US President Barack Obama has marked St Patrick's Day by naming Dan Rooney, chairman of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers as ambassador to Ireland.
Mr Obama, who is later set to meet Taoiseach Brian Cowen and hold separate private talks with leaders from Northern Ireland, said Mr Rooney, a key campaign supporter was a dedicated and accomplished person.
‘Dan Rooney is an unwavering supporter of Irish peace, culture, and education,’ Mr Obama said in a statement.
‘I have every confidence that he and (Secretary of State Hillary Clinton) will ensure America's continued close and unique partnership with Ireland in the years ahead.’
The White House said that Rooney co-founded the American Ireland Fund, which has raised $300m for peace and education programs in Ireland, the land of his ancestors.
Mr Rooney was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 for his executive stewardship of the Steelers and work with the NFL.
Mr Obama is a fervent fan of the Chicago Bears, but stepped into the minefield of sports rivalry by backing the Steelers against the Arizona Cardinals before January's big game.
‘Other than the Bears, the Steelers are probably the team that's closest to my heart,’ Mr Obama said at the time, mentioning the Rooney family and coach Mike Tomlin, who joined his successful campaign to win the key swing state of Pennsylvania in last November's general election.
