Irish singer Lyra delivered a show-stopping performance at Croke Park on Sunday, opening the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Ireland with a soaring rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann. Taking the field in a glamorous gown with a subtle jersey twist, the Cork-born artist commanded a hushed stadium as the Irish and American flags stretched across the pitch.
The moment was shared by NFL UK & Ireland on Instagram, captioned: “Beautiful rendition of the Irish National Anthem from @thisislyra.” Fans both in the stands and online were quick to heap praise on her performance. Many called it “one of the best renditions of our national anthem.” One user wrote, “She was incredible. The Irish national anthem is so beautiful. My favorite country in the world.” Another added, “Petition Lyra to sing our anthem at events… the passion alone.”
Lyra herself had a bit of fun just before going on. In a behind-the-scenes Instagram post, she joked: “On my way to the NFL like Taylor Swift… minus the 14 Grammys, the 34 Billboard Awards, the Time Person of the Year cover, the billion-dollar tour movie, the 100+ sold-out stadiums, and the 3 cats that are probably richer than me.” She followed that with: “But don’t worry, I’ve got my voice, my sucky-in knickers, and enough Irish sass to make up for it. NFL, brace yourself.”
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Her star turn came ahead of a tightly contested showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings, marking a historic moment in Irish sport. Although the NFL has held American college football games in Ireland before, this was the first full regular-season fixture on Irish soil — part of the league’s drive to expand globally.
Yet despite the spectacle, it was Lyra’s anthem that captured hearts.
