Pittsburgh Steelers owner named US ambassador to Ireland

THE man who led the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers football team to an historic sixth Superbowl title has been named US ambassador to Ireland.

Irish-American businessman Dan Rooney, 76, will succeed Thomas C Foley, who recently returned to the US.

Mr Rooney, owner and chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has strong Irish connections — his grandparents are from Newry, Co Down, and he co-founded the Ireland Funds charity with Anthony O’Reilly 33 years ago. It has raised more than $300 million (e230m) for charities in Ireland.

Mr Rooney is a frequent visitor to Ireland.

When asked by US media recently about whether he would be interested in the Irish job, he said: “I have the credentials, there’s no doubt about that.”

Despite being a life-long Republican, Mr Rooney publicly endorsed US President Barack Obama during his campaign.

Mr Rooney is the son of Pittsburgh Steelers founder and former owner Art Rooney. He was appointed team president in 1975 and during his tenure he has implemented a philosophy and management style that emphasises open, practical and efficient management.

He is credited for coming up with the Rooney Rule, which requires NFL teams with head coaching and general manager vacancies to interview at least one minority candidate.

He is also credited with widely contributing to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

He received an honorary Commander of the British Empire from the Queen for his role in the peace process.

He also created the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature in 1976, an annual award for Irish writers under 40 years old.

The Washington Post’s sports columnist Mike Wilbon has said Mr Rooney “accepts credit for essentially nothing and understates everything”. His linebacker, James Farrior, said: “He’s an awesome dude. We see him every day. The man stands in line with everybody else in his own lunchroom. He’s been doing it his way for many years.”

Mr Rooney’s way includes walking from his family home to the stadium on game days: no bodyguard, no security. When he’s around town, he drives himself, pays to park, walks.

Mr Rooney was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.