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The thrill and excitement of high school American football will return to Ireland.
Truly experience the wonders that the Emerald Isle has to offer.
The ultimate Gameday experience.
Official tickets of the College Football Classic.
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The land of myths and legends and the birthplace of Irish culture where vibrant history and modern life meet.
Experience Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and tap into the relaxed rhythm that defines this beautifully unspoiled part of Ireland where life moves at its own pace.
Experience what's been named "one of the greatest drives on earth", or explore the Giants causeway at the tip of County Antrim.
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March 27th 2026
There was a quiet curiosity surrounding Bill Belichick’s first press conference on Irish soil. Dublin doesn’t often host figures quite like him - one of the most decorated, legendary, and celebrated figures in modern sporting history. It became clear very quickly that Belichick was all business when speaking about the opportunity of taking his Tar Heels internationally, for the first time ever, this August at the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
From the moment the press conference got underway, Belichick set the tone by further stating his ambitions in giving UNC Football the best chance of getting their season underway the right way. “We’re very excited and looking forward to the International game in Ireland, we start our first Spring practice today, 3 practices a week for 5 weeks, which is where we build our foundation” said Belichick who is going into his second season in charge of North Carolina after his illustrious NFL career. Many members of the Irish media gathered on the scheduled call to question Coach Belichick across a number of different topics.
A Unique Opportunity “It’s an exciting venue to play abroad and especially in Ireland, you know with the great history there and the fans' love for American Football. I’ve coached in a lot of big games and a lot of games period, but you certainly remember the International game because they're different, they're unique and they're special” Said Belichick when answering a question about UNC’s decision to accept the invitation to play at the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. It’s true, Belichick is no stranger to International games throughout his career having taken charge of 4 games previously overseas with the New England Patriots: in London twice, Mexico City and most recently in Frankfurt Germany. “A lot of our players have never travelled outside of the Country, so it’ll be a fantastic opportunity for them”. In records of our games gone by, up to 60% of the players on a competing team had to order a passport - for the first time- in order to play in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic and this year will be no different.
A Familiar Face
One player on the UNC roster who is more than familiar with the Emerald Isle is new recruit and Irish born punter Adam McCann Gibbs. The County Down native joined the Tar Heels in the latest transfer portal and is set to make his College Football debut against the TCU Horned Frogs in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic later this August. “Sometimes you wake up and think is this even real? I thought I was going to be home playing for my local County but whenever an opportunity arises like this, it's special!” said Gibbs who was speaking to Aer Lingus College Football Classic Ambassadors Ciarán Kilkenny & Phoebe Schecter on a recent visit to Chapel Hill.
Belichick was also full of praise for the potential that Gibbs possesses “He’s got a big leg and certainly seems to have the ability to perform at this level”. While also understanding that he is a fresh face to the sport of American Football and undoubtedly will have an acclamation period over the coming months “He’s got a great opportunity to earn playing time and there will be other people that he’ll be competing with. Again he’s a very talented player but one without very much experience in our game”. No Doubt Adam will have huge support on August 29th from his many friends, family and GAA Club.
The Difference Between Coaching in College & the NFL
While Belichick is widely considered as the greatest American football coach ever, it is well known that there is a huge difference between coaching in College Football & the NFL, with many examples of past coaches struggling to find their feet at both levels.
Belichick regularly references the UNC Football program as the ‘33rd team in the league’ which is testament to how he is setting up the Tar Heels to prepare his players for the next level. “It’s great, you have a lot more time with the players, they are here everyday and it’s really rewarding to see them grow. I’ve got much more of an opportunity to communicate and coach on the field” said Belichick when comparing the two. Having previously worked with some of the game's greatest such as Tom Brady & Rob Gronkowski, the UNC players understand they are in good hands when working with someone who has experience in driving standards and delivering success. Star Wide Receiver and team captain Jordan Shipp optimized this by stating “This is where I want to be, I love Carolina.. With a great Coach like Coach Belichick I don’t need to leave“
The inclusion of Coach Belichick is just another unique storyline that adds to what is already lined up to be a fantastic fixture in Dublin's fifth consecutive Week 0 fixture between the TCU Horned Frogs & the UNC Tar Heels this August.
Tickets for the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic are on sale now
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