There was excitement both on and off the pitch as American Football teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings staged a historic game at Dublin’s Croke Park on Sunday 28th September 2025. In a nail-biting finale, it was the Pittsburgh Steelers who ultimately claimed victory.
Off the pitch, Pittsburgh business leaders were making headlines of their own. Pittsburgh-based economic development group Catalyst Connections signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southern Regional College enabling apprentices to participate within an exchange programme and progress skills with businesses in the American city, a major step forward in strengthening transatlantic collaboration and advancing skills development.
Pittsburgh is a city whose strengths lie in technology, healthcare, manufacturing and life sciences, areas which the College has an abundance of ambitious students edger to demonstrate their skill sets and advance their careers.
The signing of the MOU was just one of several significant developments during the visit. The Rooney family, owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers and long-time supporters of the Newry area, also announced plans to revitalise their historic fellowship programme with Southern Regional College. In addition, through their philanthropic organisation, The Ireland Funds, the Rooney family revealed a new scholarship initiative aimed at supporting the education of SRC students and helping them to achieve their academic ambitions.
Speaking on both these announcements, Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College commented:
"The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant milestone for Southern Regional College and our ongoing commitment to provide world-class opportunities for our apprentices and students. Through this partnership, we are creating an international pathway for skills development and knowledge exchange that will benefit both regions for years to come.”
“The establishment of the scholarship programme further heightens our dedication to fostering educational excellence and broadening horizons for young people across the College. Together, these initiatives exemplify the power of collaboration to drive innovation, strengthen industry links, and prepare our learners to thrive in a global economy.”
These partnerships reinforce Southern Regional College’s vision of connecting local talent to global opportunity, ensuring that students across the region can gain the skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving international landscape.
Pictured:
From left: Lee Campbell, Principal and CEO of SRC, Michael Savage CEO of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Petra Mitchell President and CEO of Catalyst Connection Pittsburgh, Jim Lamb Honorary Consul of Ireland Pittsburgh and Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh, Tracy Rice Head of Business Engagement SRC.