EA Sports has teamed up with the Irish American Football Association to put on a big screen interactive display of two of their most popular sports games at the upcoming Family Fitness Day on the 4th July. Members of the public will be able to try out both games.

The Farmleigh Family Fitness day will take place at Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park from noon to 5:30pm. Further details can be found at the following link:

http://www.americanfootball.ie/farmleigh-family-fitness-day-4th-july/

EA Sports Interactive Games for Farmleigh:

John Madden Football on PS3

EA Sports Active on Wii

THE BLARNEY BOWL 4th July 2010 Blarney Castle , Cork Ireland

Sunday 4th July, American Independence Day will see the momentous clash of The Cork Admirals versus The Dublin Dragons in the shadow of the monolithic Blarney Castle. Blarney Castle is a fantastic venue to host the visiting team for this full league game. Given its iconic status as a landmark attraction in Ireland and its position as one of the most famous Irish tourist attractions will come together for an action-packed meeting of the old rivals, Cork Admirals and Dublin Dragons!

The Blarney Bowl is more than just a football match. It will be a big day out for those who just want to savor the atmosphere of American football culture.

There will be a BBQ, cheerleaders, food stalls, bouncing Blarney castles, the classic foam fingers to help create a festival atmosphere. Redfm’s Dave Mac and Philip Bourke will be undertaking a DVP challenge. All patrons on the day will have full access to the Blarney Castle grounds and most importantly, can kiss the Blarney Stone!

Come down and have an awesome time!

Contact info Chris Gaughan 00353-866018517 admiralsironman@hotmail.com

Click on the link below to download a flyer for the event:

Blarney Bowl Flyer

Carrickfergus Knights vs Dublin Rebels Sunday June 20th, Sportslink, Santry

The Carrickfergus Knights traveled to Dublin in perfect conditions to face their historic rivals: Dublin Rebels. A rivalry older than some of the teams’ rookies, this matchup had been highlighted on the calendar of each team since the start of the season; and once things were underway in this battle for the IAFL league title, they didn’t disappoint. Kevin Finnegan returned the opening kick-off fifty yards and set the Rebels up with an early upper hand. Though they struggled to finish drives and committed some costly turnovers, the early advantage was ominous.

The Dubliners kept their noses in front throughout and comfortably secured the league title and No.1 seed through the playoffs with a 28-13 win over the visiting Knights. RB Aaron Smith carried the load early on, picking up a number of first downs behind his quintet of incessantly incensed hogs on the offensive line. Inside the redzone, it was this fire that ultimately undid their good work, as penalties kept the drive from bearing points. It wasn’t until early in the second quarter that the deadlock was broken. QB Andy Dennehy hit WR Barry Flinn near the sideline and the possession receiver unexpectedly discovered some YAC, staying in bounds and shaking a tackle to cross the goal line. On defense, the Rebels’ aggression pinned the Knights to their line of scrimmage, forcing them to feed off occasional big plays from WR Paul McKillop and RB Chris Carson. Early on, it wasn’t enough to recover the deficit, and it was the Rebels who would score next. After a pair of deep completions to TE Paul Grogan, and in spite of Grogan handing fifteen yards back for a shameful taunt, Dennehy again looked for Flinn in the corner of the endzone. CB Chris Davidson was judged to have interfered with the receiver, though he had reason to feel hard done by. On the ensuing play, Smith ploughed over the goal line to make it a two score game.

The Knights didn’t lie down though, and pulled a score back before the half following an acrobatic interception from LB Spencer McDowell who returned it to the Rebels 4 yard line. It didn’t take the Knights O long to capitalise on the somewhat startled Rebels D, who were tasked with defending their own goalline moments after leaving the field. With one of last years IAFL most valuable player nominees in the backfield the Knights had reason to be confident when they handed the ball to Carson, and he didn’t disappoint. The Knights O-Line created a perfect running lane and then some for the workhorse to shimmy through to the endzone. The point after was incomplete. The Rebels then had time to attempt to claw back a score before the half but were denied by the clock. Score at the half: 13-6 Rebels.

