The IAFA is now opening applications for the 2015 season for all divisions of senior kitted football.  All teams, both existing and new, seeking to play kitted football in Ireland in 2015 must submitt a completed application form by Monday 6th October. Face to face workshop style meetings with all applicants will be scheduled to take place soon after this deadline.

The Shamrock Bowl Conference (SBC) and IAFL1 are expected to run as previously outlined, though IAFL1 is being expanded to include those teams who played IAFL2 football in 2014 who are ready to step up a level. In response to increasing club sizes, the application form now includes a provision that bigger clubs can now field multiple teams in different divisions e.g. in both the SBC and IAFL2.

Groups who are thinking of setting up a new club should start engaging with the IAFA as soon as possible so that they can be given advice on how to get going and be guided through the application process. Once the October 6th deadline has passed, the IAFA will no longer accept applications for 2015, so it is important for such clubs to apply before this date even if they are unsure as to whether or not they will be able to play next season.

All existing clubs have already been forwarded application forms by email. Copies of the 2015 application form can be downloaded at the following link:

2015IAFLteamapplicationformFinal

The Irish Sports Council agreed to allow the Irish American Football Association use the facilities at Irish Sport HQ at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown in Dublin.

 Irish Sport HQ, which opened only last year, is home to 19 Irish NGBs and is located at the heart of the National Sports Campus, which is currently under construction at Blanchardstown. A number of multisport pitches are already in use on the campus, which also houses the Irish Institute of Sport and the National Aquatic Centre. An extensive network of pitches and the National Indoor Area are currently under construction.  

With effect from later this year, the IAFA will have use of the conference rooms, meeting rooms and support facilities in the main Irish Sport HQ building.

The IAFA is hopeful that it’s new Centre of Excellence (‘Academy’) which is in the process of being set up to development of young players and coaches can be based on the Campus. In this regard, discussions are underway regarding storage facilities on campus for the Centre of Excellence training camp equipment for which the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport recently announced a €15,000 capital grant. 

A spokesman for the IAFA said “We are grateful to the Irish Sports Council for granting us access to the facilities and we would like to thank ISC CEO John Treacy for his support in this regard.”

From the 26th – 27th September 2014, Coaching Ireland is hosting the 11th National Coaching Forum at the Institute of Technology Sligo. The Forum promises to be the biggest and most extensive gathering of professionals and volunteers involved in Sport Coaching and will attract coaches, physical education teachers, sports scientists, National Governing Body personnel and policy makers. Leading National and International presenters will take part in this event titled “Fun to Full Potential – Coaching the whole Athlete“.

The 11th National Coaching Forum will combine Keynote speakers and practical and applied sessions, with opportunities to network with coaches from different sports. Previous National Coaching Forum has welcomed up to 800 coaches, both National and international. The Forum has become a “can’t be missed” event on the sporting calendar, involving coaches at all levels from up to 48 different sports.

To book your place at the National Coaching Forum, head over to www.coachingforum2014.com and click Book Here. Accommodation is also available at the Clarion Hotel Sligo and delegates are advised to contact the hotel directly, mentioning their attendance at this event.

On Sunday 31^st August, the Sunday Times included a major feature article entitled ‘Patriot Games’ on the Irish American Football Association in it’s ‘Sunday’ section. The article which was put together by journalist Graeme Lennox, included interviews with various people involved in the sport and talked about the progress that has been made in recent years. Those interviewed included Trinity College players Dan Finnamore and Rob McDowell, Coaching Tutor Ciaran O’Sullivan, Coach Sarah Matthews and Shane McNulty of the Dundalk Mavericks and Commissioner Cillian Smith. The article describes the grassroots game as being ‘in great shape’, saying that ‘more Irish people are playing gridiron than ever before’ and gives a very positive portrayal of the sport in Ireland.

PDF scans (2 pages) can be viewed below.

Sunday Times (Page 6)
Sunday Times (Page 7)

The IAFA got a further publicity boost this week, with American Football International doing a review piece on the 2014 league season. It sums up the state of the game in Ireland as follows:

“The standard of football in Ireland is on the rise, more and more teams are applying to join the league, there is more funding available to IAFA and the level of quality in teams is greatly increasing. The 2014 IAFA season has been incredible, and although the season may be over, thoughts will already be turning to what the year 2015 has in store for Irish Football!”

and describes the 2014 season as bringing ‘great confidence and positivity that the league can once again expand for the upcoming season.”

A copy of this article can be viewed at the following link:

http://www.americanfootballinternational.com/green-looking-back-at-2014-in-irish-american-football/

Last weekends Croke Park Classic game appears to have been a big success for the GAA, participating teams and the Irish American football community. Over 53,000 spectators attended the game – this a record for an American football game in Ireland – more than any of the previous NCAA or NFL games played in this country achieved. It is also believed to be a record for any NCAA game played outside the United States. What’s more, we had an exciting game, with two evenly matched teams and where the result was decided as time expired. All of the four previous top level NCAA games played in Ireland had at least two scores between the teams.

The GAA and the staff at Croke Park are to be congratulated on the excellent job they did and the hospitality they extended to the IAFA and its guests.

Thursday – Cecil Martin Clinic:

Two days before the CPC, ex-Philadelphia Eagles and current Sky Sports analyst, Cecil Martin arrived in the Dublin as a special guest of the IAFA. On Thursday evening, he ran a coaching clinic for young players at Garda RFC. There was very positive feedback from those players who attended – 10 IAFA member clubs were represented at the clinic. Later that evening, Cecil and various Irish coaches who assisted at the clinic had dinner together and swapped football stories.

Friday – Pep Rallies and Formal Reception.

Friday afternoon saw the Pep Rallied for both Penn State and UCF take place in central Dublin. Volunteers provided by the IAFA assisted with these events and many members of the local American football community enjoyed the spectacle.

Also on Friday, two more IAFA special guests arrived. The first was Mr. Michel Daum, the newly appointed President of GFL International and a Board member of the French Federation. GFL International runs the major continental European Club competitions including the EuroBowl and new 5 country European Football League (Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland & Spain). Our second guest to arrive was Mr. Carsten Dalkowski who is Chair of the German league and a Board member of the German Federation (AFVD). The German Football League is the continents biggest domestic league with approximately 40% of all registered players in Europe.

