Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht gets some protection from ISU's offensive line during the Cyclones' 24-21 win over Kansas State. (Billy O'Riordan photo)

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Last week, I got an email from a fellow in Ireland named Billy O’Riordan.

That in itself was a win in my opinion. Billy O’Riordan. What a great name.

Billy said he had a press credential for the game and would be “pitch side.”

“I’m from Clonmel, County Tipperary and I wrote a regular column for the Clonmel Nationalist newspaper,” he wrote. “My main interest is now in the photography end of things.

“I find American football fascinating and a real novelty for us on this side of the pond with the razzmatazz and the build-up inside and outside the ground. It's a real spectacle.”

Monday, Billy sent five photos including the one above with this note:

“Conditions were typically Irish as the heavens opened just at kickoff. A difficult day for photographers and players alike. Hardy Kansas State supporters had little to show for an epic trip, only damp socks and a beaten team. Hopefully their stay in Ireland was memorable nonetheless. Even Oscar Wilde was there to greet our American visitors.”