Receiving the ball to start the second half was perfect in the eyes of the Knights. Riding the wave of momentum generated by the late first-half TD, the Knights received the kickoff and set out to break the back of the IAFL Central champions. Seasoned quarterback Adam Devenney came out passing, throwing a series of probing balls that attacked a demoralized Rebels’ defense. While he had some success on the opening drive, Devenney sailed too close to the wind against a defense that prides itself on generating turnovers. Safety Brian Carter jumped a Devenney pass down the visitors’ sideline, gaining possession at the half-way line and skating through the chaos to take it to the house for six. On the PAT attempt, quick-witted and honey-voiced holder Paul Grogan turned a fumbled snap into two points when he gathered the ball and sprinted to the front pylon. 21-6 to the home side.

Another Knights interception, this time from Davidson, stopped the Rebels from going out of sight, and a QB sneak run from Devenney kept them within one score going into the final quarter. With Smith continuing to churn out yards on the ground and the Knights giving up short completions underneath, the final score was a long time coming, with Dennehy again finding Flinn on the outside to put the game out of reach. 28-13 to the Rebels. Launching their final attack, Devenney became the latest triggerman to lead a receiver into the precarious terrain of Keegan Island; the cornerback’s interception seemingly putting an end to any comeback hopes. The Rebels offence attempted to run the clock down, with workhorse Aaron Smith again plunging forward into the heart of the Knights defense.

The Carrickfergus defense rallied once again, forcing a punt to give the Knights one last chance to claim the No 1 seed and 2010 league title. It was however the formidable Rebels defence that had the last laugh, as they forced the Knights to punt after a three and out. As the ball hung in the still summer air, lazily drifting to the sideline, the game clock finally struck home and two battered and beaten sides were finally excused from battle. With this victory, the Rebels improve to 7-0 and have secured the No 1 seed for the playoffs and the league title for a fifth year in a row. Both teams will now look to the semi-finals and their potential matchups. The Rebels will first have to survive a resurgent Rhinos team, who will be fighting for their playoff lives when the sides meet on the 4th of July in what is sure to be another hard-fought battle in the closing weeks of the IAFL regular season.

Game Photos

Photos by Ariane Boudias
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Game Report

Game Report by the Carrickfergus Knights

In the first ever meeting of the clubs it wasn’t just the numbers on the scoreboard that had any significance in the importance of the game but a much greater factor may have been the quantity of players on opposing sidelines. The Knights traveled with a squad, without exaggeration, double that in size of the IAFL 11s new boy UCD Sentinels, who hosted the game at ALSAA Dublin.

Both teams got off to a sluggish start, UCD taking the kickoff out to their own 21 but losing a fumble on 2nd down at the 14 yard line only to regain possession two plays later after picking off a Carrick pass destined for the end zone.

UCD came out running but the Knights’ defense forced a punt that could only make it out to the home side’s own 27. Carrick’s offence exploited the great field position as HB Chris Carson burned off 24 yards on one carry then scored from the three on his next. A failed PAT made it 6-0 Knights mid-way through the 1st quarter.

A kick return to midfield gave UCD a good starting point but defense was taking over it seemed as punts were traded by both teams.

On their first series of the second period, the Sentinels drove inside the Carrick 30 yard line and decided to go for it on a 4th and 5 play that fell incomplete. However, they found themselves in the driving seat again on the next play as a sack popped the ball free in the Knights back field and UCD capitalised four plays later, leveling the scoreboard 6-6.

Paul McKillop then fielded the kickoff for Carrick and gained 21 yards allowing the Knights to start the drive close to midfield. #38 Chris Carson carried twice for 31 yards before QB Adam Devenney’s pass found #86 McKillop for a 20 yard TD strike. McKillop added another point with the PAT giving the visitors the edge 13-6 closing in on half time.

