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Sport | American football |
---|---|
Founded | 1984 in Dublin, Ireland |
First season | 1986 |
No. of teams | 20 |
Country | |
Most recent champion(s) | University College Dublin (2024) |
Most titles | Dublin Rebels (10 titles) |
Official website | www |
American Football Ireland (AFI) is the national governing body for American football on the island of Ireland. Founded in 1984, it is entirely run by volunteers and played by amateurs.
The first Shamrock Bowl game was played in 1986 between the Craigavon Cowboys and the Dublin Celts. The Cowboys won the first title played in Dublin. The Celts then went on to be the number 1 team in Ireland for the next 10 years, winning the Shamrock Bowl 5 times. The Celts were also the First Irish team to represent Ireland in the Euro Bowl – the then Champions league of European American Football.
During 2000, plans were made to resurrect the IAFL. The only fixture to be played in Ireland that year was an Irish selection against a visiting high school team – Mount St. Josephs from Maryland USA. In 2001, the Carrickfergus Knights, Dublin Dragons, Dublin Rebels and University of Limerick Vikings played a full league season of football. The Dublin Rebels defeated the Carrickfergus Knights in Shamrock Bowl XV, which was played in Carrickfergus.
All four teams participated in the reformation of the Irish American Football League (IAFL). A new league structure and administration was put in place and the IAFL helped form the Irish American Football Association (IAFA) – the new national governing body for the sport. During 2002, the sport found a new lease on life in Ireland.[ tone ] Again, four teams contested the league with the Carrickfergus Knights defeating the UL Vikings in Shamrock Bowl XVI. The year saw some significant developments.[ citation needed ] Firstly, three development teams applied to join the league for 2003. Secondly, an Irish team won an International club competition for the first time ever. In June, the Dublin Rebels travelled to Belgium and won the Charleroi Trophy against the Charleroi Cougars and two French teams – Reims Champs and Forbach Taupes. The season finished on a high note with the visit of Team Canada, the Canadian U21 team. The Carrickfergus Knights played Team Canada in Dublin and performed well in a 34–6 defeat.[ citation needed ]
2003 turned out to be one of the best years ever for Irish American football.[ tone ] Three more teams – Cork, Belfast & Craigavon – joined the IAFL bringing the total up to seven. The Carrickfergus Knights, Cork Admirals, Dublin Dragons and Dublin Rebels played in Division 1. The Belfast Bulls, Craigavon Cowboys and UL Vikings played in Division 2 which was created to help development teams get competitive game experience.[ original research? ]
Membership in the IAFL increased significantly and the standard of play was higher than in previous years.[ original research? ] In June 2003, the Dublin Rebels returned to Belgium to defend their Charleroi Trophy title. They were joined in Belgium by the Carrickfergus Knights. The Rebels won the Charleroi Trophy, defeating local team, the Charleroi Cougars in the Tournament final. The Knights came third, ahead of French team, Celtes de Mitry.
The Knights finished first in the league to qualify for the Shamrock Bowl. The Rebels beat the Cork Admirals in the semi-final and then defeated the Knights 24–12 in a spectacular[ tone ] Shamrock Bowl XVII, played at Suttonians RFC in Dublin. The game attracted a large crowd[ citation needed ] and some media attention – highlights were broadcast on TV3 in Ireland and Sky Sports throughout Europe. The Belfast Bulls won the Division 2 title. The season finished with the first ever IAFL Allstar game in which the North defeated the South 7–0.
During the 2003–2004 off-season, Coach Phil DeMonte (ex-Oxford University Cavaliers) was appointed as the head coach of the Irish National Team and IAFL Allstars. Coach DeMonte was also tasked to help with the education of coaches throughout Ireland.[ citation needed ] 2004 promised to be the best season ever for Irish American football both on and off the field and did not fail to deliver.[ tone ] 6 teams played a full competitive league schedule and the standard of play was higher than at any time in the previous 10 years.[ original research? ] IAFL membership reached an all-time high of more than 300 registered players.[ citation needed ] All teams had bigger rosters and most of the rookies were in the 17–21 age group. The Dublin Rebels defeated the Carrickfergus Knights 24–22 in Shamrock Bowl XVIII. The game, which attracted a record attendance for an IAFL game, is regarded as the best ever Shamrock Bowl.[ by whom? ] 2004 also saw the return of the Ireland team. The team played two fixtures including the inaugural Celtic Classic against John Carroll University from Ohio, USA.
