'An absolute honor and privilege': Jason Kelce visits Clare pub to meet Irish storyteller

US football icon Jason Kelce paid a surprise visit to Crusheen, Clare this past weekend ahead of the historic NFL match between The Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. 

The retired NFL player, who now hosts the popular New Heights podcast with his brother Travis, made an appearance at Fogarty's Bar in the Clare village on Friday, September 26. 

Kelce and his company, Garage Beer, "flew across the ocean" to listen to famed storyteller Eddie Lenihan, originally from Kerry but now living in Clare. 

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On social media, a spokesperson for the alcohol company said: "Flew across the ocean with Kelce to hear tales from one of the greatest Irish storytellers of all time, Eddie Lenihan. An absolute honor and privilege." 

Travelling all the way from the United States to the Emerald Isle for the NFL game, the short-stay was clearly enjoyed by the legendary sportsman, who gave further insight into his evening in Crusheen.  

It was an absolute honor to be in Eddie’s presence today, and hear stories of past times, history, and mythical tales. The amount of history and culture he exudes is spectacular. https://t.co/SyvXs54wHU

— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) September 26, 2025

Mr Kelce said on X, "It was an absolute honor to be in Eddie’s presence today, and hear stories of past times, history, and mythical tales. The amount of history and culture he exudes is spectacular." 

This was just the beginning of a jam-packed weekend for the former Philadelphia Eagles player, who then travelled to Dublin's Croke Park, watching the Steelers beat the Vikings by 24-21. He was also spotted mingling with Irish rugby legend, Bundee Aki, before flying home just hours later.