The Taoiseach saw to matters closest to his heart last night when he sent his best wishes to Celtic football boss Martin O'Neill for tonight's UEFA Cup final in Seville.
As thousands of Irish fans joined with their Scottish comrades and travelled to Spain to see the team play Porto, Mr Ahern sent the Glasgow club his personal best wishes in a letter to O'Neill.
"I do not have to tell you the interest in Celtic's fortune on this side of the Irish Sea," he told the manager.
"The team's progress through the rounds to the final has been a huge source of conversation and debate amongst football fans here."
Mr Ahern told him that Ireland's thoughts and hearts were with Celtic as they faced the Portuguese side at the Olimpico Stadium.
He said the clash had captured the public's sporting imagination like he had never seen it before.
"It has been terrific excitement and I know the club has won many new fans," he said.
"In wishing you well, all I can say is that the team, the club and the people of Glasgow deserve the success that is now within your grasp."
Mr Ahern is an avid Celtic fan and has watched the team play in Glasgow on several occasions.
A spokesman said that although he would not be in Seville to see the game he would be watching it on television.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair also wrote to O'Neill to wish the squad luck.
It is the first time Celtic has got through to a European final in 30 years. Many Irish fans were travelling to Seville without tickets, after all 52,000 places sold out. Nonetheless, as many as 80,000 Celtic fans are estimated to have travelled .
Tickets were said to be selling at up to €1,500 on the black market.