconds.

Daniel Coyle and Farrel were next best of the Irish in fifth.

James Chawke, riding Daido Van’t Ruytershof Z, were eighth, following by Darragh Kenny with Zero K in ninth.

Conor Swail and Clonterm Obolensky rounded out the top-10.

The post Another Canada win for Jordan Coyle and For Gold appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

In the competition (where faults are converted to time) Coyle came through the finish line in 75.59 seconds.

Coyle and For Gold have won six FEI competitions this season at Spruce Meadows, Calgary, and won three-out-of-four of the Speed Competitions – only to be second in the Canadian Utilities Cup during the ‘Continental’.

Another Irish rider, James Chawke, was runner-up with Daido Van’t Ruytershof Z in 79.20 seconds.

Mexico’s Eugenio Garza Perez and Victer Finn DH Z took the third spot on the podium, in a time of 81.46 seconds.

The post Jordan Coyle wins Kubota Cup for his sixth FEI Canadian win appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

A second round of 67 puts Woad on 17 under par, with Anna Foster best of the home players on seven under.

“I want to win it, I’m going to keep playing my game and see where it puts me,” the tournament leader stated after her third round.

Super Saturday for Lottie Woad #KPMGWIO pic.twitter.com/Gf0oZM0Rz6

— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) July 5, 2025

Sweden’s Madelene Sagstroem, who shot a round of 70 this afternoon, sits on her own in second place, seven shots behind the leader.

Australia’s Kirsten Rudgeley is next best on 9 under par, following her 71 on Saturday.

Five players are then bunched on 8 under par: Amelia Garvey (72), Anne-Charlotte Mora (70), Blanca Fernandez (70), Charley Hall (72), and Chiara Tamburlini (73).

Leaderboard

Foster leading Irish player

Ireland’s Anna Foster had nine birdies during her third round, as her six under par round of 67, places her in tied ninth position on the leaderboard.

Birdie finish for a 67 (-6)

Ireland’s Anna Foster equals the round of the day #KPMGWIO pic.twitter.com/Ol7qmgRlZc

— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) July 5, 2025

Leona Maguire shot a 70 on Saturday, Emma Fleming carded a 73, while Canice Screene signed for a 76.

The post Lottie Woad leads KPMG Women’s Irish Open by seven shots appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The ATCO Cup was contested over the track designed by FEI course builder Santiago Varela of Spain.

Darragh Kenny aboard Lightning produced the fastest clear round in the five combination jump-off with a time of 36.95 seconds.

Conor Swail finished in second with Qoreen Van’t Ruyershof in a time of 42.33 seconds.

Canadian Sarah Lottis, rounded out the top three placings, as she and Itoulon S finished third, with four faults, in 40.25 seconds.

Daniel Coyle and Legacy finished in in fifth place, after eight faults in the jump-off round.

The post Kenny, Swail 1-2 in The ATCO Cup appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

In the only qualifier for this week’s CSI2* Grand Prix, forty-seven horse/rider combinations took to the International Ring and eleven jumped clear to advance to the jump off.

The Irish have been on a roll all summer long at Spruce Meadows and Daniel Coyle was determined to continue that streak.

Coyle posted a fast clear round with both his horses, Daydream and Calippo 57, taking first with the former in a time of 43.15 seconds. He claimed the runner-up position with Calippo 57, as they stopped the timers in 43.88 seconds.

Kara Chad of Canada was third aboard Chicago, while Offaly rider Darragh Kenny also made the top-10. He finished in seventh place in 44.76 seconds, having had four faults.

The post Daniel Coyle dominates podium with 1-2 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

It is a fifth 5* victory of the summer at the Canadian venue for the Irish rider, as he and King Kannan GP took the 5* competition in the International Ring.

With ten combinations jumping clear in the opening round to advance to the jump-off, the Irish combination won with a clear in 40.35 seconds.

USA’s Kyle King took second place on the rostrum with SIG Chiari. They were runners-up with a clear round in 40.85 seconds.

Conor Swail took third for Ireland, riding Qoreen Van’t Ruytershof, as they stopped the timers with a clear round in 41.36 seconds.

Daniel Coyle, brother of the class winner, Jordan, came home in fifth position aboard Farrel, while Conor Swail was seventh on his second horse in the competition, One Edition.

Darragh Kenny and Genial De B’Nevill rounded out a successful class for the Irish combinations as they claimed tenth spot.

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