The NFL’s popularity in Ireland has been growing year after year, with many fans climbing aboard the American bandwagon.
While many pubs across the country were packed out for the Super Bowl last month, only a selection of sports bars consistently show matches during the regular season.
However, one Dublin venue has now fully embraced the NFL after being named the ‘Official Pub in Ireland’ for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kennedy’s has been named the Official Pub in Ireland for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
The NFL side have announced that they have strengthened their growing presence in Ireland through a new partnership with Mahon Hospitality Group.
This will make Kennedy’s Pub and Restaurant in Dublin a central hub for Steelers supporters across the country.
The partnership will allow Kennedy’s to offer a dedicated space for fans to gather throughout the NFL season.
The Minnesota Vikings took on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park last year. Pic: Jack Thomas/Getty Images
It will see Kennedy’s host official watch parties for Sunday fixtures, creating a shared game-day experience for Irish fans.
A section of the pub will be transformed into ‘Steelers Station at Kennedy’s’, featuring team photography and memorabilia designed to bring supporters closer to the franchise’s identity and heritage.
The agreement also includes a programme of annual fan engagement events, beginning with a Steelers Draft Party scheduled for April 25.
The Steelers want to strengthen their bond with Irish fans. Pic: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
The event is expected to draw strong interest, reflecting the growing appetite for NFL-related experiences in Ireland.
Dan Rooney, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at the Steelers, said: ‘Ireland has always held a special place for the Steelers organisation and our connection with the island continues to grow.
‘Partnering with Mahon Hospitality Group to establish Kennedy’s as the Official Pub of the Pittsburgh Steelers in Ireland gives fans a dedicated place to come together and celebrate Steelers football.’
Dan Rooney said that ‘Ireland has always held a special place for the Steelers organisation’. Pic: Lauren Justice/AP Content Services for the NFL
Last year, the Steelers beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 in the NFL Dublin Game at Croke Park.
The landmark fixture marked the NFL’s first regular-season game on Irish soil and delivered an estimated €104.5million economic impact.
Robert Mahon of Mahon Hospitality Group added: ‘We are delighted to partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers and welcome them to Kennedy’s.
‘The Steelers have a passionate and growing fan base in Ireland and we’re excited to provide a home for those fans to come together and experience the atmosphere of game day.’