Steelers owner Rooney chosen as U.S. ambassador to Ireland

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney celebrates after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL's AFC Championship football game in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 18, 2009. REUTERS/Matt Sullivan

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney celebrates after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL's AFC Championship football game in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 18, 2009.

Credit: Reuters/Matt Sullivan

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WASHINGTON | Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:56pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney has been chosen by President Barack Obama to be U.S. ambassador to Ireland.

Rooney, 76, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 for his achievements as the team's owner.

"I am honored and grateful that such a dedicated and accomplished individual has agreed to serve as the representative of the United States to the Irish people," Obama said in a statement on St. Patrick's Day.

The Steelers chairman led NFL diversity efforts by creating the "Rooney Rule," which requires teams to interview minority candidates for a head coaching vacancy.

Rooney is the son of Steelers founder Art Rooney.

Pittsburgh defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 last month to win a record sixth Super Bowl.

(Writing by Steve Ginsburg; Editing by Kevin Fylan)
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