In 2005 the same six teams competed for the Shamrock Bowl. Again the Rebels ran out victorious with a tough fought win against the Belfast Bulls in the big game.[ tone ]
The 2006 season saw the addition of new teams the DCU Saints and Dublin Marshals to the IAFL making the total number of competing teams, 8, the highest it had been in many years. The UL Vikings faced the Rebels in the Bowl game, which the Rebels won, making it their fourth consecutive Shamrock Bowl win.
The 2007 season was contested by nine teams, following the addition of the Belfast Trojans and the Tallaght Outlaws to the league. The 2007 Shamrock Bowl was won by UL Vikings.
After the 2008 season, the Tallaght Outlaws decided to stop playing in the league, after playing two full seasons in the league.[ citation needed ]
AFI oversee the administration of 3 codes:
Within the Senior American Football code, there are 3 separate divisions:
The Youth American Football section expands year on year, with a record 7 teams competing for the AFIYouth Plate in 2019.
The Flag Football section is split into 2 separate conferences:
The Premier Division consists of eight senior teams. For the 2021 season, the Premier Division was planned to consist of:[ needs update ]
The league consists of two tiers of football, with the first tier being the Premier Division, also known as the SBC (Shamrock Bowl Conference). The second tier is the Division 1 competition, sometimes known as IAFL 1.[ citation needed ]
Team | City | Stadium / Home Field | Founded | Head coach |
---|---|---|---|---|
Belfast, County Antrim | Malone Rugby Club | 1993 | Adam Devenney | |
Belfast, County Antrim | Deramore Park | 2006 | James McKelvey | |
Cork, County Cork | Musgrave Park | 2002 | Alan Lomasney | |
Killiney, County Dublin | De La Salle Palmerstown, Kilternan | 1995 | Ross McCooey | |
Palmerstown, County Dublin | Kings Hospital, Palmerstown | 2014 | Ben Arulogun | |
Belfield, County Dublin | UCD Sports Ground | 2007 | Dave Murphy | |
Limerick, County Limerick | UL Sports Ground | 1999 | Glenn Carr | |
Dublin, County Dublin | Castleknock College | 2008 | Chris Cullen |
Team | City | Stadium / Home Field | Founded | Head coach |
---|---|---|---|---|
Craigavon, County Armagh | Peoples Park | 1986 | Greg Loughran | |
Donegal, County Donegal | Vale Centre | 2014 | ||
Galway City, County Galway | St Mary's College | 2012 | ||
Dundalk, County Louth | Dundalk Rugby Club | 2012 | Angelo Arena | |
Dublin, County Dublin | TCD Sports Ground | 2008 | ||
Waterford, County Waterford | Waterpark Rugby Park | 2005 | ||
Mullingar, County Westmeath | Mullingar Rugby Club | 2011 | ||
Wexford, County Wexford | Garden City Pitch | 2015 |
Appearances | Team [1] | Wins | Losses | Season(s) [note 1] |
---|---|---|---|---|
16 | Dublin Rebels | 10 | 6 | 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
10 | Carrickfergus Knights | 3 | 7 | 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2017 |
8 | UL Vikings | 3 | 5 | 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
7 | Dublin Celts | 4 | 3 | 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993 |
6 | Belfast Trojans | 5 | 1 | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019 |
4 | Dublin Tornadoes | 3 | 1 | 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 |
4 | Craigavon Cowboys | 3 | 1 | 1986, 1987, 1990, 1992 |
3 | UCD American Football | 2 | 1 | 2022, 2023, 2024 |
3 | Antrim Bulldogs | 0 | 3 | 1989, 1991, 1992 |
2 | Cork Admirals | 1 | 1 | 2007, 2018 |
2 | Dublin Tigers | 1 | 1 | 1998, 1999 |
2 | Trinity College | 0 | 2 | 2014, 2015 |
1 | Dublin Lightning | 1 | 0 | 1996 |
1 | Belfast Blitzers | 0 | 1 | 1988 |
1 | Dublin Bulls | 0 | 1 | 1997 |
1 | Belfast Bulls | 0 | 1 | 2005 |
1 | South Dublin Panthers | 0 | 1 | 2019 |
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = TiesLeague Table
Position | Team | Played | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dublin Rebels | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
2 | Carrickfergus Knights | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
3 | UL Vikings | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 11 |
4 | Cork Admirals | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
5 | Dublin Dragons | 8 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
6 | Belfast Bulls | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
7 | Dublin City University Saints | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 |
8 | North Dublin Marshals | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 |
Format
