Time Lapsed Video of 2010 Sun Bowl Game

Ran across this the other day -- thought everyone might enjoy taking a look back at the day the Irish rolled over Miami.  Enjoy!

LINK:  2010 SUN BOWL -- NOTRE DAME vs.  MIAMI

Ian Williams -- Talkin' ND and NFL...

Former Notre Dame nose tackle, Ian Williams -- has agreed to write a story each week, through the end of April -- for the South Bend Tribune.  Williams will talk about the NFL Draft process and just Notre Dame in general.  A big thank-you to ND GO IRISH BLOG regular contributor, Dr. Jim Clancy out of Philadelphia -- for alerting us to this story!  Here's the link:

LINK:  IAN WILLIAMS TALKIN' ND AND NFL

Crawling Out of the Shadow of Big Brother!

Ben Hansbrough's "big" brother Tyler, was the "king" of college basketball -- just a couple of years ago at North Carolina -- when he led the Tar Heels to the 2009 National Championship.  Now it's Ben's turn to be "king" -- and he has the IRISH on a roll right now.  Today's USA TODAY takes a look at Ben and his 7th ranked Fighting Irish teammates -- who have won seven in a row heading into Saturday's game at West Virginia.  You'll enjoy the story!  A ND GO IRISH BLOG thank-you to Denny Doyle of Novi, MI for alerting us to this story!

LINK:  BEN HANSBROUGH AND THE IRISH

Spring Practice Starts March 23rd!

The Fighting Irish football team will begin Spring Practice on Wednesday, March 23rd -- as they lead up to the Blue Gold Game on Saturday, April 16th.  The annual Notre Dame Football Coaches Clinic will be held March 24th to the 26th -- with former ND football assistant coach -- Urban Meyer, the featured speaker.  Here's a link to the Niles Daily Star article:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL -- SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Mike Brey on "Rome Is Burning"

The head basketball coach of the #7 Fighting Irish -- was a guest on Jim Rome's "Rome Is Burning" -- yesterday.  Here's a link to the interview.

LINK:  MIKE BREY WITH JIM ROME

Nate Montana Transfers to MONTANA!

This young man obviously has a dream to follow in the footsteps of his famous father -- and you can't fault him for that.  Notre Dame head football coach, Brian Kelly announced today that back-up QB Nate Montana has decided to transfer to the University of Montana to play football for the Grizzlies.  What I'm getting a kick out of is the University of Montana's "spin" on Nate's transfer to their school -- it's a big deal in Missoula, MT -- even though Nate has never started a football game in his life.  Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune story along with a link to the story at Montana's athletics website:

LINK:  SBT:  MONTANA TO MONTANA

LINK:  JOE MONTANA VISITS MONTANA

Theismann -- Never Without an Opinion!

Former Notre Dame All-American and Super Bowl Champion -- Joe Theismann had a conversation recently with a writer from the Post-Tribune.  And, as it usually does with Theismann -- the subject of the Fighting Irish came up.  Joe, never short on opinions -- offered up his "two-cents" on the state of Notre Dame football.  Here's the link:

LINK:  JOE TALKS NOTRE DAME

PHOTO OF THE DAY: They're Back Together!

This past Wednesday, our Grandma Barb left for Heaven to join our Grandpa Ray -- see the story below.

Do you think these two might already be organizing a "Notre Dame Game Watch" -- from Heaven's skybox -- for Saturday, September 3rd -- when the Irish open up the 2011 season against the University of South Florida??!!

The Notre Dame Family -- Another In Heaven!

Forty or so years ago, my Grandpa and Grandma Doyle took my cousin Pat and me to my first Fighting Irish football game -- and my first ever visit to the Notre Dame campus...

Fast forward to Wednesday this week.

I was back on campus for the Notre Dame vs. Louisville basketball game -- what a win for the Irish!  At game's end I received a phone call from my Mom -- letting me know that my 96 year-old Grandma Doyle had just left for heaven.  The call was not a surprise, Grandma had slipped into a coma on Saturday -- and we were told it would be any day.  She died literally seconds after the final buzzer went off in OT.  I guess she needed to cheer the Irish on to victory -- one last time...

The photo is of Grandma Barb in 2007 -- she's with her great-grandson Jimmy Small '08 (my son), then a senior at the University of Notre Dame.  She was 93 years old (she was a beauty!) in this photo and stricken to a wheel chair.  But, she would have nothing to do with the wheelchair for this photo shoot.  She requested that we get her standing upright, next to her 6'-4" Irish Guard -- with the "golden dome" in the background.  I just wish it had been taken by a professional photographer -- not a hack like me.  It's still one of my two favorite photos of her.

Grandma Barb taught all eight of her grandkids the Notre Dame Victory March -- it was one of the things she felt an obligation to do.  She wasn't a grad, nor were any of her kids or grandkids -- Jimmy, is the first in our family to attend the University of Notre Dame.  Yet, she loved Notre Dame as much as anyone with a degree -- and through that love, she passed on the "gift" of Notre Dame to all of us.

