Dan Rooney was born and raised in Pittsburgh, but he has always remembered where his family came from: Ireland. Now, he may be headed back to his ancestral homeland, at least for a little while. Irish newspapers are saying that Rooney is expected to be named the next US ambassador to Ireland sometime in the near future.
The rumors make a lot of sense. Ambassadorships often go to people who have helped the new President politically, and Rooney did do a lot of work to help Barack Obama win Pennsylvania during the Presidential election.
Also, Rooney has kept close ties to Ireland, where his grandparents emigrated from in the late 19th century, and he has founded the fund-raising organization The Ireland Funds.
The big question is what would Rooney's departure do to the Steelers. Rooney has handed over most of the decision making to his son Art Rooney II, and he will be just a phone call away, so his departure wouldn't affect anything on the day-to-day functioning of the team. But as far as being the team -- and, in some ways, the league's -- guiding force, Rooney would be sorely missed if he hopped a plane to Ireland.
H/T: Pro Football Talk
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Just another case and point as to why the Pittsburgh Steelers are the best run franchise in ANY sport.
Hats of to Mr. Rooney and all he's one for Pittsburgh for football and being part of a great legacy thats the Steelers.
GOD bless the Irish and Go Steelers!
Anybody find the fact that Rooney was a HUGE campaign contributor to one Barrack Obama and now he gets this cush job a little fishy? What foreign policy does Dan Rooney have agian? None? yep.
So much for change, same ol' scratch my back I'll scratch yours washington BS.
Aww, NHSPRT must be a disgruntled Browns fan...
A little fishy? No. That's the way it works. As for foreign policy experience, why would it be necessary? There's no chance of Ireland going to war with the U.S. They don't even have a military. The ambassador to Ireland would most likely be dealing with econmonic issues and I'm sure Mr Rooney wouldn't have a tough time dealing with those issues.
I guess that's why Rooney stood up post Superbowl and thanked Obama for his support (even before his own players and fans!) I knew right then and there he was in line for ambassadorship. I've lost a ton of respect for Mr. Rooney. Thank Obama for his support? How did Obama help them win the Superbowl? Actually, I'm afraid to ask.
I am by no means a fan of the president and I wasn't exactly thrilled with him thanking the president but I'm not going to get all over him for it either. To my knowledge Mr Rooney has never shown any desire to get involved with politics (besides fund raising) and I don't think he was angling for anything.
Anybody think that Dan Rooney bought out or sold out with Barrack Obama should consider this. What does this job pay? It can't be that much. The Rooneys have just as much influence on Ireland now as they would as Dan as Ambassador. This man just took a huge setback in keeping the Steelers in the Rooney name. He could have easily sold out to Stanley Drukassmiller and been set for life and could have BOUGHT Ireland
Mr. Rooney was a lifelong Republican. I agree with bertome fan. I have lost a lot of respect for Rooney. He appears to have sold out his principals for this prestigious ambassadorship. I think it is fishy. I was shocked after the superbowl when Rooney thanked Obama before acknowledging his players and the Steeler Nation. I suspected then that something was fishy. Obama was crafty in acquiring Rooney's endorsement to help his campaign in Pennsylvania. I'll bet the farm that Obama cut a deal with Rooney many months ago to exchange this ambassadorship for an endorsement. Dan is drinking the Kool-Aid just like many other Americans. I've lost a lot of respect for him.
Hey Terry:
You've lost a lost of respect for Dan Rooney? My guess is (a) you never had much to begin with, (b) you're a dyed-in-the-wool Steelers hater, or (c) your last name is McCain.
Name me one president that, upon entering office, didn't reward many of his supporters with positions in the government. This is a very old practice that is especially prevalent when the White House is changing parties. Dislike it if you want, but you're beating your head against the wall. I suppose this practice might cause problems if the new appointee really isn't capable of carrying out his official responsibilities, but come one, we're not talking about a position as Secretary of the Interior here, we're talking about an ambassadorship to a country that Rooney knows incredibly well and has been involved with for most of his life. How does Obama's appointment of Rooney, and Rooney's acceptance of the appointment, carry any kind of negative or suspicious implication at all? Rooney's opportunity is once-in-a-lifetime and perfectly legitimate to boot.
You still think there's something shady about all of this? Try again.
Since I went to high school with Dan Rooney & his brother Art Rooney I, I have a special spot in my heart for the Rooney family as I used to live in Manchester, Pgh. Pa. on Sheffield St. North Side of the city. I went through all my younger years as a Steeler supporter for one of the worst NFL teams in the league, however, today I am proud to know Dan Rooney & the Steeler team has been magnificent since the 70's and up till now. I am mediterian Irish (Italian) and wish Dan all the luck in pursuit of his Irish heteritige.