Tens of thousands gather for Emerald Isle Classic game

The largest ever US sporting event overseas takes place this afternoon in the Aviva Stadium. The Emerald Isle Classic football game between the US Navy and Notre Dame kicks off at 2pm.

About 40,000 Americans and Canadians are in Dublin for the event, which is expected to bring in around €100m to the Irish economy.

Speaking at a pep rally in the O2 last night, Taoiseach Enda Kenny told 100 million viewers in the States that this event is a chance to see Ireland at its best.

He also said the "fighting Irish" were combating the economic crisis with "guts and courage".