This Monday -- "Valentine's Day -- at 11:00 AM EST, at a small Catholic church in Remus, MI (St. Michael's Parish) -- we will celebrate a life well lived.  If you think of it -- around that time -- please say a prayer of "thanksgiving" for your Grandparents and when you do -- please think of my Grandma Barbara E. Doyle.

Here's a poem I wrote about the impact Grandma Barb had on our lives -- that I'm sure will be read at one of the family gatherings these next few days.  I wanted to share it with all of you -- since we all share her love for Notre Dame.


SHE WAS ALWAYS THERE…

I’d rather go to Grandma’s House than any place I know,

Because Grandpa says “I’m his boy” and Grandma loves me so.

Growing up in her home -- we were all taught that poem.

These are the words we never wanted to write and this is the day we never wanted to see,

Since it’s about a woman whose star shined so bright -- who always loved “we.”

Our Grandma Barb was always there…

Whether it was a game, a graduation, a performance or a trip to the Mecosta County Fair.

She was our Mom, our Grandma, our sister, our aunt and our friend,

It was that way every moment you were with her – it was that way ‘til the end.

Since her days at Holy Redeemer, the violin was the instrument of choice,

She would often entertain us with great style and voice.

Our Grandma would kick your "fanny" in Bridge or, any other game with cards in hand,

Yet, it never truly bothered you – because you knew she was that grand.

Boy, could she knit an Irish sweater!,

And, make you smile and cry -- at the same time -- with one of her letters.

Grandma taught us to love Coca-Cola and A1 Steak Sauce,

And, never to allow a cat in or, ‘round your house.

She made it her duty to teach us the words to the greatest college fight song,

While making sure we got together every Holiday – that we always got along.

If you ever needed a babysitter, no distance was too far,

She would always drop everything -- and jump in her car.

Whether it was the Irish, her Catholic faith or the gold helmets they wore to great fame,

There was always that great passion for the University of Notre Dame.

You know she never missed a Detroit Tiger's game, whether on radio or TV,

She even tried to call Jim Leyland, their Manager -- when she didn’t agree.

Even her famous plastic Easter eggs, delivered a million dollar prize,

Though her daughter-in-law didn’t much like that surprise.

She always knew what to say, when and how loud,

We always knew it was from love – and because she was so proud.

Our Grandma Barb was always there…

Often with something pink on,

The graceful, soft shadow she cast – will never be gone.

Yes, we’d rather go to Grandma’s House than any place we know

Because Grandpa says “I’m his boy” and Grandma loves us so.

Yes, she did…




Please note -- I'm going to "go dark" with the ND GO IRISH BLOG for the next three days -- as I join my family to celebrate the life of one great lady.  I will be back Tuesday morning -- with more great stories to share about Notre Dame, I promise! 

Navy Can Still Cut Block -- NCAA Rules

One of the most voiced complaints made by Notre Dame coaches -- over the past few years, has been the Naval Academy's approach to blocking at the line of scrimmage.  Well, the NCAA Rules Committee met this week in Indianapolis to discuss potential rules changes -- and the subject of "blocking below the waste" is a topic.  It appears that the NCAA will adopt the NFL's rules regarding what's a legal block and what isn't -- see the attached article.  I'm sure some will think the NCAA hasn't gone far enough to protect the players with this pending rule change.  You be the judge:  A ND GO IRISH BLOG 'thank you' to regular contributor Dr. Jim Clancy for alerting us to this story.

LINK:  NEW NCAA RULES CHANGE FOR FOOTBALL

Big, Big, Big WIN for the Irish Last Night!

My friends at the University of Notre Dame treated me to "center court" seats -- five rows behind Digger, Coach Knight and Reece Davis -- as we watched one of the more exciting home basketball games for Notre Dame in some time.  ND's OT win over Louisville -- scoring the first 14 points in overtime -- put the 7th ranked Irish at 20-4 on the season and 9-3 in the Big East.  What got lost in the excitement of the win was the fact that NOTRE DAME MADE HISTORY LAST NIGHT.  In ND's 100 plus year history of college basketball -- this is the earliest date ever -- that the Irish have won 20 games in a season.  Think about that... 

Here's a link to some highlights from the game, overtime and an interview with Coach Brey after the game.  I've also added a link to the ESPN.COM story and South Bend Tribune story on the game and a link to the current Big East standings.  GO IRISH!   

As an added "treat" -- I was given the great honor of spending nearly three hours after the game with Digger, Coach Knight and Reece Davis at Parisi's Ristorante Italiano in South Bend.  What an enjoyable session of "storytelling" and great food!

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS 

LINK:  OVERTIME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  COACH BREY POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  PAT FORDE -- ESPN.COM -- NOTRE DAME STORY

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE: GAME STORY

LINK:  BIG EAST STANDINGS

Tom Clements -- Another Championship Ring!

