Pregame Blunder at Dublin Bar Delights U.S. College Football Fans Before Ireland Season Opener
Dublin Bar’s Flag Mix-Up Delights College Football Fans Ahead of Season Opener in Ireland
College football’s international reach took a humorous turn in Dublin this week as Kansas State and Iowa State gear up to clash in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on Saturday. The game, aimed at boosting tourism by drawing American fans to Ireland, sparked laughter when local pubs mistakenly displayed the state flag of Kansas instead of Kansas State University’s emblem alongside Iowa State’s Cyclones flag.
A Flag Fumble
The mix-up began when Dublin’s Tapped pub hung a Kansas state flag—a blue banner with a sunflower crest—next to Iowa State’s university flag. The error was quickly spotted by visiting fans. “Funniest thing I’ve seen in Dublin,” tweeted Iowa State announcer Noah Wolf, noting the pub likely Googled “Kansas state flag” without realizing the distinction between the state and its university. The Porterhouse Temple Bar made the same blunder, proudly displaying the Kansas state flag instead of Kansas State’s purple-and-white Powercat logo.
(Image 1: One Dublin bar’s flags: Kansas state flag beside Iowa State’s Cyclones emblem. Caption: A Dublin pub welcomed fans with the wrong banners.)
Social Media Roasts and Past Blunders
Fans online cheekily praised Dublin’s enthusiasm: “Well done, Dublin!” wrote one Cyclones supporter. The gaffe echoed a 2016 error when a pub advertised a “Georgia vs. Boston” game instead of Georgia Tech vs. Boston College. Another fan shared a photo of a baffling Irish-made T-shirt merging “Indianapolis United States Daytona inter-state international speedway circuit”—a mashup of NASCAR and IndyCar references.
(Image 2: A 2016 pub sign reading “Georgia vs. Boston.” Caption: Past Dublin mix-ups include this 2016 game mislabel.)
Why It Matters
The Aer Lingus Classic, which has historically featured Catholic schools like Notre Dame, now taps larger public universities (“state schools”) to attract more visitors. Over 25,000 fans are expected in Dublin, many tracing Irish roots. Despite flag confusion, the event highlights cultural exchange—and the occasional comedy that comes with it. “All the pubs are going to see why we’re here,” joked Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, nodding to the festive atmosphere.
(Image 3: Kansas State and Iowa State teams at Aviva Stadium. Caption: Rivals prepare for their Dublin showdown.)
The Bigger Picture
While pubs fumbled flags, the game’s spirit remains untouched. The series leverages Ireland’s ties to 30 million Irish Americans, blending football passion with tourism. Past games have boosted local economies, and this year’s matchup—though ripe for teasing—is no exception. As one fan put it: “It’s all part of the adventure.”
In the end, the mix-ups add charm to an event bridging continents. After all, what’s a college football game without a little friendly ribbing?
