Adam McCann-Gibbs committed as a punter at the University of North Carolina last year.UNC / Aer Lingus College Football Classic

Adam McCann-Gibbs, a native of Newry in Co Down, is set to make both his American college football debut and his debut for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels during this year's Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin.

McCann-Gibbs played Gaelic football and soccer before committing to the UNC football team, which is now under the direction of NFL legend Bill Belichick.

The Newry athlete rose through Irish man Tadhg Leader's Leader Kicking program, which specializes in securing scholarships and contracts for athletes as kickers and punters, facilitating their placement into college football and professional football leagues worldwide.

He's sure to have a few hometown fans in the stands in Dublin when UNC's Tar Heels take on Texas Christian University’s Horned Frogs for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic this August.

Organizers announced this week that tickets for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2026, set to be hosted at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on August 29, are now available.

This will be the fifth consecutive year that the Aer Lingus College Football Classic serves as the official opening fixture for the US College Football season.

Last year’s game between Kansas State and Iowa State was a sell-out and generated an economic impact of €132 million for the Irish economy.

Over 14,000 international fans are expected to descend upon Ireland for this year's event, turning Dublin into a vibrant hub of sporting celebration. Alongside the main spectacle, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic offers an immersive week of cultural, business, academic, sporting, and community events.

About TCU

Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, which is widely considered the most competitive collegiate sporting landscape in the US, TCU will serve as the home team in Dublin.

Supporters from Fort Worth will bring with them the essence of all things ‘country' - Dublin can expect to be taken over by Stetsons and spurs come August 29.

Led by Sonny Dykes since 2021, the Horned Frogs have gone from strength to strength, posting a 28-13 record in their first 41 games under Dykes.

About UNC

TCU will face UNC, which last year appointed Bill Belichick, renowned for coaching NFL greats Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, as Head Coach.

A powerhouse of athletic talent, UNC boasts a legacy that extends beyond the gridiron, with alumni such as six-time NBA Champion Michael Jordan and two-time Olympic Gold Medallist and FIFA World Cup Winner Mia Hamm.

This clash will be just the fifth time TCU and UNC compete against each other, dating back to 1940, and will be the first time the sides play each other internationally, debuting on ESPN for over 4 million US viewers.

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Touchdown Dublin

Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, said the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic "promises to be an exciting matchup between TCU and UNC.

"The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is not only a standout sporting occasion, but an event that also helps strengthen business, economic, and educational ties between Ireland and North America.

"We are really looking forward to welcoming the Tar Heels as well as TCU’s Horned Frogs to Dublin this August to play at the Aviva Stadium.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said: “Celebrating Dublin means bringing the world to our city, and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic does exactly that.

"With Bill Belichick on the sidelines and thousands of fans descending on the capital, Dublin will once again become the European Home of College Football.

"So why not come along on game day, catch the excitement for yourself, and play your part in Touchdown Dublin?”

Padraic O'Kane, CEO of EHL Experiences and Co-Founder of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, added: “With tickets going on sale in Ireland this week, the countdown to another unforgettable Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin truly begins.

"August 29 will mark our fifth consecutive game at the Aviva Stadium, and each year the excitement, atmosphere, and global interest continue to grow.

"The arrival of TCU and UNC promises another spectacular showcase of American football in Ireland, and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of travelling fans alongside Irish supporters for what will be another amazing celebration of sport and culture in Dublin.”

General tickets for the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic are available now at Ticketmaster.ie/CollegeFootball.