'Truly special' Pittsburgh Steelers relishing Dublin NFL game after arriving on Irish soil

The Pittsburgh Steelers have touched down in Dublin ahead of Sunday's highly-anticipated game in Croke Park where they will play the Minnesota Vikings in the first-ever regular season NFL game on Irish soil.

The six-time Super Bowl winners arrived at Dublin Airport on Friday morning aboard a specially chartered Aer Lingus Airbus A330 which carried the team, management and support staff. 

The historic game in Ireland will be somewhat of a homecoming for the Steelers who have rich Irish heritage dating back to the 1840s through the Rooney family.

They have gone on to become one of America's most iconic franchises and they will be heavily supported by their dedicated fanbase Steeler Nation, who have travelled in huge numbers across the Atlantic to witness this weekend's momentous sporting occasion. 

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Speaking on the team's arrival, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer Susanne Carberry said: "It is a real privilege to welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers and Steeler Nation to Dublin for this history-making game at Croke Park - Ireland's first ever regular season game". 

She added: "We take great pride in delivering a warm Irish welcome to all of our customers and today is especially meaningful given the Steelers' rich Irish heritage through the Rooney family".

Steelers President Art Rooney II showcased his excitement at finally being able to bring the team to Ireland. He said: "The opportunity for the Steelers to play in Ireland is truly special, both because of the Rooney family's deep ties to the island and the chance to play in front of our passionate and growing Irish fans". 

He continued: "The historic game will celebrate the bonds between Pittsburgh, Ireland and the game of American Football". 

Ireland's inaugural NFL game between the Steelers and the Vikings will kick off at 2:30pm in a sold-out Croke Park on Sunday afternoon in what's sure to be a memorable sporting weekend.