THERE ARE JUST a few days to go until Ireland plays host to one of the largest sporting events of the year as the United States Naval Academy take on the University of Notre Dame in the Emerald Isle Classic.
However, this is about more than just a NCAA college football game – though that’s a key component – with a huge program of games and events taking place both before and after the ecounter.
The festivities kick off at 5.30pm on Thursday when a parade will take place between St. Stephen’s Green and Trinity College featuring all the Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) teams as well as their bands and cheer squads.
An hour later, in Trinity, a pep rally will be held that is expected to continue until 7.30pm. A uniquely North American tradition, pep rallies are gatherings designed to encourage members of a team for which the rally is being thrown.
On Friday, the series action begins with no fewer than six games of American football across Dublin and Meath.
DONNYBROOK STADIUM, DUBLIN
4PM: Loyola Academy (Illinois) v Jesuit Prep Dallas (Texas)
7pm: John Carroll University (Ohio) v St. Norbert College (Wisconsin)
PARNELL PARK, DUBLIN
4PM: Kent School (Connecticut) v National School of American Football (UK)
7pm: Notre Dame HS (California) v Hamilton HS (Arizona)
PAIRC TAILTEANN, NAVAN
4PM: Oak Park High School (Manitoba, Canada) v Villanova College (Ontario, Canada)
7PM: Notre Dame Prep (Arizona) v Father Judge (Pennsylvania)
Also on Friday, both Notre Dame and Navy will host pep rallies of their own. While Navy’s takes place at 5.30pm at the St. Stephen’s Green Bandstand and is open to the public, the Notre Dame rally is a private event in the O2.
On Saturday, the day begins with Notre Dame hosting mass at Dublin Castle at 9am followed by a tailgate party in Temple Bar an hour later.
Finally, the sold-out game itself kicks off at 2pm in the Aviva Stadium.
I’m not crazy about most things American, but this game was one of their better ideas. Whatever you think about them, they definitely know how to put on a show.
Going to the game in navan tomorrow. Can’t wait.
Serious amount of money for the economy
Thanks a lot Journal.ie for this info about events. I’m recently returned to Dublin and it’s difficult finding out what’s going on around town. 5.30 today – the parade sounds awesome.
Looks like it’ll be savage craic in fairness!
is it televised? The big game that is?
Hey. The game is on ESPN America. You get this on the Sports Package from Sky Digital. I can’t bloomin’ wait!
Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!
For anyone with an interest in the game that hasn’t got tickets for Saturday you should really try see the games in Donnybrook.. I was at St.Norbert’s practice last night and they look ready to put on a serious game!!!
Lets go John Carroll.
What eejit called it the “Emerald Isle” Classic?
Probably the same people that outlayed 600,000 euro to host it, with a potential of up to 100,000,000 return. I wish i was that stupid :-)
Can’t wait for college football to start back
Will Notre Dame be training before the game?
They did today, John, but the session wasn’t open to the public.
Met a gallery owner yesterday and she made two large sales to American visitors yesterday who are over for the match, both over 10K and one of them is coming back later this year looking for a particular piece at up to 100k. These visitors are seriously good spenders and well done to the organisers for getting them over here..