Irish Delegation Visits TCU, Strengthening Ties Ahead of 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic
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FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Oct. 4, 2025) — Fridays are for purple in Fort Worth, but this week, TCU proudly welcomed a touch of green.
A delegation of Irish government officials, led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Neale Richmond, visited Texas Christian University to explore academic, athletic and cultural partnerships ahead of the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic, when TCU will face the University of North Carolina on Aug. 29, 2026, at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
The visit included campus tours and a panel discussion, moderated by TCU Director of Broadcast Brian Estridge, on sports diplomacy and bilateral academic and business opportunities, featuring Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Buddie, Deputy Minister Richmond and Aer Lingus College Football Classic Co-Chair Stephen Kavanagh.
“This is much more than a game, a day or a week,” Richmond said. “This is the start of an enduring relationship between the good people of TCU and Ireland.”
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From left: Moderator & TCU director of broadcasting, Brian Estridge; Mike Buddie, TCU director of intercollegiate athletics; Neale Richmond, Irish deputy minister for foreign affairs and trade; Stephen Kavanagh, Aer Lingus College Football Classic co-chair; and Daniel W. Pullin, TCU chancellor.
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Pullin emphasized the alignment between global partnerships like this and TCU’s Lead On: Values in Action strategic plan.
“The economy is global, the opportunities are international, and the best thing for Horned Frog students and student-athletes is to meet the world,” he said.
The delegation’s visit underscored a shared commitment to expanding international experiences, study-abroad programs and alumni engagement opportunities in Ireland. For TCU, the trip to Dublin represents both a competitive and cultural exchange — one that connects students and fans across continents.
When the Horned Frogs take the field in Week 0 next fall, Fort Worth’s purple pride will meet Ireland’s green warm welcome — a collaboration that’s truly more than a game.
More information about the game can be found at Frogs2Ireland.com.
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Media Contact:
Holly Ellman
Associate Director of Communication
817.257.NEWS (6397)
news@tcu.edu
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