Boston College lost a hard-fought game to Georgia Tech 14-17 at the 2016 Aer Lingus College Football Classic (formerly the Emerald Isle Classic) at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on September 3. The game capped off a week of pep rallies and tailgate parties at Trinity College Dublin, as well as an American Football Showcase, with six Atlanta high schools competing at nearby Donnybrook Stadium. More than 40,000 fans attended.
Freshman rusher Dedrick Mills, who scored Georgia Tech’s winning touchdown, said he had played big crowds in high school, but nothing like this. “Coming over here, being overseas for the first time with a big crowd, I haven’t played in anything like that,” he told the AP. The game was the first Georgia Tech has played abroad in the program’s 124 year history. For their troubles, they took home the inaugural Keough-Naughton Trophy, designed by Waterford Crystal. It was Boston College’s second game in Ireland, having beaten Army 38-24 in the inaugural Emerald Isle Classic in 1988. ♦
Here’s a relevant blog comment in English:
“What a fantastic event it was at the Aviva Stadium! The atmosphere was electric, and it was clear that both teams gave it their all. Dedrick Mills’ winning touchdown was a sight to behold, and it’s great to see Georgia Tech making history by playing their first game abroad. Boston College put up a valiant fight, and their previous victory in the Emerald Isle Classic was a testament to their skill. I’m already looking forward to the next Aer Lingus College Football Classic! ☘️”