Friday, August 31, 2012

FACT: Nowwhere Else But Notre Dame!


I challenge any of your friends that root for schools other than Notre Dame -- and I will name them for you; Michigan, USC, Alabama, Florida, Oregon, Ohio State, etc. -- and ask them if they've ever experienced this:
  • A Pep Rally televised on NATIONAL TELEVISION -- in a country THOUSANDS of miles away from home -- with forty of that countries "top artists" performing along with the Band of the Fighting Irish.  With MILLIONS more watching it online!!

Folks -- Friday's Pep Rally in Dublin is INCREDIBLE!!!

I had the good fortune of sitting in on the Band of the Fighting Irish's performance yesterday and I will tell you it's off the charts (PHOTO ABOVE OF REHEARSAL).  College Football has never seen anything like this --- EVER!

 I can't stress enough how special this night will be for the University of Notre Dame and its family!

So, if you're sitting back in the States -- just click on the link below and you can watch a one-hour TAPE DELAY of the Pep Rally at the link below.  THE SHOW BEGINS at 4:30 PM ET:

LINK:  WATCH THE NOTRE DAME DUBLIN PEP RALLY HERE!
 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Notre Dame Endzone -- Aviva Stadium


Here's a photo I took this afternoon at AVIVA Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.  As you can see they're in the process of painting IRISH in the endzone.   This is a beautiful stadium!

If you look closely in the bottom left of the photo you'll see some media assembled to take pictures of the FIGHTING IRISH who were getting their first look at the stadium.

The NOTRE DAME DOORS of IRELAND...


If your travels ever take you to Dublin, Ireland -- you'll see a blue door with a green carpet outside and the iconic NOTRE DAME MONOGRAM on Merrion Square.

It just happens to be the entrance to the University of Notre Dame's O'Connell House.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S O'CONNELL HOUSE

NOTRE DAME TAKES OVER DUBLIN!


35,000 Notre Dame football fans have begun to make their arrival known here in Dublin, Ireland!  Here's some of the coverage:

LINK:  IRISH TIMES

LINK:  AVIVA STADIUM

Watch Notre Dame's Dublin Pep Rally!!!


If you'd like to watch Notre Dame:  A Welcome Home -- an eighty minute "extravaganza of IRISH TALENT and NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL - you can!!!

At 4:30 PM ET this FRIDAY -- the WORLD can watch Notre Dame's celebration in IRELAND on the web!  Click on this link below:

LINK:  WATCH THE DUBLIN PEP RALLY -- HERE AT 4:30 PM ET


Monday, August 27, 2012

Photo of Notre Dame Locker Room Plates



Here's what will be hanging above the lockers in Notre Dame's locker room at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.  Makes you kind of wonder what the jersey color might be???   

This photo was "tweeted" by Notre Dame Football Equipment Manager Ryan Grooms.

Diggins Earns Silver @ World Skills Challenge!


Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins competed in a skills competition this past weekend in Athens, Greece -- and she walked away with SILVER!

LINK:  WORLD SKILLS CHALLENGE

Skylar Diggins Leads USA to WORLD TITLE!


Skylar Diggins spent the last week in Athens, Greece -- representing the United States of American in the inaugural 3x3 World Championships --and she's a WORLD CHAMPION!  This three-on-three tournament featured Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins, Stanford's Chiney Ogwumike and UCONN's Bria Hartley and Ann Strother.  Here's the story:


LINK:  SKYLAR'S A WORLD CHAMPION!

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Bringing "Home" the Fighting Irish to Ireland


The man who played the key role in bringing Notre Dame back to Dublin -- along with his good friend Don Keough, Life Trustee -- is Ireland businessman and Trustee Emeritus, Martin Naughton .  (Photo -- that's Naughton on the left and Keough on the right)

Notre Dame fans will enjoy this story that ran in the IRISH TIMES yesterday.  Click on the link below.

LINK:  NAUGHTON & KEOUGH

LINK:  AN INTERVIEW OF MARTIN NAUGHTON

Vatican's Papal Nuncio to Ireland -- a Domer!

Archbishop Charles John Brown is a 1981 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the current nuncio to Ireland.  Brown was named to this post by Pope Benedict XVI last November. 

The Archbishop will be one of 40 expected concelebrants for Saturday's Mass at Dublin Castle -- prior to kick-off of the Notre Dame / Navy game.

LINK:  ORDINATION OF ARCHBISHOP CHARLES BROWN

LINK:  ARCHBISHOP BROWN IN THE NEWS

Irish Eyes Just Might Be Smiling in Dublin!


Here's a first look at the weather forecast for Notre Dame's opening game this Saturday in Dublin, Ireland... 

I'm liking what I see for Thursday, Friday and Saturday -- have my fingers crossed!

