Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently visited Ireland during the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, with tight end Pat Freiermuth and Pro Football Hall of Famer Rod Woodson making appearances in various events across the country. The visit comes ahead of a historic first regular season game for the Steelers in Dublin later this year.

During their stay, Freiermuth attended a Six Nations Championship rugby match between Ireland and France at Aviva Stadium, where he met Ronan Kelleher. "The atmosphere was great - very competitive," Freiermuth shared on The Irish Steelers Podcast. He described his experience as exciting since it was his first live rugby game.

Freiermuth also received a jersey from Hugo Keenan and expressed enthusiasm about framing it. Additionally, he presented an American football jersey to American Football Ireland at UCD Sports Campus.

Meanwhile, Woodson explored Gaelic sports at Sport Ireland Campus with Aimee Mackin and Lee Chin, gaining insights into Gaelic football and hurling. Later in the week, the Steelers organized an NFL FLAG clinic at Croke Park, which saw participation from over 50 young players aged 10-12.

Prominent figures such as Jarlath Burns, Patrick O'Donovan, Henry Hodgson, and Dan Rooney attended the event. Woodson praised the growth of flag football in Ireland: "It's great to see what the Steelers have done."

Woodson was impressed by Croke Park's layout: "I love how much field space you have." Freiermuth echoed excitement about returning for the upcoming game: "Man, the stadium is so big."

With these events setting the stage for their return later this year, anticipation builds for what promises to be a significant occasion in Dublin.