On Friday evening, representatives of the IAFA and our 3 special guests attended a formal reception in the famous Stephens Green Hibernian Club hosted by Mr. Aidan J. Prendergast. Mr. Prendergast is the first ever President of the IAFA and currently does a lot of work for the NFL. Other guests included Mr. Peter McKenna, CEO of Croke Park and prominent people in town for the game.

Saturday – Gameday.

The GAA graciously provided the IAFA with a corporate box in the Hogan Stand where it could entertain guests and organisations with whom the IAFA has a relationship. Those invited included ex-IAFA Presidents, some IAFA team representatives, the Chair of the Federation of Irish Sport, representatives of the Irish Sports Council and Local Sports Partnerships as well as prospective commercial partners and other representatives from the Irish NGB sector. Cecil Martin and Carsten Dalkowski were special guests in the box. All thoroughly enjoyed the game and the Croke Park hospitality.

Meanwhile, representatives of the IAFA and Mr. Daum were guests at the GAA President’s Lunch at which they were afforded the opportunity to chat to Board members and prominent alumni of each visiting college and other guests. Ambassador Dan Rooney was the special guest of Honour at this lunch.

The game programme for the event featured five pages of information on Irish American football. Two pages dedicated to the history of the domestic game in Ireland and three with information on the IAFA and it’s activities.

Many IAFA members also attended the game, enjoying the opportunity to mix with visitors from both UCF and Florida. The atmosphere was electric at times, particularly as the game went down to the wire.

 After the game, the various attendees and guests attended some of the post game celebrations taking place in the city centre.

In overall terms, the event was a big success for the IAFA and anyone connected with Irish American football.

On a windy Thursday evening in the Garda RFC in Westmanstown, 20 young IAFA players from around the country took part in the first coaching clinic to be held in Ireland by Cecil Martin, a former Philadelphia Eagles fullback and current pundit on Sky Sports’s coverage of the NFL.

Cecil began the session with dynamic stretching before taking the players through their paces in NFL combine-style drills including the 40 yard dash, three cone drill and pro-agility. With the assistance of IAFA coaches, Cecil then took the players through correct football techniques such as how to block, receiver and running back drills and defensive coverage. The end of the session had the players put everything they learned into practice with a scrimmage session, guided by Cecil and IAFA coaches.

Cecil also finished up the clinic by speak with the players to spread his positive message about the importance of hard work, focus and perseverance, and talked about his rise from not having a college scholarship offer to running out in front of 100,000 people as a Philadelphia Eagle. After the clinic, Cecil took the time to speak with each player individually about their experiences.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Croke Park Classic (CPC) is the unique way in which the IAFA and GAA have worked together for the benefit of the event and the sport in Ireland.

 In some events in the recent past, the game promoters have had little regard for the sport locally. No real interest in developing the sport or even tapping into the growing domestic market in Ireland and throughout Europe. However, the Croke Park Classic has adopted a very different approach.

Croke Park and the GAA engaged with the IAFA at an early stage, offering to help promote the sport in Ireland around the event. The offer was gratefully accepted and both organisations executed a cooperation agreement last summer. In return, the IAFA offered to assist with the promotion of the game among domestic and European supporters. The GAA has attempted to reach out to domestic and European supporters – encouraging them to attend the event.

According to IAFA President, Michael Smith “What really helped is that the GAA are themselves the National Governing Body of an amateur sport. They understand sport in Ireland and the impact an event like the CPC can have. They were very engaging from day one and have made a big effort to make us feel part of the event.”

One of the big benefits to the IAFA has been the access it has been afforded to those involved in the event. This has included facilitating interactions with the colleges at events thus allowing the IAFA to build up it’s own relationships.

We’ve seen some tangible benefits in recent weeks with IAFA players featuring prominently in CPC promotions thus giving the IAFA increased public visibility. The GAA also plugged the recent Shamrock Bowl in it’s media releases. This in turn has generated some further media opportunities which will become apparent over the next few days.

The Croke Park Classic will promote IAFA on game day. Significant space in the game program has been given over to the domestic game. Fans attending the game will be left in no doubt that there is a vibrant American football scene in Ireland and how to contact their local club to get involved.

In addition, the IAFA has been afforded the opportunity to entertain stakeholders, prominent members of the International American football community and potential sponsors/partners at the game – a move which is sure to deliver benefits for the sport in Ireland over the coming years. Finally, the game will also deliver a legacy – details of which will be announced at the IAFA AGM later this year.

Next Thursday – 28th August 2014, former Philadelphia Eagles Fullback and Sky Sports pundit Cecil Martin is coming to Dublin to host his coaching clinic, exclusively for IAFA players between the ages of 16 – 24. The clinic will take place in the Garda RFC, Westmanstown (home venue of the Dublin Dragons – map at http://www.westmanstown.com/contact_us_map.html) from 5pm – 9pm.

Cecil holds these clinics throughout the UK and Europe and his Dublin clinic will consist of a combine, football drills and a scrimmage session, ably assisted by IAFA coaches from around the league. Please note that this will be a non-contact session and comfortable clothing is recommended along with footware suitable for a grass pitch. Also it is recommended that you bring water with you.

Participation in the clinic will cost €35 and to confirm your attendance, please go to

www.facebook.com/events/1477536622484591

 

Cecil will be staying on in Dublin for the upcoming Croke Park Classic game as a guest of the IAFA.

UCD won the IAFL1 Championship game today by a score of 40-0 over the Cork Admirals. Victory puts them in the automatic promotion spot to return to the top flight of football in Ireland – the Shamrok Bowl Conference – next season.

Tyrone Titans (pictured) won the inaugural IAFL2 Championship game at Navan RFC today – Result: Tyrone Titans 20-7 Dundalk Mavericks.

The Belfast Trojans won their third consecutive Shamrock Bowl with victory over a previously unbeated Trinity College Dublin at Tallaght Stadium. The decisive score came early in the fourth quarter when Belfast’s Connor Whitla had a twenty yard interception return for a touchdown to give the Trojans a 7-0 victory.

In spite of the very poor weather conditions – much of the game was played in torrential rain and there was a stoppage for lightning in the first quarter – a very enthusiastic crowd of 1,500 spectators showed up to watch the game. In spite of being low scoring, it was an entertaining game with the difficult ball handling conditions adding to the spectacle.