In 2007, to cope with the growing number of teams, a divisional format was introduced to replace the old league format. In it, the existing teams were divided into three divisions, Northern, Central and Southern, three teams in each. The idea of the divisional format is that any new teams, such as the up-coming development teams, would easily fit into the divisional format without increasing the length of the season, which runs from February/March to Early August.[ citation needed ] The top team from each division all go into the play-offs and the two second placed teams, with the highest numbers of points, playing a wildcard game for the 4th spot. The winners of the playoffs battle it out for the Shamrock Bowl.[ citation needed ]
Northern Division | Central Division | Southern Division |
---|---|---|
Belfast Bulls | Dublin Rebels | UL Vikings |
Belfast Trojans | Dublin Dragons | Cork Admirals |
Carrickfergus Knights | DCU Saints | Tallaght Outlaws |
The 2007 IAFL season, complete with new divisional format was due to begin on 4 March with the College Championship game between DCU Saints and UL Vikings, but the game was delayed due to rain, so the season proper began on 25 March when the Cork Admirals beat the Belfast Bulls, the UL Vikings beat the Tallaght Outlaws and Dublin Rebels (then Shamrock Bowl Holders) beat the DCU Saints. The season continued throughout April and May, with the IAFL College Championship Game eventually been rescheduled on 3 June, with the UL Vikings beating the DCU Saints 50–2.
During the course of the regular season, two non-league games were played against foreign opposition, with CMS College Stags beating the Tallaght Outlaws 67–0 and, in the Claddagh Classic on 2 June, the Team USA All-Stars beat the Carrickfergus Knights 26–0.
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
Northern Division
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Belfast Bulls | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
2 | Belfast Trojans | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
3 | Carrickfergus Knights | 3 | 4 | 1 | 7 |
Central Division
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dublin Rebels | 7 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
2 | Dublin Dragons | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
3 | DCU Saints | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
Southern Division
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | UL Vikings | 7 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
2 | Cork Admirals | 6 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
3 | Tallaght Outlaws | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
The play-off positions were decided on the last day of the regular season, with the Belfast Bulls, Dublin Rebels and UL Vikings securing their respective Divisional titles and the Belfast Trojans and Cork Admirals as the wildcard teams. Cork Admirals won the wildcard game and set up a play-off tie with the Dublin Rebels, strongly fancied to retain the Shamrock Bowl for the 5th consecutive time. Cork won a close-fought 8–6 victory and secured their first bowl appearance against UL Vikings, who beat the Belfast Bulls 44–2 to set the stage for the first ever all-Munster Shamrock Bowl. The UL Vikings won a close game 22–14 to win Shamrock Bowl XXI and claim their first ever title.
An AGM, held on 25 November 2007, decided the format for the 2008 season. It was decided to gradually phase out under-18 kitted players and start a junior (i.e. 16–18 age group) league. It was also decided to run a DV-8's league, where development teams and entrants from already established teams could field rookies in 8 a side matches. This would also help teams who were "just starting out" to get some playing time and reduce the pressure to find new players, which has plagued new IAFL teams in the past.[ original research? ]
It was decided to keep the league format the same. The same teams would compete in the same divisions, with the exception of the Dublin Rhinos, a spin-off from the Dublin Dragons, who would replace the Dragons in the IAFL Central. The league for 2008 looked like this:[ citation needed ]
Northern Division | Central Division | Southern Division |
---|---|---|
Belfast Bulls | Dublin Rebels | UL Vikings |
Belfast Trojans | Dublin Rhinos | Cork Admirals |
Carrickfergus Knights | DCU Saints | Tallaght Outlaws |
As of 2008, the Development League (DV8) consisted of the following teams:[ citation needed ]
DV8 League |
---|
Craigavon Cowboys |
Cork Admirals 2nd |
Dublin Dragons |
Trinity Thunderbolts |
Edenderry Soldiers |
Dublin Rebels 2nd |
It was decided to continue running the DV-8's league, where development teams could learn and improve on the basics of football in a competitive league setting. This would also help teams who are just starting out to get some playing time and reduce the pressure to find new players, which has plagued new IAFL teams in the past.
