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WHEN ROCKY BALBOA ran up the 72 steps as part of his boxing training in the movie, he raised his arms in victory.
However, for the Taoiseach, who visited the statue of Rocky today, there was no such triumphant gesture.
Perhaps Micheál Martin doesn’t want to claim victory just yet — not before he leaves the White House on Tuesday after his meeting with US President Donald Trump.
He declined to raise his arms for photographers and the travelling Irish media who joined him on the first leg of his St Patrick’s Day trip to the US.
Instead, he gave two thumbs up.
When he walked (he didn’t run up the steps) he was surrounded by tourists who had also come to the most visited photo spots in Philadelphia.
“Who is that guy,” asked one man. “He’s the prime minister of Ireland, apparently,” replied another.
One young student remarked: “He is pro-Palestine, he supports Palestine, he’s a good guy.”
At the top of the steps, he met two British tourists, who asked him for a photo.
“I met with your prime minister,” said Martin, stating he met with Keir Starmer yesterday in Cork.
But Starmer is not the world leader who is on Martin’s mind right now.
In just two days time, the Taoiseach will meet Trump in the Oval Office, and the questions were already being launched at Martin today on what his game plan is for the meeting.
Martin is hoping to be match-fit for his bout with Trump, with the aim to not come out bruised from the occasion.
Boxing, in case you missed it, appears to be a running theme for this leg of the trip so far.
Martin’s father, Paddy Martin, was an Irish amateur boxer in 1950s and was well known in Cork for his boxing career. This was remarked upon today, and it is perhaps why the Taoiseach has such a keen interest in boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
The Taoiseach has mentioned previously that Ali was a hero from his youth, particularly because of his father’s boxing background
Speaking to journalists today at the top of the steps, Martin mentioned he was reading a book about Ali’s life.
He recounted parts he had found interesting in the book and mentioned how sad it was that Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease just a few years after he retired from boxing.
From the Rocky Steps, it was on to ribbon-cutting a new Irish Diaspora Centre in Philadelphia, before heading to Villanova University, where he delivered a speech, stating:
It is no accident that, in this 250th year since it’s signing, it is in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that I begin my St. Patrick’s visit to the United States.
“For many who left Ireland in the 18th century, it was to Pennsylvania they came. Their numbers included many Ulster Presbyterians, seeking opportunity and religious freedom. The arriving Irish left their mark – literally – one need only look at the map of Pennsylvania.
“There is Dublin and Derry. There is Donegal and Limerick. I would point to the absence of a Cork, but I am told that in west Philly there was once a Corktown!”
For decades, the Irish Diaspora Center has been at the heart of the Irish community in Philadelphia.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 14, 2026
Delighted to join you today to celebrate the centre’s new home. Wishing you every success in the future. ☘️
https://t.co/jcJnQpxhtU pic.twitter.com/ji1xesoNtU
Returning to the topic of sport, he said Villanova University has incredible sporting connections with Ireland.
Villanova has shaped an incredible 13 Irish Olympians.
This includes Ronnie Delany who passed away on Wednesday of this week at the age of 91, Martin noted.
“In 1956, aged 21, having won an NCAA title for the Wildcats, he went to the Summer Olympics and with a late surge to the line won Gold for Ireland. This still remains the last time an Irish athlete won Olympic gold on the track.
“A four-time individual NCAA champion. At Villanova, Ronnie ate, drank and slept the mile. Ronnie’s record of achievements in the indoor mile for Villanova is unparalleled, running undefeated for five years, in indoor competition in America.
“It was over this iconic distance that he captivated the nation and inspired future Irish Wildcats. A sporting legend, and a true gentleman who made a significant contribution to Irish life. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam May be rest in peace,” said the Taoiseach.
Martin spoke about other sporting events to come, such as the World Cup which the US will host. He said he hoped the Irish team could be among the contenders.
“And, if I’ve done my calculations right – if they go far enough in the competition they could even play here in Philadelphia! But we won’t count our chickens yet,” he joked.
Martin also remarked how, this year, the Irish Open golf tournament will “test the world’s best in Trump Doonbeg on the beautiful west coast of Ireland”.
“Next year, the eyes of the world will be on Adare Manor in county Limerick, when Team USA battle Europe for the Ryder Cup,” said the Taoiseach.
He didn’t mention if Trump will be in attendance at either of those two sporting events in Ireland, though he might get his answer on Tuesday.
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