LINK:  NOTRE DAME WEATHER IN DUBLIN

Domer On David Letterman Last Thursday


Michael Somerville '94, was on The Late Show with David Letterman last Thursday night doing his stand-up comedy routine -- FUNNY!  Here's a link to Michael's performance and a link to his official website:

LINK:  MICHAEL SOMERVILLE ON LETTERMAN

LINK:  OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Notre Dame Football Facemask Turns GOLD!


I am lovin' this move!!!

I can't wait to see what the finished product looks like -- but word broke today that the facemasks on the GOLD HELMETS of Notre Dame are being replaced with a new mask that has some GOLD in them!

This photo was "tweeted" by Ryan Grooms, Notre Dame Football Equipment Manager.

Notre Dame Sets Guinness World Record!!!


The folks at Guinness World Records just announced that the University of Notre Dame set a world-record on March 2, 2012 in the Purcell Pavilion in a game called "knock-out basketball."

433 participants -- smashed the previous world record of 379!

Here's a link to how you play this game -- along with a link to the World Record:

LINK:  KNOCKOUT BASKETBALL RULES

LINK:  GUINNESS WORLD RECORD!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Golden Tate Returns Punt 92 Yards for TD!


Tonight in an NFL Exhibition game, former Notre Dame All-American Golden Tate -- returned a punt 92 yards for a TD!  The Seahawks rolled over the Chiefs 44 - 14.  Here's a link to Tates' TD!

LINK:  GOLDEN GOES 92!

Photo "Tweets" -- ND Football Equipment Mgr.


Ryan Grooms has been busy packing the Fighting Irish for Ireland -- yet, he continues to find time to "tease" the Notre Dame Nation with his tweets.  His "tweet' associated with the photo above was "back up jerseys" for Ireland..."

Coach Kelly with ESPN's Mike & MIKE


Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly was on ESPN's Mike & MIKE show this morning.  Here's an audio link to the segment:

LINK:  BRIAN KELLY ON MIKE & MIKE

Notre Dame Football Tickets On Sale Today!

At 8:30 AM ET -- TODAY -- a few tickets to select Notre Dame football games will go on sale.  You can call 574.631.7356 or visit the Notre Dame Ticket Office at the Purcell Pavilion.

LINK:  TICKETS RELEASED FOR PUBLIC SALE

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Coach Kelly Names ND's Starters for Navy


In today's press conference, Coach Kelly let the media in on who we would see on the field first on both sides of the ball.  And, you're going to see some new faces!  (One of those new faces is starting corner Keivarae Russell -- pictured above.)

LINK:  COACH KELLY'S PRESS CONFERENCE

Is this the FASTEST ND Offense of All-Time?


I ask this question for good reason...

If you were to go "five wide" on offense with these players -- it just might be the FASTEST team ever to wear the GOLD HELMET -- add don't forget our QB Everett Golson:
  • George Atkinson III
  • Chris Brown
  • Davonte Neal
  • Davaris Daniels
  • TJ Jones / Cierre Wood / Theo Riddick

Can you think of five with more speed in the same offense at Notre Dame?

Davonte Neal: The Next Rocket @ ND?

Notre Dame freshman, Davonte Neal -- was named this afternoon as the starting punt returner for the FIGHTING IRISH!

Now, we all remember the IRISH had a total of 3 return yards ALL SEASON in the punt return game in 2011.  I'm counting on Davonte surpassing that on his first return!

I've been following ND football for a very long time -- and on film -- I must say he's the closest I've seen to Mr. Raghib "Rocket" Ismail in an IRISH uniform.  He has special skills with the football in his hands -- as you'll see in his highlight video linked below.  YOU MUST WATCH HIS VIDEO!

I can't wait until Navy's first punt...

LINK:  THE NEXT ROCKET?

Notre Dame Football Names its Starting QB!


Folks, there's not a more scrutinized position in all of sport than the QB for the University of Notre Dame...

This afternoon, Coach Kelly announced that Everett Golson had won the starting position for the IRISH!

Everett Golson joins a select fraternity of some of the greatest names in college football history; Huarte, Hanratty, Theismann, Lamonica, Montana, Clements, Rice, Jackson, Mirer, Rice, Beurlein, Quinn, etc., -- who've worn the GOLD HELMET under center.

Everett -- the Notre Dame Nation will be rooting for you!  To get you excited about Mr. Golson's talents -- here's some video highlights from his senior year in high school and his first official press conference as a starter:

LINK:  EVERETT GOLSON

LINK:  PRESS CONFERENCE

NINE DAYS to NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL!!!


Folks, if you're like me -- you can't wait!!!

Here's a video that will get you fired up for the start of the 125th season of the greatest college football program in the land...

GO IRISH!


LINK:  ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Coach Longo Firing Up His Troops!