Belfast were deserving winners – having the majority of possession time on offense and picking up the majority of first downs. Running backs Neil Montgomery and David Colvin both picked up yardage. The Trinity defensive line of Dylan Green, George Walsh and Eoghan Hurley made life difficult for Belfast quarterback James McKelvey.

Running back Robert McDowell was the most exciting player on offense for Trinity, but the Belfast defense, including some outstanding performances from Stuart Leckey, Jon-Erik Talvio and Whitla did an excellent job. Much of the first three quarters of the game were played in the Trinity half, with Belfast moving the ball, but being stopped by the Trinity defense in the red zone. With the exception of a 4^th quarter rally, Trinity struggled to move the ball on offense.

The win gave Belfast a third consecutive Shamrock Bowl victory – having defeated the Dublin Rebels and UL Vikings in the past two years. The young Trinity team are to be congratulated on their excellent season – this was their first defeat of the year and the first time in their history to reach the Shamrock Bowl. Belfast’s Connor Whitla won the inaugural Terry Lynch MVP Award.

Ireland’s ‘Month of Football’ moves onto Navan next weekend where the finals of the second and third tiers of Irish American football take place. University College Dublin and Cork Admirals will contest the IAFL1 Final and Tyrone Titans and Dundalk Mavericks will contest the IAFL2 Final. The ‘Month of Football’ will conclude with the Croke Park Classic college football game on August 30^th between UCF and Penn State.

With the  Galway v Dundalk game having been played earlier today, the IAFA is very pleased to announce that it had a 100% fixture completion rate in all 3 divisions in 2014.

With just the 3 x Championship games to be played, a total of 76 fixtures have been played by a record 19 teams from all around the country. Teams in the SBC and IAFL1 played 8 regular season games each and those in the developmental IAFL2 played 6 regular season games.

Team managements across the country are to be applauded for making a big effort to achieve the IAFA’s target of 100% game completion in 2014. Well done lads.

Shamrock Bowl XXVIII, the National Championship for domestic American football takes place at Tallaght Stadium next Sunday – kick-off 3pm. The game will feature two teams who have lost only one game between them in the past 12 months. Unbeaten Trinity College Dublin, is making its first appearance in the title game and will face defending Champions, Belfast Trojans.

2014 has been by far the most successful season in the history of Irish American football. A record 19 clubs from all parts of the country played competitive league football with the best ten competing in the IAFA’s new elite division – the Shamrock Bowl Conference (SBC). The 10 SBC teams have risen to the challenge – with the increased competition raising the standard of play.

For those who want to see full kitted, hard hitting American football close up and personal, the Shamrock Bowl is a must. Watch every play and hear every hit live while enjoying the family atmosphere in the stands. Apart from the upcoming Croke Park Classic, this will be the highest standard game you will see in Ireland this year and it will be the only one replicating the atmosphere usually only experienced at small college or large high school games in the United States.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite – €8 for adults, €5 for children.

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College’s current season has been five years in the making. Reinstated in its current form in 2010, after 2 seasons of DV-8’s football (development league), TCD has only grown stronger and more formidable with every season. Winning only one game in their first season, they are now a far cry from what once was and stand as one of the titans of the 2014 IAFL. In 2013 the Dublin Rebels eliminated TCD during the semi-finals, but this year their hunger and drive to get to the final has been undeniable, with every single player putting there all in on every play.

With the defensive line tormenting offenses all year long, recording the only 2 safeties in the SBC this year, along with a strong coverage against the pass, Trinity has shown itself to be a strong defensive team, ranking third in the league. This compliments the league’s highest scoring offense, that has shown the ability to score in a variety of ways, from anywhere on the pitch.

When Trinity is on the field, it guarantees to be an entertaining game of football. With so many different players getting on the scoring charts this year for Trinity this year, it has been the most balanced team that they have had in the last few years and they seem to have struck the right balance on both sides of the ball, proving to be a top tier team. Having beaten everyone who them have come to face so far, it has almost been a full year since their last defeat, all that remains to be seen is can Trinity win it all on the big stage in Tallaght stadium?

Belfast Trojans

Formed in 2006 by a group of motivated young players who split from the now defunct Belfast Bulls, the Belfast Trojans joined the IAFA in 2007. Since then the Trojans have been stalwarts of the IAFL Northern Conference winning the division four times.

After some highs and lows in their early days, the Trojans found the right balance both on and off the pitch in 2011 regaining their position as a playoff team, and putting in place the groundwork for what would become one of the biggest success stories in Irish American Football.

Building on the promise of the 2011 season the Belfast Trojans were able to put together an unprecedented winning streak that would carry them through the 2012 & 2013 seasons, lifting two consecutive Shamrock Bowls along with EFAF’s Atlantic Cup. The streak continued into 2014 before finally being ended in game five of the regular season by today’s opponent Trinity College. Many questioned how the Trojans might react to their first loss for such a long time but it is testament to the character of the club that the team regrouped, asked questions of themselves and corrected many of the issues. The team forged ahead and won the next four consecutive games bringing themselves once again to Tallaght Stadium with the opportunity to compete in their third successive Shamrock Bowl.

The Trojans play an extremely aggressive defensive style that has seen them ranked as the number one defensive unit in the last few years. On offence they favour a balance between a traditionally powerful running game along with a potent aerial threat. It would be remiss to isolate individual players as the Trojans promote a team over star player ethos. Everyone is vital to the success of the group. Everyone will play their part in the success. Every player will give their utmost to retain the Shamrock Bowl.

This year’s Shamrock Bowl will see the presentation of inaugural Terry Lynch MVP Award to the game’s most valuable player. It’s fitting that the game’s MVP Award is named after a man who was regarded by many as the MVP in terms of his contribution to Irish American football in recent years. As League Commissioner and IAFA Board member, Terry made a significant contribution to the sport over the past number of years particularly on the development front. He was also heavily involved in the organisation of the Shamrock Bowl which without him it would not be the event it is today.

Off the field, he was a kind hearted friend to many and a dedicated family man. Regrettably he passed away suddenly on the eve of last years Gathering Bowl held in this stadium. Terry’s influence and spirit is still with us all and there is no doubt that he’s looking in on today’s game.

Trinity College Dublin and Belfast Trojans will contest the Shamrock Bowl in Tallaght Stadium on 10th August – kick-off 3pm. Both teams won their semi-final match-ups against the Dublin Rebels and UL Vikings respectively.

