Students from schools across Ireland and Northern Ireland gathered in Dublin for the inaugural Pittsburgh Steelers Flag Football National Finals, representing another step in the continued growth of American Football participation on the island of Ireland.
The event, delivered in partnership with American Football Ireland and supported by Aer Lingus and UPMC, brought together teams that had progressed through regional qualifying events staged across the year.
Held at the Clontarf Road Sports Pitches in Dublin, the finals welcomed senior representatives from the Pittsburgh Steelers, including Vice President of Business Development and Strategy Dan Rooney, as well as former Steelers players Arthur Moats and Charlie Batch.
The event was also attended by Edward S. Walsh, underlining the growing cultural and sporting links between Ireland and the NFL franchise.
The national finals form part of the Steelers’ ongoing commitment to developing participation and awareness of American Football across Ireland, building on the team’s established ties to the island and the NFL’s wider international growth strategy.
On the field, St Marnock’s National School from Portmarnock emerged as champions, successfully defending their title following a strong performance throughout the tournament.
The growth of ‘schools’ flag football has become an increasingly important element of the NFL’s international development strategy, with participation initiatives intended to introduce younger players to the sport in a non-contact environment while also encouraging teamwork, inclusion, and physical activity.
The finals in Dublin marked the culmination of months of regional competition and gave students the opportunity to experience a national championship atmosphere alongside representatives from one of the NFL’s most recognisable franchises.
Aer Lingus is a full member of Sport for Business.
If you would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.
Image Credit: NFL and Brendan Moran, Sportsfile
ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS
Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies, and public institutions through high-quality content, events, and insights.
Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.
Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practice and make better-informed decisions. It positions sport not just as entertainment but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
