Month: August 2013

Greendell Falcons win the Gathering Bowl

Bristol (white) and Greendell (green) at Tallaght Stadium.

Final Score: Greendell Falcons 39-22 Bristol Academy Pride

The Greendell Falcons from Canada won the Gathering Bowl by a score of 39-22 on front of an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 2,500 at Tallaght Stadium.

Both teams rose to the occasion putting on a wonderful display of skillful football in what was a very entertaining high scoring game. Greendell receiver Bryce LeBlanc was named the games MVP.

Just before kick-off, the American football community played tribute to IAFA Board Member Terry Lynch, who sadly passed away the previous evening.

Full report and pictures to follow soon.

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Large crowd enjoys the evening kick-off

Terry Lynch RIP

It is with great sadness that we hear that our friend and colleague Terry Lynch passed away last night. He will be sorely missed by everyone in IAFA and our deepest condolences go out to his family. As a mark of respect to Terry’s football legacy, he will be honoured before the game tonight.

IAFA U20s have historic win against Greendell Falcons

Greendell Falcons (green) in action against IAFA U20s (white)

The IAFA Under 20 Selection had a historic 22-20 win against the Greendell Falcons of Canada in a challenge game played at Westmanstown last night. This marks the first time in the history of the sport that an Irish team has defeated a highly rated team from North America. The IAFA U20 Selection was comprised of young players from IAFL teams, many from the emerging squads who competed in IAFL-1 over the past number of months. The Greendell Falcons  team comprised of a mixture of players from their high school (16-18) and college (18-22) aged squads.

This game was marked by an excellent performance by the U20s defence which created four crucial turnovers including 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. The Falcons started well on offense, driving downfield into scoring range on their first possession. However, Dublin Rebels cornerback Senan O’Mahony intercepted a Falcons pass and returned it 80 yards for the games opening touchdown. A 2 point conversion gave the Irish an early 8-0 lead. Greendell responded straight away, moving the ball effectively on the ground and then scoring on a running play to make the score 8-6. Later on in the quarter, the Irish recovered a fumble deep inside the Greendell half, but failed to punch in the ball for a score. The U20s next big defensive play came early in the second quarter when they recovered another Falcons fumble, this time close to midfield. U20s quarterback , Dan Finnamore of Drogheda picked up a first down on the ground and shortly afterwards, North Kildare running back Sean Leamy scored a 25yd touchdown run to give the Irish a 14-6 lead.

Sean Leamy #85 en route to a rushing touchdown for the Irish

The play that sealed the win for the Irish came later in the second quarter, when linebacker Luke Ivers of the West Dublin Rhinos got the U20s second key interception and returned it for a touchdown. Another two point conversion gave the Irish a surprising 22-6 lead close to halftime.

The start of the second half was delayed due to a Greendell player having to be transported to hospital after picking up a serious knee injury on the last play of the second quarter. When it resumed, the U20s faced an aerial onslaught from the Falcons who now had to chase the game. Indeed, Greendell attempted 37 passed in total during the half. On offense, the U20s tried to control the clock by keeping the ball on the ground. The aerial power of the Falcons soon showed with them scoring two passing touchdowns to bring the game back to 22-20 in favour of the Irish. However, the Irish offense did enough to take some time off the clock and the defense put up sufficient resistance to keep the score down and give the Irish an unexpected 22-20 victory.

Greendell QB #10 attempts to pass.
Greendell QB attempts a pass.

After the game, the U20s coach squad, led by John Judge, praised the work that the players and coaching squad did during the short time that they have been together.

The Greendell Falcons have a couple of days rest before facing the Bristol Academy Pride in the Gathering Bowl at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 7pm. The Pride is the UKs best U19 club and play in the European US High School league, where they ranked in the top 4 in 2012. This game is expected to attract a large crowd – tickets are free of charge and can be obtained via the link on this website.

IAFA U20s on offense (white jerseys).

U20s prepare for Greendell

The IAFA U20 Selection continued its preparations for the upcoming The Gathering Challenge game against Canadian team, Greendell Falcons at Westmanstown yesterday. The Coaching team, led by Coaching Ireland Tutors John Judge and Terry Lynch and ex-UL Head Coach, Ciaran O’Sullivan put c.40 players through their paces. The coaching staff also includes several coaches from both the SBC and IAFL-1.

1st team Defense with defensive coaches.

The squad is comprised of young players from IAFL clubs in the 18-20 age group. This game will be the first time that the majority of these players have faced North American opposition.

Head Coach John Judge said, that while it’s always challenging to bring together players selected from 16 clubs, he is very happy with the preparations to date and the players and coaching staff have put in a lot of work. He expects these players to acquit themselves well next Wednesday.

Players receive instruction.

The enthusiasm of the players is very evident at the training sessions. It’s clear to see that they are enjoying the challenge, representing their league and the opportunity to play alongside players from other IAFL clubs.

The Gathering Challenge between the IAFA U20 selection and the Greendell Falcons will take place at Garda RFC, Westmanstown, Dublin next Wednesday (28th August), kick-off 6pm. Admission is free of charge. This will be the first of the Falcons two games in Ireland, they face Bristol Academy at Tallaght Stadium on August 31st.

