Next Croker gridiron chapter set for 2017

Barely an hour had passed since Sam Ficken kicked the game-winning field goal for Penn State against the University of Central Florida on Saturday, but Croke Park and everyone inside and around the stadium were already moving on.

Stadium staff were even then stripping the venue down in preparation for yesterday’s All-Ireland semi-final between Dublin and Donegal while Irish and American fans were taking in the unfolding epic in Limerick at the nearest watering holes.

The victors weren’t hanging around. Penn State and their 300-strong entourage of players, coaches, support staff and other personnel were booked on an overnight flight back to Harrisburg in preparation for next week’s home game against Akron.