ROONEY TO BE NOMINATED FOR AMBASSADOR TO IRELAND

After weeks of rumor and speculation, it’s now official. On, fittingly enough, St. Patrick’s Day. The White House has announced via a press release that Steelers chairman Dan Rooney will be nominated to serve as U.S. ambassador to Ireland. “I am honored and grateful that such a dedicated and accomplished individual has agreed to serve as the representative of the United States to the Irish people,” President Obama said. “Dan Rooney is an unwavering supporter of Irish peace, culture, and education, and I have every confidence that he and Secretary Clinton will ensure America’s continued close and unique partnership with Ireland in the years ahead.” Steelers president Art Rooney II addressed the situation in a team-issued release, explaining that the move will have no impact on the team. “We are all extremely happy for my father to possibly have the opportunity to be considered to serve our country as Ambassador to Ireland. If selected, he will do an outstanding job. “Our operations at the Steelers will continue as they have in the past. Right now our focus is on the upcoming NFL Draft, and Kevin Colbert and his staff are preparing for that. Our offseason program has begun, which means Mike Tomlin and his staff have already started to work with the players toward putting together the team that will represent the Steelers in 2009. “This is an exciting time for my father and for the Steelers. Our goal, as it is every year, is to win another Super Bowl championship.” The nomination requires approval by the Senate. Approval in this case is likely a formality. Then again, Senators from Arizona, Ohio, and/or Maryland might curry some extra favors with their constituents by voting “no.”