The IAFL format was changed to a single division rather than the previous North, South and Central divisions in which each team would play eight matches, seeded to make the league more competitive. the top four teams would go to the playoffs in which the number 1 seeded team would face the number 4 seeded team, and the number 2 seeded team would face the number 2 seeded team. both winners would then play in the shamrock bowl. the league looks like this:
IAFL |
---|
Dublin Rebels |
UL Vikings |
Carrickfergus Knights |
Belfast Trojans |
Cork Admirals |
West Dublin Rhinos |
DCU Saints |
The Development League (DV8) consists of the following teams.
DV8 League |
---|
Craigavon Cowboys |
UCD |
Dublin Dragons |
Trinity College Dublin |
Edenderry/Midland Soldiers |
Erris Rams |
This section's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information.(September 2024) |
The 2010 IAFL season returned to the divisional format. There were an unprecedented number of teams competing the league, with a total of 11 teams taking part in the senior IAFL and 3 teams plus a number of rookie teams provided by some of the larger senior teams in the DV-8's.[ citation needed ] The league format looked like this:[ citation needed ]
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
Northern Division
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Carrickfergus Knights | 6 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
2 | Craigavon Cowboys | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
3 | Belfast Trojans | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
Central Division
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dublin Rebels | 8 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
2 | West Dublin Rhinos | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
3 | DCU Saints | 2 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
4 | Trinity College | 2 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
Southern Division
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | UL Vikings | 6 | 1 | 1 | 13 |
2 | Cork Admirals | 5 | 2 | 1 | 11 |
3 | UCD | 2 | 6 | 0 | 2 |
4 | Dublin Dragons | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
DV8's
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tullamore Phoenixes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2 | Castlebar/Erris Rams | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
3 | Carlow Chargers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
4 | Dublin Rebels 2nd Team | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
5 | UL Vikings/Carrickfergus Knights 2nd Team | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The 2011 season concluded with Shamrock Bowl XXV, which was played at Morton Stadium in Santry. In the championship game, the Dublin Rebels defeated the UL Vikings to win their seventh Shamrock Bowl title. [3]
The 2012 IAFL season was contested by a record 11 teams.[ citation needed ] The Tullamore Phoenix stepped up from DV8s level to join the ten sides who contested the 2011 season.[ citation needed ] The regular was due to start in late February, which was earlier than in previous years.[ citation needed ] It was due to conclude on 10 June. The playoffs and Shamrock Bowl took place from mid June to mid July.[ citation needed ]
The big change in 2012 was that the structure was changed from 3 regional divisions to 2 regional divisions – IAFL North and IAFL South.[ citation needed ] These divisions had 5 and 6 teams respectively as opposed to either 3 or 4 under last years format.[ citation needed ] The top team in each division hosted a semi-final. [ citation needed ] Each 3rd placed team traveled to the 2nd placed team in their division in the wildcard round.[ citation needed ]
As with the 2011 season, each team played 8 regular season games. Most teams played all the teams in their division once and a selection of teams in the other division.[ citation needed ] This was a change from the previous year's format whereby teams played home and away against all divisional opponents.[ citation needed ]
The schedule and divisional standings are found below. [4]
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
North
Position | Team | Played | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Belfast Trojans | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
2 | West Dublin Rhinos | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
3 | Carrickfergus Knights | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
4 | Craigavon Cowboys | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
5 | Dublin Dragons | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
South
Position | Team | Played | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | UL Vikings | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
2 | Dublin Rebels | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
3 | Trinity College | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
4 | University College Dublin | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
5 | Cork Admirals | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
6 | Tullamore Phoenix | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
North
Position | Team | Played | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Belfast Trojans | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