The man of the moment, McKillop booted a touchback leaving the Sentinels with it all to do from their 20 before the intermission. UCD rose to the occasion with a dogged determination driving 80 yards in nine plays but failed a 2 point conversion that would have gave them the lead entering the second half. Instead, the Knights clung onto a 13-12 lead.

The 3rd period began with Carrick special team’s, Ciaran Watson returning the ball 14 yards to his own 46 yard line. #14 Devenney then engineered a nine play, 54 yard drive, completing all four of his passes, three of which went to WR McKillop for a combined 40 yards. HB Chris Carson finished the series off with a TD run from the nine, stretching the Knights lead to 19-12.

UCD began their next drive moving the ball well with gains of 13 and 12 yards on consecutive plays but Knights bad boys, #53 Darren Montgomery and #39 ‘Hoggy’ Harris sacked the Sentinels’ QB and caused enough disruption that another fumble found its way to the ever aware hands of defensive captain Spencer McDowell.

HB Chris Carson only took one play this time to find the end zone, thundering 40 yards down field. With McKillop making the extra point the Knights’ lead grew to 26-12.

Turnover woes still plagued UCD as #58 Duncan McCaughan stripped the ball on the following kickoff for team mate #83 Killian Poland to scoop it up. Four plays later Knights’ #38 Chris Carson found himself in the end zone once more on the back of a 15 yard run giving Carrick a flattering 32-12 advantage. McKillop’s point after made the score line read 33-12.

A huge kickoff by #86 McKillop was fielded badly by UCD and downed at their own 2 yard line which only added fuel to the Knights’ defensive fire. A pumped up #59 Aaron McNaughton rushed the line and broke the play up in the Sentinels’ end zone, claiming a safety on the last play of a 22 point 3rd quarter for Carrick and extended the score to 35-12.

The entire 4th period was scoreless as both teams traded punts and defense closed out the remainder of the game.

With over 100 yards and 4 TDs on the day, HB Chris Carson gained Offensive MVP honours on a truly phenomenal performance, mirrored on Defense by the remarkable and relentless efforts of #53 Darren Montgomery.

Game Photos

Photos by Jeff Dowling

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Official Status of Navy v Notre Dame game.

In recent months, there has been a lot of media speculation indicating that Navy will play Notre Dame in a college football (NCAA) fixture to be played in Ireland in September 2012.

The Irish American Football Asociation (IAFA) is supportive of any efforts to bring major American football events to Ireland as they generate a lot of beneficial exposure for the sport.

The media speculation surrounding this game is probably more advanced than the reality. Whereas the Navy athletic department has met with a representative of the IAFA Board and indicated that they are checking the feasibility of hosting their 2012 fixture against Notre Dame in Dublin, they have not yet submitted an application to have the game sanctioned.  It is the IAFA’s understanding that the venue has not yet been chosen and no commercial agreements have been entered into.

The IAFA , as the Irish Sports Council and International Federation of American Football recognised National Governing Body,  will be the sanctioning authority for any proposed fixture.

The race for the Shamrock Bowl play-offs is very close with seven teams having a realistic chance of claiming a play-off spot. Each of these seven teams has only two fixtures remaining and it is likely that tie-breakers will have to be used to decide some of the play-off rankings.

Assuming that no team suffers any points deductions, the following teams are all in the play-off race:

IAFL North – Carrickfergus Knights, Craigavon Cowboys, Belfast Trojans.

IAFL Central – Dublin Rebels & West Dublin Rhinos.

IAFL South – Cork Admirals & UL Vikings.

Both the Rebels and Knights are in a commanding position and must be favourites to win their respective divisions. The Admirals and Vikings are both tied for the top position in the IAFL South – the outcome of next Sundays game between the two will have a big impact on who wins the division.

