An ambassador is someone who represents his or her country, culture, organization, school, or family in such a way as to be a person of stature. Such a person is notable and most often high profile while in that position, carrying forth a positive message and image of the entity being represented, with a responsibility and aura that has been earned by past accomplishments. While High School football can attract the interest of media, sports legends, high-profile figures, and interesting people, what just occurred in the island nation of Ireland, with the 5th Global Ireland Football Tournament – G.I.F.T., stands out as a historic moment of Global Ambassadorship. Teenage student-athletes from 3 nations, 3 American states and 6 uniquely different teams stood out as “ambassadors” of the greatest team sport, American Football, while being followed, honored and cheered- on by their families and peers as well as by men and women of the highest stature. Global figures from sport, business, media, and politics all showed their support at Energia Park on Friday night ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Most notably important, the youngsters from USA, Ireland and Great Britain were able to live out and share with their teammates this rare opportunity that will remain within their minds and spirits for decades to come. At the same time, they clearly demonstrated while overseas the quality of education, coaching, and family, that will allow them to become leaders themselves, and to carry on the honor of being true Ambassadors.
Prior to the opening 12 noon kickoff featuring Windham High School, the initial New Hampshire team to join G.I.F.T. and Maclay School of Tallahassee, there was a palpable buzz among event staff. Not only was everyone fired up to have the on-field action begin after a full year of preparation, but phones were lighting up with news that Florida’s first family, Ron and Casey DeSantis with their children and staff, were likely to stop by for some football! Ultimately Mrs. DeSantis came to meet and support some of her friends connected with Maclay, while her young children energized the sidelines. Perhaps their presence helped the Marauders from Tallahassee overcome a determined Windham team by the score of 35-23.
During the second game matchup between Florida powerhouse IMG Academy and Episcopal School of Dallas, Legendary FSU/Texas A&M Coach Jimbo Fisher paced the field perimeter. He was thrilled to renew his friendship with Florida Hall of Fame Coach Dwight Thomas, who he greeted with, “Hello to the top high school scout in America!” as Coach Thomas was once again serving in Ireland for his 16th event with Global Football, on his 3rd continent. IMG played efficient football to defeat the talented, inspired ESD group 38-28. One of IMG Academy’s original founders, Chip McCarthy, was rightly thrilled to be on the sideline in Dublin to share the action.
At the initial G.I.F.T. in 2012 then-US Ambassador to Ireland, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, tossed the opening coin for the game between Loyola Academy Chicago and Jesuit School Dallas. Now in 2024, his grandson, Dan Rooney III, watched carefully along with NFL UK Director Henry Hodgson, as the U19 select squads from Ireland and Great Britain competed on the Energia Park turf in the final match of this year’s tripleheader. The UK proved victorious on the scoreboard 35-8 over a valiant Jr Wolfhounds Irish team, with the current NFL leaders who now serve as Ambassadors for the international development of the sport, watching and sensing the future of a sport that is now ‘truly Global.”
The nine hours of high school football was crisp and competitive in the three early season matches. The throngs of fans who had journeyed from across America, Ireland, England and Europe were entertained and intrigued by the passion demonstrated. The VIPs were impressed by the expanding global presence of the sport, even at this youthful level. Media live-streamed every minute of play, ESPN cameras shot and later aired clips, every team captured dynamic content to be used for promotion of their school, community, and team. And the smiling faces of competitors shone!
At the G.I.F.T. Pep Rally the day prior, Heisman Trophy winner and ESPN Game Day sports analyst Desmond Howard implored all the players and coaches gathered in classic Merrion Square to act as true Ambassadors during the Dublin Friday Lights games, and throughout their lives. His football mentor-coach from Cleveland St Joseph High School (from four decades ago), John Storey, stood by proudly on-stage marveling at what a positive force for good Dez has grown into. Now with an international presence, Coach Storey could not have imagined all that Dez would accomplish when the skinny kid with that infectious smile and presence first walked onto the campus football field.
On Saturday just before halftime of the Georgia Tech-Florida State game in the Aviva Stadium, Georgia Tech was gracious as the home team to introduce each G.I.F.T. Head Coach and 1 key player to the 48,000+ college football fans in attendance. One of the high school players called out as he stood on the pristine grass field waving to the crowd, “This is more than I could have ever imagined! I am so grateful to be here in Ireland with my teammates to play and experience all this. It makes me understand that football is more than just a game.”
Brian Mullins Global Ambassador Award Winners, presented by Colm O’Rourke:
*Maclay School- George Grant #3
Episcopal School of Dallas- Dario Benaglia #5
Windham High School- Reid Lambert #50
AFI Jr Wolfhounds- Adam Jere #44
IMG Academy-Jacob Hansen #0
Great Britain U’19s- Dan Schofield #36
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