2 | Dublin Rebels | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
3 | Carrickfergus Knights | 8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 7 |
4 | West Dublin Rhinos | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
5 | Craigavon Cowboys | 8 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 3 |
South
Position | Team | Played | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | UL Vikings | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 10 |
2 | Trinity College Dublin | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 10 |
3 | University College Dublin | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 5 |
4 | Cork Admirals | 8 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
North
Position | Team | Played | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Belfast Trojans | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
2 | Dublin Rebels | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
3 | Carrickfergus Knights | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
4 | Craigavon Cowboys | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
5 | Dublin Dragons | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 |
South
Position | Team | Played | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Trinity College Dublin | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
2 | UL Vikings | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
3 | West Dublin Rhinos | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
4 | North Kildare Reapers | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
5 | Waterford Wolves | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
North
Position | Team | Played | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Belfast Trojans | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
2 | Dublin Rebels | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
3 | Craigavon Cowboys | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
4 | Carrickfergus Knights | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
5 | South Dublin Panthers | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
South
Position | Team | Played | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Trinity College Dublin | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 16 |
2 | UL Vikings | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
3 | University College Dublin | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
4 | North Kildare Reapers | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
5 | West Dublin Rhinos | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 |
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
North [8] [9]
Position | Team | Played | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dublin Rebels | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
2 | Belfast Trojans | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
3 | Carrickfergus Knights | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
4 | South Dublin Panthers | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
5 | Craigavon Cowboys | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | -1 |
South [10]
Position | Team | Played | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University College Dublin | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 13 |
2 | UL Vikings | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 13 |
3 | Trinity College Dublin | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
4 | North Kildare Reapers | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
Shamrock Bowl Preview [11] Shamrock Bowl Results [12]
Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Shamrock Bowl | ||||||||||||
1 | Dublin Rebels | 20 | ||||||||||||
2 | UL Vikings | 7 | 2 | UL Vikings | 12 | |||||||||
3 | Trinity College Dublin | 6 | 1 | Dublin Rebels | 12 | |||||||||
2 | Belfast Trojans | 7 | ||||||||||||
1 | University College Dublin | 7 | ||||||||||||
2 | Belfast Trojans | 31 | 2 | Belfast Trojans | 10 | |||||||||
3 | Carrickfergus Knights | 16 |
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Belfast Knights | 5 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
2 | Belfast Trojans | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
3 | University College Dublin | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
4 | South Dublin Panthers | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dublin Rebels | 7 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
2 | UL Vikings | 7 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
3 | Cork Admirals | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
4 | Trinity College Dublin | 3 | 4 | 1 | 7 |
5 | North Kildare Reapers | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts | PF | PA | +/- |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University College Dublin | 8 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 266 | 128 | 138 |
2 | Belfast Trojans | 7 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 276 | 128 | 148 |
3 | Belfast Knights | 5 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 226 | 158 | 68 |
4 | Louth Mavericks | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 300 | –251 |
5 | Trinity College Dublin | 1 | 7 | 0 | –1 [a] | 67 | 201 | –134 |
