Georgia Tech was triumphant over Florida State University at the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic. 

The Yellowjackets defeated the Seminoles 24 to 21 at the Aviva Stadium game last night. 

Georgia Tech – which includes Kerry native player David Shanahan – were not the favourites to win against the top-10 Florida. 

Mr Shanahan – believed to be the first Irish person to get a scholarship to play American Football – was an “integral part of the game-winning field goal”, serving as the holder on the play. 

He also punted twice for 93 yards. 

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets punter David Shanahan during the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic match between Florida State and Georgia Tech at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Image: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Following the game, Mr Shanahan said it was an “unreal feeling” to win a game in his native country. 

“Overall, I think we prepared really well mentally for it as a team and as a specialist group,” he said. 

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets kicker Aidan Birr kicks the match winning field goal during the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic match between Florida State and Georgia Tech at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Image: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

“We had a really good attitude – we soaked it up in warm-ups and when it was game time we were really focused.” 

Aidan Birr secured the victory for Georgia Tech, achieving a 44-yard field goal - the fourth-longest of his career. 

A general view of action during the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Image: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Head coach Brent Key said he was “really excited” for his players and what they achieved. 

“We set our goals going into the season and it really had nothing to do with the outcomes of the football game,” he said. 

“Our goal is to play every play as hard as we can and not look at the scoreboard – people hear that and think it’s ‘coach talk’ but it’s starting to be ingrained in who we are. 

“It was a really good game in the league.” 

This was the fourth American Football game to be hosted in Ireland and the second to achieve a sell-out crowd.

Georgia Tech players celebrate with The Keough - Naughton College Football Ireland trophy during the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic match between Florida State and Georgia Tech at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Image: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Some 27,000 Americans arrived in Ireland in the past week to watch the game, with the streets of Dublin hosting pep rallies and tailgate parties ahead of time. 

It is estimated that the game will generate over €115 million in economic activity.