It is St Patrick's Day, and - at this hour - President O'bama, wearing a green tie, is meeting at the White House with Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen. It is the traditional holiday meeting between the leaders of the two nations.

And a piece of paper has just been placed in the bin in the White House Press Office, a news release announcing the President's nomination of a certain Daniel Rooney to be United States Ambassador to Ireland.

A White House correspondent with more than three decades on the beat just called me to confirm this most excellent news. (You get the news first at BTSC!)

Ambassador-designate Rooney must be confirmed by the Senate, which should be a formality, and then he will be "His Excellency, Ambassdor Daniel Rooney, Extraordinary and Pletipotentiary. "

But then again, Excellency has always been a watchword for him, and if anyone was ever extraordinary and plentipotentiary, it's been Daniel.

Great news for all of Steeler Nation, and sincere congratulations and best wishes to our Ambassor-to-be! Happy St Patrick's Day to all!