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts | PF | PA | +/- |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dublin Rebels | 6 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 206 | 64 | 142 |
2 | Cork Admirals | 5 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 153 | 74 | 79 |
3 | South Dublin Panthers | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 67 | 150 | –83 |
4 | UL Vikings | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 75 | 183 | –108 |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Shamrock Bowl | ||||||||||||
1 | University College Dublin | 13 | ||||||||||||
2 | Cork Admirals | 31 | 2 | Cork Admirals | 14 | |||||||||
3 | South Dublin Panthers | 24 | 1 | Cork Admirals | 18 | |||||||||
2 | Dublin Rebels | 16 | ||||||||||||
1 | Dublin Rebels | 30 | ||||||||||||
2 | Belfast Trojans | 59 | 2 | Belfast Trojans | 26 | |||||||||
3 | Belfast Knights | 13 |
Semifinals | Shamrock Bowl | ||||||||
1 | Cork Admirals | 6 | |||||||
4 | South Dublin Panthers | 21 | |||||||
4 | South Dublin Panthers | 10 | |||||||
2 | Belfast Trojans | 24 | |||||||
2 | Belfast Trojans | 14 | |||||||
3 | University College Dublin | 0 |
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts | PF | PA | +/- |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dublin Rebels | 8 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 322 | 79 | 243 |
2 | University College Dublin | 6 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 289 | 116 | 173 |
3 | Cork Admirals | 5 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 185 | 124 | 61 |
4 | South Dublin Panthers | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 174 | 175 | –1 |
5 | Belfast Trojans | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 226 | 199 | 27 |
6 | Craigavon Cowboys | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 114 | 276 | –162 |
7 | Belfast Knights | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 143 | 254 | –111 |
8 | West Dublin Rhinos | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 40 | 270 | –230 |
Reference: [14]
Semifinals | Shamrock Bowl | ||||||||
1 | Dublin Rebels | 46 | |||||||
4 | South Dublin Panthers | 6 | |||||||
1 | Dublin Rebels | 24 | |||||||
2 | University College Dublin | 52 | |||||||
2 | University College Dublin | 44 | |||||||
3 | Cork Admirals | 6 |
Semifinals | Shamrock Bowl | ||||||||
1 | Dublin Rebels | ||||||||
1 | Dublin Rebels | 40 | |||||||
3 | University College Dublin | 34 | |||||||
2 | Cork Admirals | 14 | |||||||
3 | University College Dublin | 58 |
Position | Team | W | L | T | Pts | PF | PA | +/- |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dublin Rebels | 7 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 261 | 119 | 161 |
2 | University College Dublin | 7 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 316 | 119 | 197 |
3 | South Dublin Panthers | 6 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 217 | 208 | 9 |
4 | Belfast Trojans | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 155 | 138 | 17 |
5 | Belfast Knights | 3 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 142 | 180 | –38 |
6 | Cork Admirals | 2 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 187 | 168 | 19 |
7 | UL Vikings | 1 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 66 | 252 | –186 |
8 | Westmeath Minotaurs | 0 | 8 | 0 | 20 | 93 | 272 | –179 |
Reference:
Semifinals | Shamrock Bowl | ||||||||
1 | Dublin Rebels | 34 | |||||||
4 | South Dublin Panthers | 21 | |||||||
1 | Dublin Rebels | 14 | |||||||
2 | University College Dublin | 36 | |||||||
2 | University College Dublin | 44 | |||||||
3 | Belfast Trojans | 0 |
Year | Winner | Team | Position |
---|---|---|---|
2005 | Erin Wagner | Belfast Bulls | Running back/defensive end |
2006 | Simon Mackey | Dublin Rebels | Running back/defensive end |
2007 | Seamus Hogan | UL Vikings | Safety/running back/Kick returner |
2008 | Jim Davis | UL Vikings | Offensive tackle/defensive end |
2009 | Liam Ryan | UL Vikings | Quarterback/Safety |
2010 | Aaron Smith | Dublin Rebels | Running back |
2011 | Rob McDowell | Trinity College | Running back |
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The University of Limerick Vikings are the American football team from the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland. The team currently competes in the American Football Ireland Division One. The Vikings have won three IAFL Shamrock Bowl titles – in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and the Atlantic Cup in 2010. The Vikings also won their first AFI Division 1 Bowl in 2023, concluding a perfect 10-0 season.
The League of Ireland Premier Division, also known as the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division for sponsorship reasons, is the top level division in both the League of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland football league system. The division was formed in 1985 following a reorganisation of the League of Ireland. St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians are the only current League of Ireland clubs never to have been relegated from the Premier Division. The league has been won on two occasions by Northern Ireland-based club Derry City, the presence of which within the league makes it a cross-border competition. Since 2003, the Premier Division has taken place from spring to autumn.