In IAFL North, the Cowboys and Trojans  still have to play each other twice. If the Cowboys win both games, they may claim a wildcard spot. If the Trojans win both games, they can qualify if the Rhinos lose to both the Rebels and Knights – in this scenario, as there is no head to head result, league officials may have to go well down the list of tiebreakers to separate the teams.

In addition to the race to make the play-offs, there is also the race for home field advantage in both the wildcard and semi-final games. All three potential division winners still have a very good chance of hosting a semi-final and it is likely that the seedings will not be known until all games have been completed on the final day of the regular season. The wildcard race is too close to predict who will host the game.

  May 23rd 2010:

The Belfast Trojans visit to Cork to face the Admirals in a crucial playoff race matchup was played in sweltering condtions. The intense heat would take its toll on both teams through the game, as the high intensity of play lasted through all 4 quarters.

The home side made the most of the good conditions in the first quarter. After a strong defensive series on the Trojans opening possession the Admirals offense took over. John Kenny converted on third down to 2nd year player Stephen Forde to put the Admirals in opposition territory and start off the Admirals offensive attack. Later on the drive Kenny again found Forde across the middle, who fought his way across the goal line for the first score of his career. Niall O’Brien added the extra point. The Admirals passing attack fared well on the ensuing series, David Lomasney catching a pass over the middle and Eric Tcasik also moving the chains. The drive stalled however and a missed field goal ended the scoring chance.

The second quarter saw both defenses on top, Barry Rafferty recording a sack and the Trojans secondary recording an interception. Late in the quarter a booming punt by the visitors left the Admirals to start at their own 10 with under two minutes to play. John Kenny directed the Admirals no huddle offense down the field, Jason Dowling gaining first downs and Brian McCarthy moving the chains through the air. With only seconds left to play the Admirals opened up the playbook, and David Lomasney threw a long spiral to Stephen Forde via a reverse pass for which Forde out-jumped the covering defender.

Score at halftime was 13-0 in favour of the home side.

The Admirals received the kickoff to start the second half but poor execution and penalties forced the Admirals to punt.The Trojans had the better of this quarter, their halftime adjustments working well. RB #39 had much yardage in this quarter, and the Trojans soon were in scoring range after a breakout run. The visitors drove across the goal line with a #39 run. The two-point attempt was good, leaving the score at 13-8.

On the next few series, several questionable penalties repeatedly plagued the Admirals and nullified good plays.

With the momentum in their favour the Trojans again had a long breakout run to the Admirals redzone, only for it to be called back with another flag for a facemask at at end of the run, effectively an 80-yard penatly. Once backed up on their own goal line the Trojans had to punt and the field-position battle switched to the Trojans half.

In the fourth quarter rookie lineman Matteusz Czop picked off a pass from the Trojans QB as he faced pressure, returning it for the first score of his career.

When the Admirals again received the ball following a good defensive stop Jason Dowling, Brian McCarthy and John Kenny each had good ground yardage to put the Admirals in Trojans territory. Stephen Forde again had a great catch and run effort but a penalty negated his score, although the spot foul meant the Admirals maintained the first down. A 4th down conversion by Dowling gave the Admirals 1st and goal, which Dowling converted on the next play to extend the lead. Good defense from Martin Mulrey, Harris Monagan and Peter Lucey prevented any Trojans comeback and the Admirals offense ran out the clock to end the game.

Both Sides play again next week with the Trojans at home to the Saints in a game they will have to win to qualify for the playoffs. The Admirals travel to South division opponents Dublin Dragons for their first meeting this season.

Final Score 25-8

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter: ADM Stephen Forde 20 yard reception from John Kenny; Niall O’Brien 1xpt

2nd Quarter: ADM Stephen Forde 45 yard reception from David Lomasney

3rd Quarter: TRO RB#39 5 yard run; 2xpt

4th Quarter: ADM Matteusz Czop 50 yard Interception return

4th Quarter: ADM Jason Dowling 2 yard run