FOOTBALL might be high on the agenda for Notre Dame's head coach -- but Brian Kelly has one eye on a sneaky pint down the country.
While the stars of Saturday's Aviva showdown have to be on their best behaviour, coach Kelly has revealed he wants to soak up the local hospitality. He plans to get in touch with his Irish side by enjoying a pint of Guinness in a country pub.
"The number one thing to do would be to go down into one of the towns and have a pint," he said. "My grandfather Eugene emigrated to the States in 1918. They arrived in New York and then moved to Boston where I was born."
Coach Kelly told the Herald: "My aunt was here about three years ago and traced our ancestral roots. She checked out the family coat of arms."
Asked if he would have time to meet his Irish relatives on this trip he said, "Probably not, but there will be a day when I do."
Mr Kelly was speaking at Notre Dame's training session at the Aviva Stadium yesterday.
His squad were decked in shoulder pads and gold helmets as they took to the field. As a special tribute to Ireland, the team wore striking green, white and orange boots.