The four-time Superbowl champions will be hosted by the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) as they, along with all 32 NFL teams, select new players from the ranks of college football.
The selection of an Irish town for the focal point in the league season is not random – the Packers have committed to broadening their international fan base through the NFL’s Global Markets Programme.
Also in attendance at the event in Balbriggan will be Irish musician Gavin James who will perform alongside students of the IIMS.
It is not only in Ireland that the Irish influence will be celebrated. Packers fan Stephen O’Brien from Arklow, Co Wicklow will announce a an additional day three pick in Pittsburgh.
Mr O’Brien is the founder of the UK and Ireland Packers fan club and has become a leading voice in the team’s international fan community. The club even commissioned a mural of him in his hometown in recognition of his support.
Green Bay Packers’ International Fan of the Year 2025 Stephen O’Brien pictured next to his mural at the Arklow Coral Leisure Centre. Photo: Michael Kelly
The draft at the Balbriggan venue will be broadcast across ABC, ESPN and the NFL Network in the US and Sky Sports and DAZN internationally.
Last year’s draft as the second most-watched in the league’s history, garenering an audience of 7.5 million viewers.
Balbriggan is currently the site of a €60 million economic, infrastructural and social plan called ‘Our Balbriggan’ led by Fingal County Council, launched following a community engagement in which 25pc of the town’s population took part – seven years ago.
CEO of the IIMS educational campus, Michael T Dawson, hailed the “incredible” boost for the town that hosting part of one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.
“This is a wonderful honour for the Irish Institute of Music Song, The Lark Concert Hall and the town of Balbriggan,” he said.
“The IIMS Harp Ensemble, a group for young harpers aged 9-18, directed by Dr Helen Lawlor and Aoibheann Galvin, which often collaborates with international artists, proved the key factor in capturing the NFL Draft.
“Its appeal was instrumental in attracting the NFL Draft to Balbriggan.”
The NFL continues to grow its international appeal, especially in Ireland, where the country hosted its first ever NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings.
Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan called it a “phenomenal success”.
