NFL: McNamee and Bolger the latest Irishmen aiming for American Football careers

As for making that same transaction from Gaelic to American football, both McNamee and Bolger have worked hard on mastering a different kicking technique, with both likening it to perfecting a golf swing.

“The sweet spot in the ball in Gaelic is lower than on a ball in American football,” McNamee explained.

“Initially, I started kicking the ball too low which meant it was over-rotating and getting no distance. So it was adjusting my angle and swing and once I’d found where the sweet spot was I was able to introduce power into it and dive a bit deeper into the foot angle, follow through, aim and finish.

“I don’t really think about it now – it’s more natural and I kick that ball like I’ve been doing it for years. As my technique’s improved, I’ve added distance and there’s more to come.”

For Bolger, it’s about doing the hard work in the gym away from the field.

“Once I was at college I realised there was more to it than biceps curls and looking in the mirror. At Idaho State, I was in the gym with the heavy weights on my back every day. That has helped with my kicking distance.

“A lot of it is mastering technique too, of course. You have to learn to keep swinging your leg the same and keep your technique. You can overthink it sometimes, definitely.”