Having lost only one game between them this season, we have the makings of an exciting final. In the past 14 months, they have faced each other twice in competitive games, winning one each. Both teams were also finalists in the EFAF Atlantic Cup in 2013.

Tickets are available at the following locations:

Online at Eventbrite:

Click on the following link or the advert on the right hand side of this site to purchase tickets online:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/shamrock-bowl-xxviii-tickets-10655889051?ref=ecount

Via your local IAFL Club:

Members and supporters of IAFL clubs can purchase tickets directly from their own club. Each IAFL team has their own ticket allocation and they get to keep 100% of their own ticket revenue – purchasing one of these tickets is great way to support your local team as well as getting to see the Shamrock Bowl.

Box office on gameday:

Some tickets will be available at the stadium on gameday.

While all the focus this coming week will be on who will win next Sunday’s Shamrock Bowl, there are still two matters to be decided before the season is put to rest for 2014.

The Championship games for the IAFA’s two other divisions – IAFL1 and IAFL2 will take place at Navan RFC (home of the Meath Bulldogs) on Sunday 17th August. This is the first time we’ve had championship games for the second and third tiers of football and indeed, this year is only the first year we’ve had a third tier. The games will be played as a double header with the IAFL2 Championship kicking off at 1pm followed by the IAFL1 game at 4pm.

The Cork Admirals victory over the Mullingar Minotaurs in the final regular season game earned them a place in the IAFL1 game against UCD. The winner of the contest will qualify for promotion to the Shamrock Bowl Conference in 2015. Both teams have a similar background – both are former SBC teams who have spent the year reloading in IAFL1. Both also finished with identical 6-2 records.

IAFL2 was formed this season as a response to the influx of a number of new teams playing football for the first time ever. The Tyrone Titans had a brilliant first season finishing unbeaten in the regular season. Even though Dundalk have one regular season fixture remaining – against Galway next Saturday, they have already mathematically qualified as the second finalist. Both teams are expected to be part of an expanded IAFL1 division next season.

Meath Bulldogs 28 – 16 Drogheda Lightning

The Meath Bulldogs came away from Navan RFC with a hard fought victory over the Drogheda Lightning. The fact that the game was tied at 16 at half time shows how much of a battle this game was.

Bulldogs’ running back Pete McMahon scored three touchdowns on the day, along with a successful 2-pt conversion whilst fellow running back Barry Lorton also rushed in a 2-pt.

The Lightning wouldn’t allow Meath to run away with the game, putting up points themselves through Mick O’Shea, who bounced off four tackles on his way to the end zone for an impressive score, and Craig McCormack, who scored his first senior touchdown as well as wrapping up the Lightnings’ game MVP.

But Meath’s stand-in quarterback Steve McDonnell rounded off the scoring with a passing score to Mark McCabe.

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This article has been syndicated from Double Coverage and any opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinion of IAFA. Any references to non-IAFA websites are provided for convenience only and do not in any manner serve as an endorsement of those websites.

We have our Shamrock Bowl contestants!

Belfast Trojans 28 – 6 University of Limerick Vikings

The defending champions, the Belfast Trojans, booked their place in the Shamrock Bowl final for the third consecutive season by defeating the University of Limerick Vikings in what can be described as nothing less than a battle!

Each team came into the game after impressing throughout the regular season, but there was only one goal in mind for these sides; to reach the Bowl game. Everyone knew this match would be a close one, but nobody could predict that it would be decided late in the fourth quarter.

The match was on a knife-edge from the beginning, with both teams coming up with huge defensive stops as the game swung back and forth throughout the first quarter. The Trojans got the first score of the game however, as kicker Rick Duffield converted a field goal to give the Belfast side a marginal 3-0 lead going into the break.

The Vikings started the brightest in the second half and their efforts were rewarded when a play action pass fooled the Trojans defence and receiver, Gavan Duffy reeled in a deep pass from Alvaro Martinez to put UL 6-3 up after the failed PAT. With the game entering the fourth quarter tensions were getting high and neither team was prepared to give up their place in the final.

In a breathtaking 12 minutes, the Trojans turned the match on its head. First, Defensive Tackle, Patrick McElkerney made arguably the game changing tackle when he sacked the Vikings’ Glen Carr and recovered the fumble.

With the resulting drive, receiver David Richardson caught a deep pass from quarterback James McKelvey to give the Trojans excellent field position, and it was left to Running Back, Dave Colvin to rush in for a touchdown that would regain the lead for the Belfast men. With that, the momentum greatly turned in the Trojans favour. The Vikings began to chase the game, as they had to in the late stages, and as a result Colvin punished them with another two touchdowns, including a 50-yard scamper that he would take untouched to the end zone.

As the game entered the final stages, there was still time for safety, Matt Armstrong to return a ‘Pick 6’ all the way to the house to give the Trojans the victory with a 28-6 score line.

The Vikings fought tooth and nail throughout the four quarters, and the result doesn’t do justice for their efforts on the day. The champions knew they were in for a tough game, and the Vikes made them work hard for the victory. The Trojans will now take on Trinity College in the final as they defeated the Rebels, 47-8 in the other semi final that took place at Westmanstown. Can the Trojans win their third National Championship?

Trinity College Dublin 47 – 8 Dublin Rebels

With Trinity College and the Dublin Rebels kicking off the second semi-final, both sides knew that a win would book them a place in the Shamrock Bowl final against the reigning champions, the Belfast Trojans. The Rebels, playing in yet another semi-final, hoped that a victory would give them the opportunity to potentially claim their 8th National Championship, whilst Trinity College had their heart set on making their first ever Shamrock Bowl appearance.

This game was predicted to be close affair with two of the leagues best running backs, Simon Mackey and Rob McDowell pitting their talents against one another. The hype surrounding these two had been brewing nicely in the weeks leading to the encounter, but only one man would come out victorious.

As early as the opening kickoff, Rob McDowell did what he does best and scored a 100-yard return to give Trinity College an early 6-0 lead. From then on, it was one-way traffic. After recovering a fumble, Trinity extended their lead when McDowell rushed in again to give the students a 13-0 lead as the first quarter ended.

