Ireland and the United States have been inextricably linked for a long time, with families spread between the two countries and centuries-old bonds still remaining strong to this day.
Despite this shared history and heritage, it has proven difficult for many Irish sportsmen and women to break the American market.
Here are just some modern-day sporting gladiators, who won the hearts of American sports fans.
1. Rory McIlroy
It’s a toss-up between McIlroy and a certain MMA fighter as to who the top Irish sports name in the US is.
However, Nike doesn’t just give anyone a $200 million endorsement deal, and American punters regularly use their PGA free bets to back this prodigious talent who will no doubt add plenty more titles to his trophy cabinet in the coming years. With think that all that makes Rory the current number one.
2. Conor McGregor
McGregor’s rise from broke cage fighter to the ruler of the UFC and the Las Vegas strip is now enshrined in the memories of his travelling army of Irish fans.
His fight against Floyd Mayweather broke box office records and the American public have certainly warmed to his sometimes reckless but always entertaining demeanor.
3. Katie Taylor
Although not quite in McGregor’s league when it comes to popularity, Katie Taylor has all the Olympic and professional credentials to warrant superstar status in the US.
The only thing that may hold her back is her meek persona, which she swiftly abandons in the ring. If she can nab a fight with the likes of Amanda Serrano or Cecilia Braekhus she could well make that giant leap.
4. Carl Frampton
He is something of a veteran of the fight game at this point, but Carl Frampton’s popularity stateside was only re-affirmed when he recently signed with the top promotional outfit, Top Rank.
He is still searching for that last defining fight, which if he won would allow him to walk off into the sunset.
5. Leona Maguire
That's the least recognizable name on this list, but keen fans of golf will already know that this 25-year old is destined for greatness.
Having played her way through the US college system, this year she has joined the LPGA Tour and is already being tipped by many to follow in McIlroy’s footsteps.