Notre Dame Football's head strength and conditioning coach Paul Longo is seen in this video (linked below) coaching his boys.  You'll enjoy the intensity he brings to his craft.

LINK:  GO IRISH

Samardzija Talks Notre Dame Football


Folks, former Notre Dame football All-American Jeff Samardzija was on TV with a couple MLB "talkin' heads" -- click on the link below -- pretty funny...

LINK:  JEFF SAMARDZIJA

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Photo: Turf Additions to Notre Dame Stadium


The University of Notre Dame's highly acclaimed photographer Matt Cashore -- took this recent photo of the interior of Notre Dame Stadium.  You'll note the addition of "field turf" that rings the grass field and covers the Irish and opposition sidelines.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Domer Gets Four-Year Contract Extension


Former Notre Dame basketball star Monty Williams -- signed a four-year contract extension today to continue on as coach of the NBA's New Orleans Hornets.  Congratulations Monty!

LINK:  MONTY WILLIAMS EXTENSION!

The Maturation of ND's Everett Golson


The South Bend Tribune's Eric Hansen sat down with Notre Dame QB Everett Golson to discuss his journey to what looks like will be a starter's role 12 days from now in Dublin, Ireland.  You'll enjoy this story.

LINK:  EVERETT GOLSON -- MATURING

Domer Gains Membership to Augusta National


Normally this wouldn't be public knowledge...

However, today's breaking news that Notre Dame alumna Condoleezza Rice '75, had become a member at Augusta National Golf Club -- is significant in that she's among the first two females ever extended membership to this exclusive club.

Congratulations Condi!

LINK:  RICE A MEMBER AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL

Tickets for ND's Dublin Pep Rally Available


If you're going to Notre Dame's game against Navy in Dublin -- and you haven't purchased your ticket to Friday night's Pep Rally, you still have time!

On Thursday, August 30th and again on Friday, August 31st (if still available) -- a limited number of tickets will go on sale at the O'Connell House in Dublin from 10 AM to NOON each day.

Folks, this is not your typical NOTRE DAME PEP RALLY -- it's a huge production.  See the promotional video below.  I've also included a second link with directions to the O'Connell House.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME:  A WELCOME HOME!

LINK:  DIRECTIONS TO O'CONNELL HOUSE

Navy "Beats" Notre Dame Scout Team Saturday


Well, this has to be a first.

The Washington Examiner published a story yesterday about Navy's 45 - 0, closed scrimmage, victory Saturday over their Notre Dame "scout team."  Really?

LINK:  NAVY SHUTS OUT NOTRE DAME

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Gunner Kiel Talks Shamrock Series Uniform


Notre Dame Football Equipment Manager Ryan Grooms has become a "twitter" star -- here's a video he posted of Irish freshman QB Gunner Kiel and his reaction to what ND will be wearing against Miami at Chicago's Soldier Field.

LINK:  GUNNER'S REACTION

NFL Training Camp Update: ND Players


Took a lap around the worldwide web this morning to see what's being said about our former Notre Dame football stars now playing in the NFL.  Just click on the players' name below and you'll find out!

LINK:  HARRISON SMITH -- VIKINGS

LINK:  DAVID BRUTON -- BRONCOS

LINK:  JOHN SULLIVAN -- VIKINGS

LINK:  MICHAEL FLOYD -- CARDINALS

LINK:  BRADY QUINN -- CHIEFS

LINK:  KYLE RUDOLPH -- VIKINGS

LINK:  JUSTIN TUCK -- GIANTS

LINK:  ANTHONY FASANO -- DOLPHINS

LINK:  RJ BLANTON -- VIKINGS

LINK:  GOLDEN TATE -- SEAHAWKS

LINK:  TREVOR ROBINSON -- BENGALS

LINK:  TOMMY ZBIKOWSKI -- COLTS

LINK:  JEFF FAINE -- BUCCANEERS

LINK:  SAM YOUNG -- BUFFALO BILLS

LINK:  RYAN GRANT -- FREE AGENT

LINK:  MAURICE STOVALL -- LIONS

LINK:  JORDAN BLACK -- REDSKINS

LINK:  IAN WILLIAMS -- 49ERS

LINK:  DARRIN WALLS -- FALCONS


Saturday, August 18, 2012

Final Two-A-Day Practice Yesterday!


The Fightin' Irish held their last practices of "training camp" yesterday and the gang at UND.COM was present to capture the action.  See the link below.

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S FINAL TRAINING CAMP PRACTICE

Question Notre Dame's Relevance -- Really?


A columnist employed by ESPN created some attention for himself this week by writing a story questioning Notre Dame's power position in college football.  Well, a colleague of his wrote a reply yesterday that I thought I'd share with the ND GO IRISH BLOG community.

