The South Dublin Panthers, formerly known as the Dublin Dragons, are an American Football team formed in 2001. They compete in American Football Ireland. The team is based in Tymon Park in Dublin. In addition to the senior full-kitted men's team, the Panthers also field sides in youth leagues, co-ed flag football, and a women's team that competes in AFI's Claddagh league. They play their home matches at Westmanstown.[1]
The South Dublin Panthers came into being as the Dublin Dragons in 2001, and were rebranded as the South Dublin Panthers in 2014.[2] In 2018, the Panthers qualified for the Shamrock Bowl playoffs for the first time, losing narrowly in overtime to eventual champions Cork Admirals.[3] The following year proved more successful, as they defeated the Admirals in the semifinal to qualify for their first Shamrock Bowl final, where they were defeated by the Belfast Trojans 24-10.[4]
The Panthers women's flag team began play in the inaugural season of the AFI Claddagh League in 2024, and claimed back-to-back national titles in Claddagh Bowls I (2024) and II (2025).[5][6]
2015
The Panthers began their inaugural season in the SBC North, finishing the season in 4th place in the division ahead of the Belfast Knights.[citation needed]
The Panthers struggled to build on some of the promise shown in their opening season. With a reduced squad, they failed to register a win in 2016; they again finished 4th in the SBC North Division by virtue of the Craigavon Cowboys being deducted points and relegated. The close of the 2016 season saw the departure of John Romanoski as head coach, along with most of the coaching staff. The offensive coordinator, Stephen McDonnell, was promoted to the position of head coach.[citation needed]
The Panthers moved into the Shamrock Bowl Conference South Division for the 2018 season and reached the playoffs for the first time. The season ended after a double overtime loss to the Cork Admirals in the playoffs. One of the most tense and dramatic games of the year saw the Panthers recover a 17-point deficit in the second half, levelling the game with a field goal as the clock hit zero.[citation needed]
The Panthers competed in the new restructured Shamrock Bowl Conference vying to improve on their 2018 performance and playoff position. 2019 was a record setting year, with the Panthers eclipsing their best ever offensive points scored (160), points allowed (138), rushing touchdowns (10) and passing touchdowns (11). It was also the first ever time the Panthers had qualified for the SBC Semi-Final as part of the 4 best teams in the country.[citation needed]
The Panthers first ever youth team made it to the playoffs in their inaugural season.
The Panthers beat the previously unbeaten Cork Admirals in the SBC Semi Finals. It was a comprehensive victory with two scores on the ground courtesy of running back Ben Arulogun and one through the air as QB Ian Cahill found Eoin Neville in the back corner of the end zone. The Admirals were heavily favoured, and the Panthers upset win advanced them to their first appearance in the Shamrock Bowl.
Shamrock Bowl
Date
Away
Score
Home
Result
4-8-2019
South Dublin Panthers
10-24
Belfast Trojans
L
Academy Team
2019 was the first season of the South Dublin Panthers Academy Program.
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