Mick McQuaid is the host of the Irish Steelers Podcast and regular correspondent for the team.

It's easy to say Irish eyes are smiling, but on a day like today, they truly are for Pittsburgh Steelers fans across the island of Ireland.

Excitement has been at fever pitch since Super Bowl week, when it was announced that the Steelers would play in the first ever NFL Dublin Game as the designated team. For the past three months, Steelers fans and NFL fans alike have been wondering who they would face in the Croke Park spectacle.

The game will take place in Week 4 of the season, on Sunday September 28th, twenty eight years on from the Steelers last preseason game in Dublin, against the Chicago Bears.

Today, the answer was revealed - and it seems fitting that the black and gold will face off against the Minnesota Vikings and Head Coach Kevin O'Connell in the first game in the Irish capital.

While the scurry for tickets and planning has begun in earnest, it has been an electric few weeks for Steelers fans across Ireland. Two weeks ago, Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward paid Dublin a visit and recorded an episode of his own podcast, with a packed NFL Draft Party taking place the weekend prior, with Brett Keisel in attendance.

In what seems like such a long off-season at times for international fans, this one is truly breezing by.

It's fair to say that fans across the island are excited for the matchup this September.

Steelers International Fan Of The Year Tom McCormack has had an eventful few weeks - he made the sixth round selection of Will Howard on stage in Green Bay a mere fortnight ago.

Now, his mind shifts towards Minnesota.

"To put it mildly, it's a dream come true", McCormack said.

"The thought of the Steelers running out in a modern, top of the range Croke Park stadium with terrible towels and listening to Renegade gives me goosebumps.

I'm really excited about the challenge that Minnesota will bring. They've had a real growth in 2024 and it will be exciting to see our Steelers take to the field against the Vikings."

Down in Tipperary, Stephen Earley is overjoyed with the confirmation of the game.

"It's a day to remember for sure", he said.

"The Steelers and Ireland are such a great fit. I don't think there is any other professional sports team that is as dedicated to the Irish market, with the events that they host and the players they send to the island - Croke Park will be bouncing!"

Even over the pond in the UK, fans of Pittsburgh are overjoyed - the first game for the Steelers overseas since 2013. One member of Steelers Nation who was present at that game and in Dublin for the 1997 preseason affair is Gordon Dedman, who cannot wait to get over to Dublin again.

"The September game in Dublin will be a great opportunity for SteelerNationUK to relive their visit in 1997", he said.

"It's also a chance for the new generation of Steeler fans to see their team live and for Ireland to enjoy a NFL game in Dublin."

"It's a win, win all round."

Down in Wexford, Steelers fan Conor Wilson is ecstatic with the news.

"I've been a Steelers fan since I was fourteen", he said.

"It's amazing to see the growth in popularity for the game in Ireland over the years. Having attended a few of the college games I'm super excited that there will be regular season NFL game here, never mind the fact that it's my team as well."

"Like the rest of the country I'll be eagerly waiting for ticket information now!"

It's fair to say the search for tickets has begun - and it promises to be an electric weekend in Ireland this September.

Steelers fans can visit NFL.com/Dublin for ticket updates and listen to 'The Irish Steelers Podcast' for updates on when tickets will go on sale.