Coach Klieman and Gene Taylor Visit Dublin

Aviva Stadium

Our first stop was to the Aviva Stadium, this was Coach and Gene’s first time seeing the International Home of College Football in person and both were excited to finally take in the surroundings where their team will kick off the 2025 football season in just a few months time. After some photo opportunities, we invited members of the media to speak to Coach Klieman.

Michael McQuaid from Pro Football Ireland had his first meeting with Coach Klieman too, speaking to him about the excitement of the upcoming Week 0 fixture. You can listen to the full podcast HERE. 

Irish Times Interview 

Day 2 of the trip began with a visit to the Wilson Hartnell offices in Ely Place. Aer Lingus College Football Classic Co-Founder Padraic O’Kane was joined by Gene Taylor to take part in an interview with Ian Curran of the Irish Times. From positive economic impact findings to insight into our 2025 teams, the interview covered all the bases of why the Aer Lingus College Football Classic plays a pivotal role in the Irish sporting calendar. Read the full interview HERE. 

Touring Dublin

After the interview, it was time to show our guests around some of Dublin’s tourist attractions. EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum was the first stop. The group enjoyed a private tour and the chance to find out more about their Irish heritage! 

Following EPIC, it was time to head to St James’s Gate, the legendary birthplace of Guinness. The team wre given a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, learning the long rooted history of Ireland’s most notorious stout.

The next stop the tour was to Teeling Whiskey for a VIP tour of Dublin’s oldest Whiskey Distillery to discover the full whiskey-making process!

Irish - US CEO Club

On the evening of Day 2, we were delighted to welcome our guests to Iveagh House for The Ireland - US CEO Club hosted in association with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic and in conjunction with our seven host partners and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland. 

The Ireland - US CEO Club is a truly unique, prestigious series of networking events that celebrates the remarkable sporting, cultural and business relationships between the countries 

The evening focused on the 'Big Business of US College Football' and we were honoured to host  Coach Klieman and Gene Taylor as guest speakers on the ever-evolving landscape that is US College Football 

K-State in Howth

Day 3 began with a beautiful morning on the Emerald Isle. Coach, Gene and their spouses Rhonda and Cathy were greeted by the team at Howth Adventures who were thrilled to show the group around the area’s breathtaking cliff walks followed by a trip out to sea.

Reuniting with Old Friends

Our guests were then reunited with Ciarán Kilkenny, 8 time All Ireland Winner and current Dublin Gaelic Footballer. Ciarán, an official ALCFC Game Ambassador, travelled out to Manhattan Kansas in November of 2024 to meet the K-State team and staff ahead to learn all about what it means to be a wildcat and to experience a K-State Game Day ahead of the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic. This time it was Ciarán’s turn to welcome Coach and Gene to the home of GAA – Croke Park- where Ciarán gave them a personalised tour of the stadium and thought them all about ur national sports f Gaelic Football and Hurling.

A few hours of rest later, our guests were on the move again. This time, they were on the way to meet up with another old friend. Former Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghan was another member who travelled with us to Manhattan Kansas and was delighted to welcome our guests to the famous Mansion House, for a long overdue catch up as well as an introduction to the newly appointed Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain.

Coach Klieman Meets The Wolfhounds

As part of our Much More Than A Game initiative, a hugely important factor is helping support the ever-growing game of American Football in Ireland. A Crucial way in which we can do this is providing opportunities to members of American Football Ireland, both coaches and players to meet with and learn from key individuals from our competing teams. K-State's renowned Coach Klieman dedicated two hours to mentoring the players and coaches of the Irish American Football scene, imparting his wisdom and engaging in lively discussions, answering every question with expertise and insight.

The final stop of the trip was back to where it all began! Our guests were taken to the Aviva Stadium to watch Leinster v Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship. The game ultimately provided Coach and Gene an opportunity to see what game day is like in the Aviva Stadium and what they can expect this August. Both now understand why the setting is unique and special for a College Football game.

The excitement levels were clear to see amongst the group, “Cats fans you're gonna love this place! We’re going to paint this place purple in August!” said Coach Klieman

Tickets On Sale Now 

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is back on the 23rd of August at the Aviva Stadium for another thrilling American Football Experience! Kansas State University will play Iowa State University in the first-ever Big 12 Conference game and the 10th-ever College Football game held on the Emerald Isle.

Don't miss out on your chance to be there! You can secure your seat today - HERE. 

#MuchMoreThanAGame | #TouchdownDublin | #TouchdownIreland