The second quarter started similar to the first, as McDowell again ran in from 4 yards to increase Trinity’s lead as the Rebels were still struggling to get a foothold in the game. It began to get worse for 7 time champions, as another fumble was recovered and taken to the house by David Lunn for a defensive touchdown. Rob McDowell added his fourth touchdown of the game soon after, this time with a 90 yard return before Quarterback, Dan Finnamore found receiver Daniel Murphy in the end zone for a 35 yard passing reception to give Trinity a commanding 41-0 lead at half time.

With the game getting away from them, The Rebels knew their second half performance needed to be something special. They managed to get on the score sheet when QB Andrew Dennehy passed to Chris Purdy who ran the remaining 20-yards for the touchdown, with Peter Keeley adding the extra 2 points. Any hope of a miraculous comeback by the Rebels was well and truly diminished when a further score by Ola Bademosi completed the touchdown overhaul for the students. Connor McGinn kicked 5 PAT’s throughout the game to give Trinity an emphatic 47-8 over the Rebels.

The Rebels have had an impressive year after making it to yet another Shamrock Bowl semi final. By defeating the Knights in the wildcard round, and playing an exhibition game against American side, Centre College, the Rebels have done themselves proud for their efforts this year. Expect them to be challenging among the elite teams again next term. Meanwhile, Trinity will now take part in their first ever Bowl appearance, when they take on The Belfast Trojans on August 10th. Trinity prevailed in the last meeting between these sides, but expect a fantastic game between the leagues best two teams this year.

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This article has been syndicated from Double Coverage and any opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinion of IAFA. Any references to non-IAFA websites are provided for convenience only and do not in any manner serve as an endorsement of those websites.

Trinity College Dublin and Belfast Trojans will contest the Shamrock Bowl in Tallaght Stadium on 10th August. Both teams won their semi-final match-ups against the Dublin Rebels and UL Vikings respectively.

Having lost only one game between them this season, we have the makings of an exciting final. In the past 14 months, they have faced each other twice in competitive games, winning one each. Both teams were also finalists in the EFAF Atlantic Cup in 2013.

Semi-Final Results:

Belfast Trojans 28-6 UL Vikings

Trinity College 47-8 Dublin Rebels

Belfast Trojans vs. University of Limerick Vikings

Well these two are building up quite the post season rivalry aren’t they? A rematch of last year’s semi-final and the previous year’s Shamrock Bowl game itself, this game has all the makings of a classic.

The Vikings will be itching for revenge, having lost out on those two occasions but it’s not going to be easy, as they’ll be going up against a hungry Belfast Trojans looking to make a threepeat on the Championship.

The Northerners have wrapped up the Bowl for the last two years, unbeaten on both occasions, but this year is a little different. They no longer stand upon a pedestal and above everybody else in the League. They tasted defeat, to Trinity, for the first time since the play-offs in 2011, and they’ll be sure to want another crack at the students for revenge and to show they’re still the big boys to beat in Ireland.

The Vikings have been lurking in the long grass for much of the year. They have a lot of first year players and tasted disappointing defeat to TCD on their first game of the season before having their hearts broken by the Rebels in the dying seconds of their second game. But from there on in it’s been plain sailing for UL. The team has bowled over their seven opponents since and remain unbeaten since March, mixing a dynamic offence with a powerful defence. They truly are dark horses in this final 4, and could certainly cause an upset not only here in the semi-final, but also in the Bowl game.

Players to watch

Belfast
Everybody. Seriously. This team has unreal talent from quarterback James McKelvey who is dangerous with his passing arm and his feet, running backs David Colvin, Neil Montgomery and Alex Newton, who can all be incredibly dangerous in their own ways and receivers David Richardson, Fu Faapito and Andrew Wright. Their offensive line only adds to their prowess whilst on defence the line is menacing, with Patrick McElkerney and Teddy Canty causing all kinds of problems to O-lines this year.

In the middle of the park the linebacking corps is full of talent, with Neil Graham and Connor Whitla racking up tackles this year, whilst Rob Lyttle will be eager to impress after missing much of the year.

In the secondary, Jon-Erik Talvio has been impressive, scoring two pick sixes in his debut IAFL year, whilst Chris Mikhael has continued to dominate from the defensive back position.

UL
The Vikings have had a few players come and go this year but the core group of talent remains and is going to pose a danger to the Trojans. Long-standing quarterback Marc Ashworth is gone, but in his place is the experienced Glen Carr, who has performed admirably by passing for four TDs and rushing for another during the remainder of the regular season. His hurdle on the run over a player during the year earned him the nickname “Air”, an impressive feat for a 285lb former lineman!

Carr’s weapons on offence remain much the same as the past few years with Sean Goldrick and Adrian Garvey continuing to wreak havoc. Sean Sheehy’s work on offence and on special teams also makes him a dangerous player whilst the emerging talent of rookie tight end Jake Kelly has been a feather in the cap of a high octane UL offence.

On defence the Vikings’ front 7 is probably the most feared in Irish football. Featuring Eoin Whelan (back after missing the wildcard game), Shane Gleeson, John Mullen and Ian Cahill, the defensive line has piled up the sacks and tackles this campaign whilst being backed up by an impressive linebacker corps. They play as a unit and will be tough to break down. Watching the Trojan offence and the Viking defence is going to be one of the highlights of the season for sure.

Trinity College Dublin vs. Dublin Rebels

This game has been billed as the “Mackdowell Bowl” by many people around the League on social networks (you’ve no doubt seen the Gary Sommerville video by now, and if you haven’t you really need to watch it for some tongue-in-cheek fun from the Rebels’ legendary wide receiver). And sure, Simon Mackey and Rob McDowell will be two highlights of this game. But it’s so much more than those two players.

The game is another rematch from last year’s semi-finals, one which the Rebels came out as victors. This year however, Trinity come into the bout as undefeated SBC South Champions, standing tall with an 8-0 record and entering the playoffs as number 1 seeds, ahead of the Belfast Trojans, whose undefeated streak was ended by the students in an emphatic 18-0 victory at Deramore Park earlier in the year.

Last year the Rebels probably entered as slight favourites. This year they’ll go into the game as underdogs. Their 7&1 season was impressive for sure, their only loss coming against the Trojans, and they have all the talent to go all the way, but Trinity’s offence has been impossible to stop for any team thus far in 2014. Can the most successful team in IAFL history halt TCD and head to the Bowl yet again?

