John Carroll's highly publicized trip to Dublin, Ireland to open the 2012 football season continues to be in the headlines this week. After knowing for months what they were playing for, whom they were playing against, and when the game was to take place, the final piece of the puzzle fell into place with where the game would be played.

The Blue Streaks have recently learned that their game will be played at historic Donnybrook Stadium in Dublin on Friday, August 31, as part of the 2012 Global Ireland Football Tournament.

Donnybrook Stadium, located on Dublin's south side, is the former home of the reigning Heineken Cup European champions Leinster Rugby Club.

"From my first visit to Dublin, I identified Donnybrook as an ideal setting for two of our historic games," said Patrick Steenberge of Global Football. "Upon entering the stadium I got the feeling of a tradtional sports stadium where thousands of classic games have been played. Leinster Rugby is the premier club in all of Europe, and our partnership with them and the other rugby clubs that share Donnybrook is very special. With its proximity to City Center Dublin, this will be the easiest GIFT stadium for fans to access."

High school teams Loyola Academy from Chicago, Illinois, and Jesuit Prep from Dallas, Texas, will kick off at 4:00 p.m. at Donnybrook, followed by the 7:30 p.m. kickoff between John Carroll and St. Norbert.

"Leinster Rugby are delighted with the announcement that four American Football team will play in Donnybrook on Friday, August 31," said David Ross, Leinster Executive Services Manager and Operations Manager for the Donnybrook Stadium. "Its our traditional Leinster home ground for our main schools Rugby Cup Competitions, as well as our Leinster Domestic Rugby Representative sides at underage levels Under 18's/19's. In addition, Leinster U 20's and Leinster 'A' teams also play their top home games in Donnybrook."

"Being so close to Aviva Stadium (the site of the Notre Dame vs. Naval Academy contest the following day), the August 31 American Football games will be the ideal 'opener' for the big game there on September 1 and we look forward to welcoming the large number of American visitors to our grounds."

Donnybrook Stadium holds a 6,000 capacity crowd, including 2,500 individual seats. Musical artist Michael Buble hosted a concert at Donnybrook following a stadium renovation in 2008.

Tickets for the Blue Streaks game, as well as the high school game between Loyola Academy from Illinois and Jesuit College Preparatory School from Dallas, Texas, are available at www.tickets.ie/GIFT2012 and travel packages are available through Anthony Travel at www.anthonytravel.com/globalfootball/gift.