Via AFP:
President Barack Obama marked St Patrick's Day Tuesday by naming Dan Rooney, chairman of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers as ambassador to Ireland.
Obama, who was later set to meet Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen and hold separate private talks with leaders from Northern Ireland, said Rooney, a key campaign supporter was a "dedicated" and "accomplished" person.
"Dan Rooney is an unwavering supporter of Irish peace, culture, and education," Obama said in a statement.
"I have every confidence that he and (Secretary of State Hillary Clinton) will ensure America?s continued close and unique partnership with Ireland in the years ahead."
The White House said that Rooney co-founded the American Ireland Fund, which has raised 300 million dollars for peace and education programs in Ireland, the land of his ancestors.
Rooney was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 for his executive stewardship of the Steelers and work with the NFL.
Obama is a fervent fan of the Chicago Bears, but stepped into the minefield of sports rivalry by backing the Steelers against the Arizona Cardinals before January's big game.
"Other than the Bears, the Steelers are probably the team that's closest to my heart," Obama said at the time, mentioning the Rooney family and coach Mike Tomlin, who joined his successful campaign to win the key swing state of Pennsylvania in last November's general election.
Obama's giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "Black Irish."
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