LINK:  IRISH RELEVANT

Friday, August 17, 2012

Shamrock Series Helmet & Gloves



Here's a few photos of Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert and Mantie Teo dressed in the Shamrock Series helmet, uniform, and gloves the Irish will be wearing in their game October 6 against Miami at Chicago's Soldier Field.  Along with a photo of Coach Kelly with his two returning All-Americans.

Notre Dame Football Media Day Recap


The 125th edition of the Fighting Irish football program held their annual Media Day yesterday afternoon in rainy South Bend.  And, the gang at UND.COM did their usual best of giving us "wall to wall" coverage.

Click on the link below to watch all of the videos from Media Day.

LINK:  MEDIA DAY COVERAGE

Surpassed the 400,000 Unique Visitor Mark!


Thank you Notre Dame fans!

At 9:54 AM ET this morning, a Notre Dame fan from Lincoln, Nebraska became unique visitor #400,000 to the ND GO IRISH BLOG!

It's quite humbling to see the number of IRISH fans visiting this site every day.  Incredible.

If the ND GO IRISH BLOG were a city -- its population would rank #44 in the United States!  Just ahead of Miami, FL and just behind Raleigh, NC.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

A Notre Dame Pep Rally -- Ireland Style!


Folks, the Irish people are going to throw a PEP RALLY unlike anyone has ever seen -- Friday night at Dublin's O2 Arena -- hours before the kick-off of the 125th anniversary season of Notre Dame Football.  It's truly going to be an event to remember!

Here's a link to the video (below) that has been produced to promote the event.  Word on the street is the Pep Rally will be carried on Ireland TV -- with a rumored worldwide TV distribution deal -- with an estimated audience of 40 millionAs more information becomes available for this -- I'll pass on the details.

Think about that...

LINK:  NOTRE DAME:  A WELCOME HOME

Notre Dame's 2012 Shamrock Series Uniform



Here's what Notre Dame's Shamrock Series helmet / uniform combination looks like for their game October 6 against the Miami Hurricanes at Chicago's Soldier Field.

That's Notre Dame All-Americans; Tyler Eifert (80) and Manti Teo (5), modeling the new gear.


ESPN'S Mike Golic Reacts to Rick Reilly...


Former Notre Dame football player, current ND Parent, and co-host of ESPN'S Mike & Mike Show -- took it upon himself to defend his alma mater -- as he responded to Rick Reilly's column from yesterday.

Here's a link to Mike Golic's rant:

LINK:  MIKE GOLIC RANT -- VIDEO

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Coach Ara Parseghian's Reunion Speech


This is an impressive man...

Folks, Coach Parseghian is 89 years young -- wait 'til you see this talk!

Legendary Notre Dame head football coach Ara Parseghian was in front of his former players recently and it was caught on tape.  INCREDIBLE!

LINK:  MUST WATCH VIDEO

George Goeddeke Introduces Ara Parseghian

Former Notre Dame football star and AFL All-Pro George Goeddeke -- was given the honor of introducing his "coach" at a Reunion on campus recently -- and his remarks were caught on tape. 

George is quite a man -- we belonged to the same Parish in the Detroit suburbs before my move to South Bend to work for Notre Dame.  He is one of the leaders of St. Patrick Parish and as you'll see in this video -- one of the leaders of the 1966 National Championship team.  Enjoy!

LINK:  GOEDDEKE INTRODUCES PARSEGHIAN

Media Day Begins at 1:20 PM ET -- Thursday!

Media Day, for the 125th edition of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, will begin tomorrow (Thursday, August 16) at 1:20 PM ET -- and it will be covered LIVE by the gang at UND.COM. 

One of the highlights will be Coach Kelly's press conference -- where Notre Dame will reveal the uniform they will be wearing at the Shamrock Series game against Miami, on October 6th, at Chicago's Soldier Field.  To watch it LIVE -- click on the link below.

LINK:  MEDIA DAY 2012

Last Clue: ND's Shamrock Series Uniform


This might be the least revealing "swatch" in the bunch.  It appears to be a garment tag...

Notre Dame and Adidas will be unveiling the Shamrock Series uniform tomorrow at their Media Day.  Should be interesting!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Adidas Updates Notre Dame Football Jersey


Notre Dame Football Equipment Manager Ryan Grooms "tweeted" this photo today of the improvements Adidas has made to the ND MONOGRAM on the sleeves of the football jerseys. 

Clue #4: ND's Shamrock Series Uniform


I think I've got this one -- looks like this "swatch" is the front "yoke" of the jersey -- with the word IRISH centered above a number, in a GOLD shiny material, outlined in white on a blue colored jersey...  (top photo).  The jersey, developed by Adidas for Notre Dame's Shamrock Series game against Miami, will be revealed on Thursday this week!