American Football Ireland

Last updated

American Football Ireland
Sport American football
Founded1984 in Dublin, Ireland
First season1986
No. of teams20
Country
Most recent
champion(s)
University College Dublin (2024)
Most titles Dublin Rebels (10 titles)
Official website www.americanfootball.ie

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.

Contents

History

1980s and 1990s

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.

2000s

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 ]

Structure

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 ]

Teams

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 ]

Premier Division (SBC)

TeamCityStadium / Home FieldFoundedHead coach
   
   
Belfast Knights
Belfast, County Antrim Malone Rugby Club1993Adam Devenney
   
   
Belfast Trojans
Belfast, County Antrim Deramore Park 2006James McKelvey
   
   
Cork Admirals
Cork, County Cork Musgrave Park 2002Alan Lomasney
   
   
Dublin Rebels
Killiney, County Dublin De La Salle Palmerstown, Kilternan 1995Ross McCooey
   
   
South Dublin Panthers
Palmerstown, County Dublin Kings Hospital, Palmerstown2014Ben Arulogun
   
   
UCD
Belfield, County Dublin UCD Sports Ground2007Dave Murphy
   
   
UL Vikings
Limerick, County Limerick UL Sports Ground1999Glenn Carr
   
   
West Dublin Rhinos
Dublin, County Dublin Castleknock College 2008Chris Cullen

Division 1 (IAFL 1)

TeamCityStadium / Home FieldFoundedHead coach
   
   
Craigavon Cowboys
Craigavon, County Armagh Peoples Park1986Greg Loughran
   
   
Donegal Vipers
Donegal, County Donegal Vale Centre2014
   
   
Galway Warriors
Galway City, County Galway St Mary's College2012
   
   
Louth Mavericks
Dundalk, County Louth Dundalk Rugby Club2012Angelo Arena
   
   
TCD Trinity
Dublin, County Dublin TCD Sports Ground2008
   
   
Waterford Wolves
Waterford, County Waterford Waterpark Rugby Park2005
   
   
Westmeath Minotaurs
Mullingar, County Westmeath Mullingar Rugby Club2011
   
   
Wexford Eagles
Wexford, County Wexford Garden City Pitch2015

Defunct teams

Shamrock Bowl appearances by team

AppearancesTeam [1] WinsLossesSeason(s) [note 1]
16 Dublin Rebels 1062001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024
10 Carrickfergus Knights 371994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2017
8 UL Vikings 352002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
7Dublin Celts431986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993
6 Belfast Trojans 512012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019
4Dublin Tornadoes311993, 1994, 1995, 1996
4 Craigavon Cowboys 311986, 1987, 1990, 1992
3 UCD American Football 212022, 2023, 2024
3Antrim Bulldogs031989, 1991, 1992
2 Cork Admirals 112007, 2018
2Dublin Tigers111998, 1999
2 Trinity College 022014, 2015
1Dublin Lightning101996
1Belfast Blitzers011988
1Dublin Bulls011997
1Belfast Bulls012005
1 South Dublin Panthers 012019

Results

2006 season

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = TiesLeague Table

PositionTeamPlayedWLTPts
1 Dublin Rebels 880016
2 Carrickfergus Knights 862012
3 UL Vikings 852111
4 Cork Admirals 84319
5 Dublin Dragons 82426
6Belfast Bulls83506
7 Dublin City University Saints 81702
8North Dublin Marshals81702

[2]

2007 season

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 DivisionCentral DivisionSouthern 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

PositionTeamWLTPts
1Belfast Bulls4319
2 Belfast Trojans 3328
3 Carrickfergus Knights 3417

Central Division

PositionTeamWLTPts
1 Dublin Rebels 71014
2 Dublin Dragons 2604
3 DCU Saints 2604

Southern Division

PositionTeamWLTPts
1 UL Vikings 71014
2 Cork Admirals 62012
3Tallaght Outlaws0800

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.

