Friday, 27 September 2025 was a day to remember at the world-renowned Portmarnock Golf Club, as the World’s Best Golf Tour Operator Fairways and FunDays proudly hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers for the inaugural Steelers Ireland Golf Day. Against the backdrop of glorious sunshine and one of Ireland’s most iconic golf venues, the atmosphere was filled with fun, camaraderie, and sporting greatness.
The event began with a pre-game golf clinic, led by none other than former European Tour professional Peter Lawrie (Director of Golf at Fairways and FunDays) and Francis Howley, the highly respected Head Professional at Portmarnock. With expert guidance and plenty of laughs, the Steelers players and their guests were given tips on technique and strategy before heading out onto the course.
The significance of the relationship between the Rooney Family, Pittsburgh Steelers, Fairways and FunDays & Ireland was marked when the team at Fairways and FunDays presented Dan Rooney with a magnificent silver rosebowl which was created in 1921 – the same year that Dan’s great grandfather Art Rooney founded JP Rooney’s Football Club in Pittsburgh (a pillar of what would soon become the Pittsburgh Steelers).
One of the day’s highlights came at the legendary par 3 15th hole, where the players faced the challenge to “Beat the Pro” (Peter Lawrie). The mix of light-hearted competition, skill, and sporting spirit made for fantastic entertainment, with cheers and encouragement from teammates and guests echoing across the links. Players who were successful in this monumental feat were presented with a €500 Fairways and FunDays gift voucher!!
After the excitement on the course, everyone came together for a delicious lunch, where friendships were strengthened and stories were shared. The gathering was made even more special by the presence of members of the Rooney family, US Ambassador to Ireland Edward S. Walsh, and an incredible lineup of Steelers legends including Ben Roethlisberger, Jerome Bettis, Jamal Dokes, James Farrior, and Carnell Lake, as well as valued members of the Steelers’ backroom teams and their guests.
For Fairways and FunDays, it was an honor to showcase the very best of Irish golf and hospitality to such a distinguished group. The day captured everything we believe in world-class golf, authentic Irish experiences, and memories that last a lifetime.
The Steelers left Portmarnock with smiles, stories, and hopefully a few new golfing tricks — and the team at Fairways and FunDays were proud to play a key part in creating an extraordinary day on Ireland’s east coast.