Players to watch

Trinity College Dublin
Of course Rob McDowell. The running back has 17 total touchdowns, 16 along the ground and one on special teams. His speed and ability to find a gap and his agility to get through it untouched makes McDowell one of the most feared players in the League.

He’ll be backed up on offence by a high powered passing game led by young quarterback Dan Finnamore. Out of the Russell Kerley school of quarterbacking at the Drogheda Lightning, Finnamore has had a fine debut Shamrock Bowl season, passing for more touchdowns than any other quarterback (18) and finding 6 different receivers for scores. Daniel Murphy, David Lunn and Stephen Alexander have stepped up extremely well as receivers, aiding their quarterback with useful yards after the catch on every reception.

The offensive line has size, agility and excellent technique, protecting Finnamore well in the pocket and making the gaps that allow McDowell to do his job.

On defence Trinity have a dominant defensive line, with Eoghan Hurley and German Velderrain both picking up points for the team this year. Meanwhile, Alex Gurnee, who plays linebacker as well as tight end on offence, often makes a menace of himself, and will be one to watch on the defensive side of the ball.

Dublin Rebels
Simon Mackey. The top scorer in the Shamrock Bowl Conference this year is not only a danger on offence but a menace from defensive end too, on the occasions he plays on defence. His ability to break tackles or to just carry would-be tacklers along with him make him a very difficult player to halt. If he wants to go to the end zone, he tends to find his way there.

Along with Mackey, the Rebels’ offence is loaded. Andrew Dennehy is one of the most experienced and gifted quarterbacks in the Irish game. He has been to the Bowl game multiple times and knows what it takes and what it means to lift that trophy.

His receiving corps includes Chris Purdy and Peter Keely along with the tight end partners, Paul Grogan and Ciaran O’Toole, all of whom are incredibly dangerous targets for Dennehy to pick out just as a defence is beginning to press on Mackey too much.

But Dennehy will be the first to talk up the offensive line. The Rebels’ OL is fearsome, and they protect their quarterback well as well as opening the lanes for Mackey to run into.

On defence Marcus Naylor, Steve Walsh and Kevin Finnegan have over 40 years experience of playing the game between them. You cannot buy that experience, and it will come in useful when they line up alongside the Rebels’ many rookies and first year defensive players. Watch out for Finnegan in particular to lead this D from the middle of the park and to attempt to contain Finnamore and McDowell.

The MackDowell Bowl indeed. There’ll be many more players to watch at Westmanstown on Sunday. But do keep an eye on those two, anything can happen when they get the ball.

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This article has been syndicated from Double Coverage and any opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinion of IAFA. Any references to non-IAFA websites are provided for convenience only and do not in any manner serve as an endorsement of those websites.

Last Saturday saw a Junior Kitted Football meeting and an IAFA Board meeting taking place at CityWest Hotel in Dublin.

Junior Kitted Football:

Six teams have expressed interest in playing in the inaugural Junior Kitted Football league this autumn:

Carrickfergus Knights, Craigavon Cowboys, Drogheda Lightning, Dublin Rebels, North Kildare Reapers & West Dublin Rhinos, 

The league will use EFAF U19 age limits and be played under 9-man rules. 

Russell Kerley was appointed the Director of Junior Football by the Association and the participants in the meeting appointed the following JF Committee:

 Barry Bolton (Rhinos), Brendan McAleese (Reapers) and Lara Sleator (Knights).

New Communications Officer:

Maurice Cosgrave, who is currently the IAFA Event Manager was appointed to the vacant Communications Officer position.

 Finance Officer Eoin O’Sullivan has stepped down due to taking up a full time coaching position abroad. This position will be advertised soon.

Shamrock Bowl XXVIII:

 The IAFA Board announced a new ticketing initiative aimed at generating income for clubs for this year’s Shamrock Bowl. For the first time ever, ticket revenue generated by individual clubs will accrue to those clubs instead of the Association.

 Shamrock Bowl XXVIII will take place at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday 10^th August at 3pm. Tickets are now available from Eventbrite.

The finals of the two big European titles and the IFAF Europe Champions League all took place over this past weekend.

 EuroBowl XXVIII – Braunschweig Lions 20-17 Berlin Adler.

 The Championship game of the new GFLI BIG6 took place on Saturday evening and featured two German teams – Braunschweig Lions and Berlin Adler. The Adler won a close battle by 20-17 on front of a large crowd in Berlin. Philip Anderson of the Adler scored two touchdowns including the decider in the fourth quarter. Berlin QB, Darius Outlaw won the MVP award. 

 EFL Championship – Kiel Baltic Hurricanes 40-0 Badalona Dracs.

 The Germans also won the other major European club title when the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes had a comprehensive victory over Spains Badalona Dracs. Hurricanes QB Nick Lamaison threw 3 TDs on front of a large crowd in Kiel. The game was referreed by IAFA official, Michael Smith. 

IFAF Europe Champions League – Helsinki Roosters win.

The inaugural IFAF Champions League finals, featuring 4 teams took place in Elancourt, France. Helsinki Roosters won the final game ahead of Belgrade, Elancourt and Thonan. The final was very poorly attended – less than 500 spectators reported – in what was a very underwhelming inaugural season for this championship.

The Dublin Rebels and UL Vikings both qualified for next weekend’s Shamrock Bowl Semi-Finals with victories in the Wildcard games today.

Results:

Carrickfergus Knights 0-24 Dublin Rebels

West Dublin Rhinos 6-20 UL Vikings.

Semi-Finals – Sunday 27th July, Garda RFC, Dublin:

Noon – UL Vikings @ Belfast Trojans

3pm – Dublin Rebels @ Trinity College

Shamrock Bowl Conference

Carrickfergus Knights 0 – 8 West Dublin Rhinos

So the Rhinos complete the most unlikely of playoff runs. A few short weeks ago they looked dead, buried and competing with Waterford as to who would go down. Now they’ve just ousted the North Kildare Reapers from the post-season berth and end up going in as the 5th seed.

The result comes in a 2nd half game after the original match-up was called at half time due to a missing ambulance. No points were scored in the replay as the two sides put out excellent defensive displays to ensure that both head to the playoffs.

The Knights now head to the Dublin Rebels next weekend whilst the Rhinos head across the country to face the UL Vikings.