2008 season

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 DivisionCentral DivisionSouthern 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

2009 season

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

2010 season

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

PositionTeamWLTPts
1 Carrickfergus Knights 62012
2 Craigavon Cowboys 4408
3 Belfast Trojans 3506

Central Division

PositionTeamWLTPts
1 Dublin Rebels 80016
2 West Dublin Rhinos 3328
3 DCU Saints 2514
4 Trinity College 2514

Southern Division

PositionTeamWLTPts
1 UL Vikings 61113
2 Cork Admirals 52111
3UCD2602
4 Dublin Dragons 0800

DV8's

PositionTeamWLTPts
1Tullamore Phoenixes0000
2Castlebar/Erris Rams0000
3Carlow Chargers0000
4Dublin Rebels 2nd Team0000
5UL Vikings/Carrickfergus Knights 2nd Team0000

2011 season

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]

2012 season

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

PositionTeamPlayedWLTPts
1 Belfast Trojans 880016
2 West Dublin Rhinos 84408
3 Carrickfergus Knights 82604
4 Craigavon Cowboys 82604
5 Dublin Dragons 80800

South

PositionTeamPlayedWLTPts
1 UL Vikings 880016
2 Dublin Rebels 862012
3 Trinity College 862012
4 University College Dublin 84408
5 Cork Admirals 83506
6Tullamore Phoenix81701

2013 season

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

North

PositionTeamPlayedWLTPts
1 Belfast Trojans 880016
2 Dublin Rebels 853010
3 Carrickfergus Knights 83417
4 West Dublin Rhinos 82604
5 Craigavon Cowboys 81613

South

PositionTeamPlayedWLTPts
1 UL Vikings 752010
2 Trinity College Dublin 752010
3 University College Dublin 73405
4 Cork Admirals 80500

[5]

2014 season

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

North

PositionTeamPlayedWLTPts
1 Belfast Trojans 871014
2 Dublin Rebels 871014
3 Carrickfergus Knights 83506
4 Craigavon Cowboys 82604
5 Dublin Dragons 81702

South

PositionTeamPlayedWLTPts
1 Trinity College Dublin 880016
2 UL Vikings 862012
3 West Dublin Rhinos 83506
4 North Kildare Reapers 83506
5Waterford Wolves80800

[6]

2015 season

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

North

PositionTeamPlayedWLTPts
1 Belfast Trojans 880016
2 Dublin Rebels 853010
3 Craigavon Cowboys 83506
4 Carrickfergus Knights 82604
5 South Dublin Panthers 82604

South

PositionTeamPlayedWLTPts
1 Trinity College Dublin 871016
2 UL Vikings 862012
3 University College Dublin 83506
4 North Kildare Reapers 83506
5 West Dublin Rhinos 81702

[7]

2016 season

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
North [8] [9]

PositionTeamPlayedWLTPts
1 Dublin Rebels 871014
2 Belfast Trojans 862012
3 Carrickfergus Knights 862012
4 South Dublin Panthers 80800
5 Craigavon Cowboys 8170-1

South [10]

PositionTeamPlayedWLTPts
1 University College Dublin 861113
2 UL Vikings 861113
3 Trinity College Dublin 82604
4 North Kildare Reapers 82604

2016 Playoffs

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

2017 season

SBC – North
PositionTeamWLTPts
1 Belfast Knights 53010
2 Belfast Trojans 4408
3 University College Dublin 3506
4 South Dublin Panthers 2604
SBC – South
PositionTeamWLTPts
1 Dublin Rebels 71014
2 UL Vikings 71014
3 Cork Admirals 4319
4 Trinity College Dublin 3417
5 North Kildare Reapers 0800

2018 season

SBC – North
PositionTeamWLTPtsPFPA+/-
1 University College Dublin 81016266128138
2 Belfast Trojans 72014276128148
3 Belfast Knights 5401022615868
4Louth Mavericks080049300–251
5 Trinity College Dublin 170–1 [a] 67201–134
SBC – South
PositionTeamWLTPtsPFPA+/-
1 Dublin Rebels 6201220664142
2 Cork Admirals 530101537479
3 South Dublin Panthers 350667150–83
4 UL Vikings 260475183–108
  1. Trinity were docked to -1 points to ensure relegation as punishment for forfeiting multiple games in the 2018 season. [13]

