McKenna: No Croker visit for Steelers

Croke Park director Peter McKenna has dismissed a report suggesting Superbowl finalists the Pittsburgh Steelers could play a regular NFL season game at Croke Park later this year — but confirmed the GAA have asked for the Government’s assistance in attracting such a fixture to headquarters.

McKenna distanced Croke Park from American media speculation that the Steelers, owned by US Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney’s family, would stage one of their home games there this autumn.

However, he revealed they have met with the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism about making an approach to the NFL.

"We felt there was an opportunity to make an overture to the NFL to stage one of their international fixtures at Croke Park," said McKenna.

"But to do that we need the proper support so we have met with Con Haugh (the Department’s general secretary and the Minister (Mary Hanafin).

"This is something like the Ryder Cup, the Tour de France of the Tall Ships because it requires a national push.

"We’d be competing with countries like Canada, Mexico and Germany.

"It just can’t happen this year. We haven’t even approached the NFL for a meeting to see if we could make a bid if a bid is even available to make."

According to New York-based Irish Echo newspaper, Croke Park was touted as a potential non-US venue at last weekend’s AFC championship win over the New York Jets.

A spokeswoman for Minister Mary Hanafin confirmed discussions had been held on the potential of a NFL regular season game being played in Ireland.

"Minister Mary Hanafin would very much welcome such a move to hold a future NFL game in Ireland, which has such a proud sporting tradition," the spokeswoman is reported to have said.

"There would be a great welcome for fans travelling with the teams as well as huge interest locally, and a knock-on boost for Ireland from a tourism perspective."