Month: June 2013

Belfast Trojans win Atlantic Cup at Tallaght Stadium.

The Belfast Trojans were crowned Western European Champions following a convincing 26-0 win over Trinity College Dublin in the Atlantic Cup Final played at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday 30th June. This followed a 7-0 victory by Brussels Tigers over Amersfoort Untouchables in the third place play-off, also at Tallaght Stadium.

 This is only the second time in the history of the sport that an Irish team has won a major European title – the UL Vikings won the Atlantic Cup in 2010. It was also the first time that two teams from the same league contested the final, underlining the increase in standard of the IAFL over the past 2-3 years.

 The Trojans opened the tournament on Saturday 29th with a solid 30-6 victory over Dutch team, Amersfoort Untouchables. Trinity College Dublin made it a double victory for the IAFL with an upset 12-10 victory over two times Belgian Champions, Brussels Tigers in the second semi-final.

 Trinity College had a bright start to the Final, played on Sunday 30th. They moved the ball effectively on their early possessions; however, as the first half progressed, the Trojans began to come into their own, scoring two touchdowns before the half time. As the second half progressed, the Trojans started to show their dominance, scoring two more touchdowns to seal the win.

 The event was hosted by South Dublin County Council as part of The Gathering Dublin and the trophy was presented to the winners by the newly elected Mayor of South Dublin – Cllr Dermot Looney. EFAF President, Mr. Rober Huber was also present for the final. There were over 1,600 tickets requested for games over the 2 days and the visitors generated over 300 bed nights across four hotels in the Dublin area.

RESULTS:

Sunday 30th June:

Final: Belfast Trojans 26-0 Trinity College Dublin.

3rd Place Play-off: Brussels Tigers 7-0 Amersfoort Untouchables.

Saturday 29th June:

Semi-Final: Belfast Trojans 30-6 Amersfoort Untouchables.

Semi-Final: Trinity College Dublin 12-10 Brussels Tigers.

Irish teams win Atlantic Cup Semi-Finals

Belfast Trojans and Trinity College Dublin will meet in tomorrows Atlantic Cup Final after both teams won their semi-finals against overseas opposition at Tallaght Stadium today. The final, also to be played at Tallaght Stadium, will be tomorrow (Sunday 30th June) at 3pm – see link on IAFA homepage for free tickets.

Belfast Trojans had a convincing 30-6 victory over Amersfoort Untouchables of the Netherlands. Amersfoort opened the scoring early in the first quarter, however, the Trojans dominated from that point forward, scoring 30 unanswered points.

The second semi-final saw Trinity College Dublin win a close game against Belgian Champions, Brussels Tigers. The Tigers have won the past two Belgian Championships without suffering a defeat. Trinity opened the scoring, but Brussels then took the lead with a touchdown and a field goal. Trinity scored on a long pass late in the 4th quarter to win 12-10.

The Atlantic Cup is the official amateur club championship for Western Europe. Tomorrow’s final will be the first time ever that two teams from the same country have contested the final.

Semi-Final Results:

Amersfoort Untouchables 6-30 Belfast Trojans

Trinity College Dublin 12-10 Brussels Tigers.

Sunday 30th June – Tallaght Stadium.

Final (3pm) – Trinity College Dublin v Belfast Trojans.

3rd place play-off (Noon) – Amersfoort Untouchables v Brussels Tigers.

Irish Referee to officiate in 2013 EuroBowl

For the second time in 3 years, an Irish Referee has been selected to officiate in Europes premier American football game, the EuroBowl.

Tony Rivers has been selected for this years game, which will be played in Innsbruck, Austria. The game will be televised on both national and international television across Europe.

Shamrock Bowl Semi-Finals moved to Garda RFC, Westmanstown, Co. Dublin.

Unfortunately Tallaght Stadium is unavailable to host the Shamrock Bowl Semi-Finals due the recently announced Shamrock Rovers v Birmingham City game. However, the game will still proceed as a double header at one venue in Dublin.

The games have been moved to the Garda Rugby Club in the Garda Sports Complex in Westmanstown, Co. Dublin, which is home to the Dublin Dragons.

Belfast Trojans will play University of Limerick Vikings in the first game at Noon. The all-Dublin clash between Trinity College and the Dublin Rebels is scheduled to start at 3pm. Admission is free of charge.

Volunteer recruitment for Atlantic Cup

As part of the preparations for the EFAF Atlantic Cup, due to take place at Tallaght Stadium over the weekend of 29/30 June, the event management are putting together a corp of volunteers.

Volunteer assistance is required in areas such as the ticket office, pitchside crew, ushers, VIP area staff, clean-up and venue preparation. The event management are also on the look out for a DJ and game day commentator for either day (any budding John Maddens out there?).

Anyone interested in helping out at this event should contact Maurice Cosgrave (maurice@americanfootball.ie) or Alan Orr (alan@americanfootball.ie).

Food voucher and travel expenses will be paid to anyone who volunteers.

IAFOA Newsflash 20 June

News, Rules questions & Game Information 

Reminder that we are into play-off in SBC and Overtime maybe required.

In Ireland, we now play NCAA overtime rules – here’s some key points

  • coin toss at beginning of overtime – options are offence/defence/end of field
  • series of two possessions from 25 yard line – highest score after series wins
  • one time out for each team in each period of overtime
    • unused timeouts do not carry over
  • possession ends with a score or offence not making 1st down
    • PAT is attempted after Touchdown
  • On 3rd and subsequent periods of overtime, teams scoring a touchdown must attempt a 2 pt PAT
  •          A 1pt PAT attempt by Team A will not score a point 

Newsflash 20 Jun  (updated at 21:20 Thursday 20th Jun)

(originally published Newsflash had parings for SBC Semi-Finals incorrectly listed – apologies from editor)

Atlantic Cup Tickets Available – Details of how to book online.

Tickets for the 2013 Atlantic Cup, taking place in Tallaght Stadium over the weekend of 29/30 June, are now available online.

As this event is a community event, run in conjunction with The Gathering Dublin, tickets are free of charge. However, as demand is expected to be strong and entry to the stadium is by ticket only, anyone attending on either of the 2 days will need to book ticket(s).

Tickets can be booked by clicking on the following link:

http://atlanticcup2013.eventbrite.ie/

Schedule of Games:

Semi-Finals – Saturday 29th June:

12:00   Amersfoort Untouchables (NL) v Belfast Trojans (IAFL). 

15:30   Trinity College Dublin (IAFL) v Brussels Tigers (Bel).

Sunday 30th June:

12:00  Third place play-off

15:00 Final