VIKING BASH TOUR

Fans & A-listers watch Steelers eke out 24-21 victory

- BY PAT FLANAGAN

THE Pittsburgh Steelers stole the show with a 24-21 win at Croke Park yesterday but a late comeback by the Minnesota Vikings ensured a thrilling finish in the first official NFL match played on Irish soil.

The clash lived up to expectations and proved a brilliant advertisement for the NFL which is hoping to expand its fan base in this country.

Among the stars who attended the historic match were Hollywood actor Bill Murray, dance lord Michael Flatley and athletics hero Sharlene Mawdsley The Vikings may once have laid claim to Dublin but their US namesakes will want to forget the city which was home to their first international loss after four previous overseas wins.

The Steelers on the other hand, which were founded by an Irishman from Newry and is still owned by the Rooney family, will consider Dublin as their second home.