wow, Steelers Owner Dan Rooney Nominated for Ireland Ambassador

[charlie and algernon]

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama tapped Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney as U.S. ambassador to Ireland, marking St. Patrick's Day with the surprise nomination and a special welcome for Irish leaders - White House fountains that ran green for a day.

Rooney is a lifelong Republican who endorsed Obama during Pennsylvania's contentious Democratic primary last year and campaigned for him throughout the election. The president returned the favor by nominating him to the ambassador post, a move that had been the subject of almost fever-pitch speculation in Irish circles in recent days.

"I am honored and grateful that such a dedicated and accomplished individual has agreed to serve as the representative of the United States to the Irish people. Dan Rooney is an unwavering supporter of Irish peace, culture and education," Obama said in a statement.

The 76-year-old Rooney took over the presidency of the Steelers in 1975 and is a Hall of Fame owner. His team won this year's Super Bowl, shocking the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 on Santonio Holmes' tiptoe catch for a touchdown with 35 seconds to play.

Rooney has received the American Ireland Fund's lifetime achievement award.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9345884/Obama-taps-Steelers-owner-as-ambassador-to-Ireland?MSNHPHMA

[jmowreader]

1. This is going to sound strange...

but why, of all the countries in the world, is the US ambassadorship to Ireland restricted to an Irish-American? We don't do that for any other country, and you'd think...oh, someone who grew up in a Korean-speaking family would be a good ambassador to South Korea, or someone named Ermolenko would be a good ambassador to Russia.

[Lost in CT]

2. Maybe Ireland can finally get a decent football team....

:hide:

[Sheets of Easter]

3. The Chief would be proud.

:D