THE Fighting Irish In Croke Park might sound like a Mayo versus Meath rematch, but as most people know by now thanks to the deluge of publicity, it is the nickname for the American football team from Notre Dame university, who will be here next Saturday to play against the US Navy on the GAA pitch. Norma Smurfit has been hugely involved in whipping up interest in the event - including amazing her friends by appearing in full football kit on the cover of the Sunday Business Post. Her interest in the event does not stem from the fact that the game is sponsored by Smurfit but because the post game bash is in aid of three of her pet organisations, the Irish Youth Foundation, First Step and the Arthritis Foundation.
The party will be held in the Burlington Hotel on November 2nd and tickets are £150 - 600 have already been snapped up and there are 200 left. Norma admits that the price might seem a bit steep but promises a real American party with hot dogs. Cajun food and pecan pie. There will also be an auction, a very posh tombola and even majorettes. Party goers on the night will include Michael and Bernie Wadsworth - Michael did a very popular and busy stint here as Canadian ambassador before taking up his current post of director of sports at Notre Dame.