2018 Playoffs

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

2019 season

2019 playoffs

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

2022 season

Season standings

PositionTeamWLTPtsPFPA+/-
1 Dublin Rebels 8001632279243
2 University College Dublin 61113289116173
3 Cork Admirals 5211118512461
4 South Dublin Panthers 4408174175–1
5 Belfast Trojans 440822619927
6 Craigavon Cowboys 2604114276–162
7 Belfast Knights 1702143254–111
8 West Dublin Rhinos 170240270–230

Reference: [14]

2022 Playoffs

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

2023 Season

2023 Playoffs

Semifinals Shamrock Bowl
      
1 Dublin Rebels
 
1 Dublin Rebels 40
3 University College Dublin 34
2 Cork Admirals 14
3 University College Dublin 58

2024 season

Season standings

PositionTeamWLTPtsPFPA+/-
1 Dublin Rebels 71014261119161
2 University College Dublin 71014316119197
3 South Dublin Panthers 620122172089
4 Belfast Trojans 431915513817
5 Belfast Knights 3417142180–38
6 Cork Admirals 251518716819
7 UL Vikings 161366252–186
8 Westmeath Minotaurs 0802093272–179

Reference:

2024 Playoffs

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

League MVP award winners

YearWinnerTeamPosition
2005Erin WagnerBelfast Bulls Running back/defensive end
2006Simon Mackey Dublin Rebels Running back/defensive end
2007Seamus Hogan UL Vikings Safety/running back/Kick returner
2008Jim Davis UL Vikings Offensive tackle/defensive end
2009Liam Ryan UL Vikings Quarterback/Safety
2010Aaron Smith Dublin Rebels Running back
2011Rob McDowell Trinity College Running back

Notes

  1. Bold years indicate winning seasons.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tallaght Stadium</span> Association football stadium in Tallaght, Ireland

Tallaght Stadium is an association football stadium in the Republic of Ireland based in Tallaght, South Dublin. The club Shamrock Rovers originally announced details of the stadium in July, 1996. The stadium is now owned and operated by South Dublin County Council with Shamrock Rovers as the anchor tenants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Belfast Trojans</span>

The Belfast Trojans are an American Football team formed in January 2006, and have competed in the IAFL since 2007 playing NCAA rules in full contact. The Belfast Trojans are among the most successful American Football teams in Ireland, having won the Shamrock Bowl five times.

The Shamrock Bowl is the championship game of the American Football Ireland (AFI), the highest level of American football on the island of Ireland, culminating a season that begins in March of the current calendar season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DCU Saints (American football)</span> College football team

The Dublin City University Saints was a former American football team of Dublin City University, Ireland. Established in 2005, the DCU Saints initially competed in the Irish American Football League (IAFL) for five seasons, reaching the playoffs in 2008 and 2009. The team collapsed following the conclusion of the league's 2010 season, before attempting to unsuccessfully reform for the 2013 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Limerick Vikings</span>

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">League of Ireland Premier Division</span> Association football league in Ireland

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dublin Rebels</span> American football team in Ireland

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derbies in the League of Ireland</span> Certain matches in League of Ireland soccer

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Craigavon Cowboys</span>

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.

References

  1. Bold indicate currently active team
  2. "Irish American Football League :: I A F L ::". Americanfoo0tball.ie. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  3. "Dublin Rebels win Shamrock Bowl XXV". americanfootball.ie. 1 August 2011. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  4. "2012 IAFL Schedule Published - New Format Announced". Irish American Football Association. 9 January 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  5. "2013 Shamrock Bowl Conference Schedule Published". Irish American Football Association. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  6. "2016 IAFA STANDINGS". Dublinrebels.com. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  7. "IAFL Standings/Schedule". Irish American Football Association. Archived from the original on 8 April 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  8. "Shamrock Bowl Conference". Irish American Football Association. Archived from the original on 14 July 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  9. "2016 SBC North". Nfl-ireland.com. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  10. "2016 SBC North". Nfl-ireland.com. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  11. "Shamrock Bowl XXX Preview - Belfast Trojans face the Dublin Rebels in Ireland's Championship game". American Football International. 6 August 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  12. "Dublin Rebels capture 8th Irish Championship with last second win over Belfast Trojans". Americanfoo0tballinternational.com. 9 August 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  13. "Out of left field: Trinity American Football". Trinity News. 19 October 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  14. "Premier Division". American Football. Retrieved 6 October 2022.