Notre Dame fans won't soon forget Tom Clement's pass from the end-zone to Robin Weber in the 1973 Sugar Bowl against Bear Bryant's Crimson Tide -- clinching the win and a National Championship for the Fighting Irish!  This Sunday -- Tom wasn't starring on the field -- but his pupil was...  Clements is the QB coach of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.  He didn't get any mention during Sunday's game -- but, this NFL veteran (18 years as a NFL coach) -- was in the ear of his star QB, all game long.  Congratulations Tom -- you now have a National Championship ring -- and a Super Bowl ring.  Not many can say that!  Here's a link to a story about Clements and Rodgers relationship:

LINK:  TOM CLEMENTS -- HIS STAR PUPIL!

Irish Take on Louisville - ESPNU @ 7 PM EST

Mike Brey's #7 Fighting Irish take on Rick Pitino's #15 Louisville Cardinals tonight at a sold-out Purcell Pavillion -- and on ESPNU at 7 PM EST.  It's a big game for the Irish as they fight for the Big East Title and a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.  I'll be in the stands tonight -- rooting on the Irish and reminding Rick Pitino of his prediction (see the story below)!  Here's a link to UND.COM's preview of the game:

LINK:  IRISH HOOPS TONIGHT AGAINST LOUISVILLE

Rick Pitino: "We Will Beat Notre Dame..."

Louisville's "larger than life" head basketball coach, Rick Pitino -- told reporters after the Cardinals' win over DePaul Saturday, that they would "beat a good Notre Dame team..."  Well Rick -- good luck!  Your comment is sure to fire-up an already excited student-body and the #7 team in the country -- the FIGHTING IRISH OF NOTRE DAME.  The game will be televised live -- tomorrow night on ESPNU -- beginning @ 7 PM EST. Here's a link to his prediction:

LINK:  PITINO'S COMMENT 

Irish Football Getting Some National Respect...

Sports Illustrated's senior college football writer -- Stewart Mandel, wrote in his column today that he believes Notre Dame football is back.  "Earth to Mandel" -- we knew that five weeks ago -- but, it's nice to see you've jumped on the bandwagon.  Here's the story:

LINK:  THE IRISH ARE BACK!

Notre Dame's Women's A cappella Choir

I was looking for a John Scully video the other day and I ran across a group singing Here Come the Irish -- that I had never heard of before.  They're called HARMONIA and it's an all-female a cappella choir at the University of Notre Dame.  The members of the group are made up of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's students -- and they're really good!   Here's are links to some of their music -- we need to get them on NBC's The Sing Off next season!

LINK:  HERE COME THE IRISH -- HARMONIA

LINK:  HARMONIA -- YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Three Super Bowl MVP's -- Only a Domer!

Former Notre Dame QB, Joe Montana -- is the only player in NFL history to be named SUPER BOWL MVP three times!  There's been a few who've earned this honor twice -- but Montana's the one and only who's had the honor of saying three times "I'm going to Disney..."   Here's a link to every Super Bowl MVP:

LINK:  SUPER BOWL MVP'S

ND Fans -- Think "Player Development" Today!

It's Super Bowl Sunday in "snowy" Dallas, TX -- why does that make me smile!  And, Notre Dame fans won't be able to root for a former Irish star today -- as we don't have any players on the "active" roster for either the Green Bay Packers or Pittsburgh Steelers (at the time of this article it was being reported that Arnaz Battle would be not be activated by the Steelers for this game).  This is the second year in a row that we haven't had a Notre Dame football player -- playing in the Super Bowl.

So, the word of the day for Notre Dame Fans is; "PLAYER DEVELOPMENT."  I know it's two-words...

Here's why.   Did you know there are 15 players in today's Super Bowl game that hail from the Mid American Conference?  Four are from Central Michigan University -- yep, that "football power" in Mt. Pleasant, MI shares the honors of having the most former players in the Super Bowl with LSU, Ohio State and Tennessee.  We're going to want to steer clear of CMU grads today!!!

Do you think we recruited any of the fifteen players who went to play football in the Mid American Conference?  Not a chance -- so, how do we stay positive today?  We think PLAYER DEVELOPMENT and trust that Coach Kelly and staff -- who spent time in the MAC at Central Michigan University -- will develop our talented student-athletes to their full potential "on and off" the field.  Enjoy the game!

LINK:   THE MAC HAS 15 FORMER PLAYERS IN TODAY'S GAME

Tim Brown & Jerome Bettis -- Not This Year!

Former Notre Dame All-American and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown and All-American Jerome Bettis were just eliminated from consideration to join the NFL Hall of Fame's Class of 2011. 

John Scully's "Our Lady of the Lake" -- VIDEO!

Former Notre Dame All-American football player, John Scully -- who's also famous for writing and performing "Here Come the Irish" -- wrote a second song about his beloved alma mater.  It's called "Our Lady of the Lake" -- and I finally found this video of John performing it at the NYC Pep Rally at Lincoln Center -- with Cathy Richardson -- who's also the singing voice in "Here Come the Irish."  And, while I'm at it -- I can't help but share the link to the song they performed right after... Here are the links:

LINK:  JOHN SCULLY'S "OUR LADY OF THE LAKE"

LINK:  THE SECOND SONG...