The 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic has come to a thrilling close, with the North Carolina Tar Heels claiming a 15–10 victory over the TCU Horned Frogs at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
For House of Waterford, the occasion was particularly special. Alongside welcoming college football fans to Ireland, we were proud to see three pieces of Waterford crystal presented to celebrate the achievements of the winning team, head coach Bill Belichick and the game’s MVP, Xavier Lewis.
A memorable night for college football in Dublin
Played in front of a packed Aviva Stadium, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic brought the excitement, tradition and spectacle of American college football to Ireland once again.
The Tar Heels entered the game looking to make a statement after TCU’s convincing victory in last year’s meeting. This time, it was North Carolina who came out on top, securing a hard-fought 15–10 victory and beginning their 2026 season with an important win.
The game saw the Tar Heels build an early lead before a strong defensive performance helped them hold off TCU in the second half. The result marked a significant opening-day victory for head coach Bill Belichick and his North Carolina team.
Three Waterford crystal pieces to mark the occasion
The celebrations continued after the final whistle, with three specially crafted pieces of Waterford crystal presented to the winners.
The North Carolina Tar Heels were presented with the prestigious Keough-Naughton College Football Trophy, the perpetual trophy awarded to the winner of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The iconic trophy features an American football mounted on three sculpted crystal pillars, representing players’ arms reaching to catch a ball in flight.
Head coach Bill Belichick was presented with the Coach’s Award, a distinctive Waterford crystal football helmet. The award celebrates the winning coach and reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail synonymous with Waterford.
The third piece was presented to the game’s MVP, North Carolina defensive lineman Xavier Lewis. Lewis played a pivotal role in the Tar Heels’ victory, recording seven tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, as North Carolina’s defence kept TCU scoreless in the second half.
It was a fitting showcase of Waterford crystal craftsmanship on one of the biggest sporting stages to take place in Ireland this year.
From Waterford to Dublin and the world
The connection between Waterford and sporting excellence stretches far beyond the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. For generations, Waterford has been creating exceptional crystal trophies to commemorate some of the world’s most significant sporting achievements.
The Keough-Naughton College Football Trophy is designed and crafted at our manufacturing facility in Waterford, where skilled artisans combine traditional techniques with contemporary design to create pieces of lasting significance.
For visitors to Ireland, the House of Waterford offers the opportunity to see this craftsmanship first-hand.
Located in the heart of Waterford City, our factory tour takes visitors behind the scenes to experience the skill, precision and artistry involved in creating Waterford crystal. From the blowing of molten crystal to the intricate cutting and engraving carried out by our master craftsmen, the tour offers a unique insight into one of Ireland’s most celebrated craft traditions.
Still in Ireland? Visit House of Waterford
For the thousands of visitors who travelled to Ireland for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, the journey does not have to end with the final whistle.
If you are still exploring Ireland, a visit to Waterford City is an opportunity to experience the home of Waterford crystal and see where exceptional pieces such as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic trophies are created.
Visit the House of Waterford to explore our manufacturing facility, meet our skilled craftsmen, browse our extensive collection of Waterford crystal and enjoy a taste of Waterford in our café.
Whether you have travelled from the United States for college football, are visiting Ireland for the first time or are exploring more of Ireland’s Ancient East, we look forward to welcoming you to Waterford.
Book your House of Waterford factory tour and experience the craftsmanship behind the crystal for yourself.
