€10m Government investment in NFL game at Croke Park 'has been vindicated', says minister

The Pittsburgh Steelers v Minnesota Vikings game attracted an attendance of 74,512 fans with 37% of those travelling from the United States and 30% coming from other international markets. File picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

A €10 million Government investment in the hosting of an NFL game in Dublin has been "vindicated" after a report put the value of the event to the local economy at €104.5 million.

Sports minister Patrick O'Donovan had defended the government spending on the match last year despite criticism from politicians, other sports and the Department of Public Expenditure. On Monday, he said a BDO report into the game was proof that it was worth the investment.