IAFL-1

Meath Bulldogs 6 – 12 Cork Admirals

The Cork Admirals effectively ended Meath’s IAFL-1 Bowl aspirations whilst keeping their own very much alive. Quarterback Steve Hayes continued his fine season with a brace of passing touchdowns, both to receiver John Madden, who continues to push at the top of the receiving scoring charts.

Meath pushed them all the way, bouncing back after going 6-0 down as quarterback Eddie McMahon fired in a superb pass to receiver Alan Keane, but the Admirals were not to be denied as they continue their comeback from last year’s fold, picking off the Bulldogs to end the game as the home team began to drive well.

Mullingar Minotaurs 44 – 0 Drogheda Lightning

The Minotaurs made sure that UCD’s opponents in the IAFL-1 Bowl wouldn’t be decided until the game between Mullingar and Cork, with an impressive win at home over Drogheda.

Quarterback Conor Brennan continued his fine form, passing for another 4 touchdowns, 2 each to Shane Walsh and Niall Folan. Meanwhile the run game was strong too, as Adam and Niall Corcoran each ran in a score.

Kicker Jay Bruton kicked 5 XPs and a field goal to round of the scoring.

IAFL-2

South Kildare Soldiers 6 – 13 Galway Warriors

The Warriors grabbed their first points and their first win of their fledgling careers with an impressive victory in South Kildare.

The Soldiers would go ahead though, as Sean Douglas ran in the score, only for the Warriors’ Daryn Tully to kick a field goal to reduce the lead to 6-3.

A battle of a game ensued, with the defensive units continually standing strong. But Galway wouldn’t be denied. With two minutes remaining in the game Tully kicked another field goal before cornerback Simon Lynskey picked off the Soldiers’ QB and took the ball to the house. A Tully XP rounded off the scoring and helped the Warriors pick up a win that their players won’t forget for a long time.

Tyrone Titans 42 – 0 Dundalk Mavericks

FULL GAME REPORT HERE

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This article has been syndicated from Double Coverage and any opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinion of IAFA. Any references to non-IAFA websites are provided for convenience only and do not in any manner serve as an endorsement of those websites.

Following the completion of the Rhinos @ Knights match, which ended 8-0 to the Rhinos, we now know all the play-off qualifiers and who they play. The schedule is as follows:

Sunday 20th July – Wildcard Weekend:

West Dublin Rhinos @ UL Vikings

Carrickfergus Knights @ Dublin Rebels.

Sunday 27th July – Semi-Final Weekend:

Winner of Knights/Rebels @ Trinity College

Winner of Rhinos/Vikings @ Belfast Trojans

Sunday 10th August – Shamrock Bowl.

With the exception of the 2^nd half of the Knights v Rhinos game, which is being played at 12:30 in Navan next Sunday (before the Cork @ Meath IAFL1 game), all of the SBC regular season has been completed.

Trinity College (SBC South winners) and the Belfast Trojans (SBC North winners) receive an automatic bye into the semi-finals.

The Dublin Rebels and UL Vikings will host the wildcard games on July 20^th.

The remaining wildcard places – the ‘at large’ ones – will not be known until the Knights v Rhinos game has been completed – it was stopped at halftime due to a medical emergency/road traffic accident. The Rhinos were leading 8-0. The wildcard game permutations are as follows:

1. If the Knights win:

The Knights travel to the Rebels and the North Kildare Reapers travel to UL.

2. If the Rhinos win by 22 points or less *:

The Knights travel to the Rebels and the Rhinos travel to UL.

3. If the Rhinos win by more than 22 points:

The North Kildare Reapers travel to the Rebels and the Rhinos travel to UL.

* If the Rhinos win by exactly 22 points, the next tiebreaker between the Knights & Reapers is TDs scored. Knights currently have 20, Reapers 19. The Reapers cannot overtake the Knights as they’ve completed their schedule, so the Knights are guaranteed to be ahead on this tiebreaker.

Cecil Martins has regrettably postponed his clinic which was due to take place tomorrow evening. He circulated the following messages to all who’d registered to attend:

Hello Everyone.  

It is with great regret that I inform you that I will have to reschedule my IRELAND Combine Training Session.   I have done everything that I could to make it happen this Tuesday July 8th, but I have been unsuccessful.  I appreciate those of you that were willing to be a part of this on the 8th.  I hope that those that were able to make it will still be able to with the new date; and maybe more of you will have an opportunity to be a part of this when we announce the new date.

I will have a new date for you all in the next 72 hour (3 days)  We will keep this invite page open as the event will still go on, just on a different date.  

If anyone purchased a train ticket to the event and are unable to get the ticket changed or reimbursed, then I will waive your cost for the combine training session for the new date.  I will just need the ticket in order to do this.  If anyone purchased a train ticket and is not able to attend the new date we choose, I will reimburse you for that train ticket.  All that I need is the ticket.  This goes for any of the coaches as well.

I am very sorry if this situation has caused you scheduling issues.  Do know that I have done everything that I could to make the trip happen.  I give you my word that whatever the new date will be, I will definitely be there.  I am sure we will miss some players and some coaches do to this change, but this 1st event is just the beginning, not the only, I promise you of that.

Thank You All, and My Apologies Again.

Cecil Martin

 

On July 8th next, former Philadelphia Eagles Fullback and Sky Sports pundit Cecil Martin is coming to Dublin to host his coaching clinic, exclusively for IAFA players between the ages of 16 – 24. The clinic will take place in the Garda RFC, Westmanstown (home venue of the Dublin Dragons – map at http://www.westmanstown.com/contact_us_map.html) from 5:30pm – 9pm.

Cecil holds these clinics throughout the UK and Europe and his Dublin clinic will consist of a combine, football drills and a scrimmage session, ably assisted by IAFA coaches from around the league. Please note that this will be a non-contact session and comfortable clothing is recommended along with footware suitable for a grass pitch. Also it is recommended that you bring water with you.

Participation in the clinic will cost €35 and to confirm your attendance, please go to

http://bit.ly/CecilMartinDublin

For questions on the event, please leave comments on the Facebook event page or send an email to

 

maurice@americanfootball.ie

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This year a number of IAFL clubs contributed to the 4^th of July celebrations of the American community and anyone else who loves to celebrate the America’s national holiday by organising and participating in a number of events around the country.