The Dublin Rebels are the most successful team in the history of the Irish American Football League (IAFL). They have earned ten national championship wins, four league titles, three European crowns, and have registered an undefeated season three times, in 2006, 2010, and 2023. Though the team lost the Shamrock Bowl XXXIV in 2022, they won in a rematch in 2023.
Shamrock Bowl XXI was the 2007 championship game of the Irish American Football League (IAFL). This Shamrock Bowl hosted two teams from the IAFL South division: the University of Limerick Vikings and the Cork Admirals. It was played on July 29 at the UL Sports Ground, Limerick, following the regular 2007 IAFL season.
Shamrock Bowl XXII was played on August 10, 2008. The match featured the Irish American Football League South Division champions University of Limerick Vikings meet the IAFL Central Division champions Dublin Rebels in CIT Stadium, Cork, Ireland. The UL Vikings were able win their second consecutive Shamrock Bowl title by defeating the Dublin Rebels 14-12. The MVP of the game was Adrian Garvey who scored the Vikings only offensive touchdown of the game.
The IAFL College Bowl was a college football tournament that formed part of the Irish American Football League between 2007 and 2011. Four teams competed in the championship since its inauguration: the UL Vikings, the DCU Saints, Trinity College, and UCD. The final champions were Trinity College, having defeating UCD 7-0 in December 2011.
Shamrock Bowl I was the first championship game played between two Irish American Football teams in the IAFL, the game was played in St Marys RFC Templeville road in Dublins southside. The Dublin Celts and Craigavon Cowboys met in a very rough and difficult contest for both teams, exacerbated by a high level of penalty flags thrown in the game, causing frustration to both sides. The Celts ran a mixture of the wishbone formation, and the pro set during the game but the Cowboys defence managed to prevent the Celts scoring a touchdown. The Celts were ahead for most of the game when they scored a safety by Carlos De la Garza early in the game. However, in the final quarter of the game Cowboys quarterback Geoff Donaghy passed to wide receiver John Mulally to score the only touchdown of the game. The Cowboys won 6–2, the lowest scoring Shamrock Bowl in the history of the league.
The Cork Admirals American Football Club, commonly known as The Admirals, is an amateur American football club based in Cork City, County Cork in Ireland. They compete in the American Football Ireland (AFI) Premier Division, the top tier of American football in Ireland. In domestic American football, the club have won one Shamrock Bowl, a Division 1 Championship Bowl, a Premier Division Shield and four Youth National Championships.
Trinity College Dublin American Football is the American Football team of Trinity College Dublin.
There are many derbies in the League of Ireland, and despite the fact that historically more teams compete in the First Division, the majority are played in the Premier Division, the top flight of Irish football.
The Craigavon Cowboys are an American football team playing in Craigavon, who play in the Irish American Football League. Early success for the Cowboys seen them take home the Shamrock Bowl Crown in 1986, 1990 and 1992. The club folded in the mid 1990s but reformed again in 2005, winning the DV8 (Development) League in 2009. After winning the 2009 DV8 championship, the Cowboys were promoted to the top division in Ireland.
The 2011 IAFL season was the 25th regular season of the Irish American Football League.
Shamrock Bowl XXV was an American football game pitting the 6 time Shamrock Bowl champions, Dublin Rebels against university side, UL Vikings. The game was played on July 31, 2011, at the Morton Stadium in Santry, Dublin. The Rebels defeated the Vikings by a score of 14-13, earning their seventh Shamrock Bowl win. Rebels safety Marcus Naylor was named the Shamrock Bowl MVP. He was the second Rebels safety ever to win the award following, Brian Carter.
Drogheda Lightning was an Irish American Football team based in the town of Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland. They played in the second tier of Ireland's American football league system. The team played their home games at St. Oliver's Community College in Rathmullen, Drogheda. Founded in 2010, Drogheda Lightning competed in the IAFL DV8s Division in 2011 and 2012. Following the restructuring of the Irish American Football League structure ahead of the 2013 season, they competed in the newly created IAFL-1 Division from March 2013.
IAFL-2 is the third tier of American football in Ireland. The league was founded in 2014 with the Tyrone Titans winning the inaugural competition.
The South Dublin Panthers, formerly known as the Dublin Dragons, are an American Football team formed in 2014.