In Belfast, the Belfast Trojans and Carrickfergus Knights staged the Rivals Bowl. The game was played under lights at Deramore Park, with the Trojans rounding out their regular season with a convincing 50-0 victory.

In Navan, IAFL1 teams, Meath Bulldogs and Mullingar Minotaurs fought out a spectacular back and forth battle at Friday Night Lights in Navan. The Bulldogs emerged victorious with a late touchdown to win 29-22.

Meanwhile, back in Dublin, the U.S. Embassy staged it’s traditional 4^th of July celebrations at the Ambassadors residence in the Phoenix Park. The centrepiece of the celebrations is the legendary ‘Irish American Flag Football Classic’. Both teams featured a mixture of IAFL players – mainly from the West Dublin Rhinos- with some sporting stars from other codes including rugby International Jamie Heaslip and GAA legend Jason Sherlock. As usual, the IAFL players dominated with Dan Breslin winning one of the MVP awards and Rhinos Head Coach Mark Lawless coaching the winning team. Ex-Dublin Celts and Dublin Lightning Quarterback Eddie Goggins also put in an impressive performance.

On Thursday 3^rd July, Minister Michael Ring announced the funding allocations under the 2014 Sports Capital grant scheme. Included in his announcements were four grants, totalling over €27,600 to American football in Ireland.

The Irish American Football Association (IAFA) received a grant of €15,000 which is designated for the purchase of training camp equipment and other training aids for the IAFA’s new young player development programme which is due to be launched later this year. The Irish Sports Council has also provided some running costs funding to the new programme.

Three individual IAFA clubs also succeeded in receiving their own grants as follows:

West Dublin Rhinos – €6,375

South Kildare Soldiers – €4,527

Dublin Dragons – €1,704

These grants will be primarily used to purchase equipment which will invariably help these clubs expand and attract new players.

The Sports Capital Grant scheme, is a non-statutory scheme whereby Irish sports clubs and organisations can apply for funding for capital projects e.g. equipment and facilities improvements. The scheme usually opens for applications once every 2-3 years.

IAFA Commissioner Cillian Smith responded to the announcement by saying “we are very happy that the Minister and the Department have decided to invest in the development of American football in Ireland. When the scheme was announced earlier this year, we encouraged individual clubs to put together proposals and now for the first time ever, the Minister has decided to allocate money to individual clubs in addition to funding the IAFA’s own proposal.”

Shamrock Bowl Conference

Dublin Dragons vs. Dublin Rebels

It’s getting to what we call the business end of the season and yet there is still so much to fight for in the Shamrock Bowl Conference. The Dublin Rebels have sewn up a playoff spot but could still take the SBC North crown if they win out and the Belfast Trojans slip up against Carrickfergus in their final game of the year.

Meanwhile at the other end of the division, the Dragons SHOULD be safe from relegation with their win over Waterford meaning the Wolves would have to beat both the University of Limerick Vikings and the West Dublin Rhinos and hope that the Dragons lose their two remaining games in order to leapfrog them. Stranger things have happened but it’s an unlikely one. However the Dragons will certainly want to make sure they seal their own SBC safety with another win either against the Rebels or the Cowboys on the final day, or even better both!

The Dragons have the third worst defence in the League by points conceded, and the second worst offence, putting up just 31 points in their six games. However, it’s their first season back in the SBC after a big rebuild and many of their players are rookies or inexperienced, particularly at this level of play. They have excellent foundations to build on and a good coaching setup.

Waterford Wolves vs. University of Limerick Vikings

This is it for Waterford. They really could do with a result against the Vikes. They’re the only winless team remaining. The Dragons hold the Head to Head over them so look out of sight, the Cowboys have a much superior points difference and the Rhinos look improved so will be difficult to beat in the Wolves’ final game. If they’re to put their fate of survival back in their own hands, the team needs a win against UL.

But that’s much easier said than done. The Vikings are on a five win streak and are wrapping up their regular season here this weekend. They’ll want to do so with another victory and a resounding one at that to finish the year and head in to the playoffs on a high. With the third best offence and the second best defence in the SBC, watch out for the Vikings in the playoffs.

West Dublin Rhinos vs. Trinity College Dublin

Well the West Dublin Rhinos have certainly made things interesting. Their win over the North Kildare Reapers has given them an unlikely shot at the playoffs. They were then beating the Carrickfergus Knights 8-0 at half time when the game was unfortunately postponed due to an ambulance leaving and being unable to return. That game is apparently going to be finished, with a second half played starting with an 8-0 scoreline, with rumour stating the 13th July as the proposed date, though we still await confirmation from the League.

If the Rhinos were to sew up that win at the Knights and beat Waterford on the 6th July they could leap from relegation candidates to playoff competitors in just a few short weeks. Good on them!

But first Trinity stand in their way first. The highest scoring team in the League and the only remaining undefeated team, the students have rampaged through every side they’ve met this year, scoring no less than 18 points in a game (which was against the reigning champions, the Belfast Trojans, who still have the best defence in the League). Can anybody stop them?

TCD wrap up their regular season here and anything less than 8-0 will now be considered a massive disappointment. It will take a lot to stop them as they head into the playoffs as number one seeds.

IAFL-1

Drogheda Lightning vs. UCD

UCD have already wrapped up a place in the IAFL-1 Bowl game, having attained a 5-2 record which cannot be caught by two teams (due to Mullingar and Cork still having to play each other). They’ve been impressive this year, racking up a massive 210 points whilst conceding just 18, with their front 7 being dominant in almost every game, allowing the offence to play without massive pressure. Quarterback Dave Murphy has had a year to remember but will no doubt be looking to add to his 19 scores (5 rushing, 13 passing, 1 pick six).

Drogheda are still looking for their first win of the year, having limped through a campaign with injuries and loss of players. They have a young squad with plenty to build on but with an influx of other teams in the area (Dundalk, Meath and the Dublin teams not being a million miles away), it could be difficult to keep the roster together. However they’re a very proactive group and work hard to recruit and I’m sure we’ll see the Lightning around for a long time yet.

It’s going to be a tough game for the home side to pick up their first win, as UCD will be looking to round of their season in style and take the top of the division going in to the Bowl game.

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This article has been syndicated from Double Coverage and any opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinion of IAFA. Any references to non-IAFA websites are provided for convenience only and do not in any manner serve as an endorsement of those websites.