Defensive Coordinator Terry Lynch (left) confers with Head Coach John Judge (right)

The Gathering Bowl generating a lot of local interest.

The game between the Greendell Falcons and Bristol Academy is attracting a lot of interest in the South Dublin area. Following the public launch of the game by GAA legend Jason Sherlock, there has been plenty of coverage in the local media. The two biggest local newspaper groups are running articles on the game in this weeks editions.

The Echo, which has a large circulation in South Dublin covered the game in its Thursday 22nd August edition.

The newsgroup, which has the largest circulation of any free newspaper in South West Dublin is also covering the game in its Tallaght, Clondalkin and Lucan News publications.

The Luas will be carrying some advertisements and the game has been discussed on Dublin City FM radio. There has also been some International interest with the European Federation website publishing a feature on the game.

Players from the IAFL will also be publicising the game locally, including in The Square Shopping Centre, over the coming weekend.

The Greendell Falcons will be arriving in Dublin over the coming weekend and will be practicing in Garda RFC Westmanstown between 9am and noon on both the 27th and 30th of August. Bristol arrives in Dublin on Friday. The IAFA U20 selection will be training over the coming weekend, also at Garda RFC.

The Gathering Bowl:

The Gathering Bowl, which is the main event of the week, will take place on Saturday 31st August at Tallaght Stadium, kick-off 7pm. It will feature the Greendell Falcons and the Bristol Academy Pride. The Falcons play in the Winnepeg Major Football League and the Pride in the European US High School league. Both teams will feature top class high school and college aged players. Tickets are free and can be booked via the advert on this site.

The Gathering Challenge:

The Gathering Challenge will take place at Garda RFC, Westmanstown on Wednesday 28th August, kick-off 6pm. The game will feature 40 of the best young players (under 20s) in the Irish American Football League coming together to play as an IAFA U20 selection, versus the Greendell Falcons.

North Kildare Reapers win IAFL-1

The North Kildare Reapers became IAFL-1’s first Champions with a 32-14 victory over Drogheda Lightning in the final league game on Sunday 18th August. The win moved them to 6-2 overall, which was enough to seal the title.

The IAFL-1 division has been one of the big successes of 2013. It has delivered the closest title race in the history of the sport in Ireland with three teams – North Kildare, Dublin Dragons and Waterford – all finishing with identical 6-2 records. 50% of all games played in the division were settled by less than one score. The Reapers claimed the title by virtue of their head to head victories over the other two clubs.

Everyone in the IAFA would like to congratulate the Reapers on their victory.

 

Team Ireland Squad for European Flag Football Championships Announced.

The Team Ireland squad to compete in the 2013 European Flag Football Championships was announced today. The 12 man squad was chosen from in excess of 30 players who attended the recent trials/training sessions and includes players from 5 clubs.

Conor Brennan – Mullingar Minotaurs.

Dermot Corroon – Mullingar Minotaurs.

Sean Douglas – Terenure Titans.

Ted Elston – South Kildare Soldiers.

Wil Elston – South Kildare Soldiers.

Joe Gray – Terenure Titans.

Connor McCarthy – South Kildare Soliders.

Darragh Moran – Edenderry Eagles.

Gary Nolan – Mullingar Minotaurs.

Brian O’Donnell – Edenderry Eagles.

Gary Sommerville – Dublin Rebels.

Eoin Whelan – South Kildare Soldiers. 

Head Coach – Ken Farrell.

 The EFAF 2013 European Championships are due to take place in Pesaro, Italy from 22-24th September. The tournament line-up is as follows:

Austria
Denmark
France
Germany
Great Britain
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Netherlands
Switzerland

The Gathering Bowl launched by Jason Sherlock and Deputy Mayor Duff

The Gathering Bowl 2013 was launched by South Dublin Deputy Mayor Cllr Mick Duff with Jason Sherlock on Thursday the 15th of August at Tallaght Stadium.

The Irish American Football Association (IAFA), The Gathering Dublin, Tallaght Stadium and South Dublin County Council are delighted to introduce the teams playing in The Gathering Bowl, which will take place at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday 31st August 2013 at 7pm.

The game will feature two top class teams who are among the best in their category of the sport. Canadian team, the Greendell Falcons will play the Bristol Academy Pride from the European US High School league. Both teams will be bringing full squads of players to this transatlantic battle played on neutral territory in Dublin. For Irish fans, this will be the only opportunity to watch this level of American football in Ireland in 2013.

Deputy Mayor of South Dublin Cllr Mick Duff remarked on the international teams in attendance; ‘’I am delighted to invite international teams and visitors to the area to compete in the Gathering  Bowl at Tallaght Stadium. South Dublin is Ireland’s premier business, sport and leisure destination. Don’t forget to ‘#MeetToCompete’ if you are attending the event!’’

Alan Orr, Irish American Football Association Communications Officer expressed the excitement within the IAFA for this upcoming game ‘We are so delighted to host two international teams from two different backgrounds as part of the Gathering Bowl. We look forward to seeing local people attend the game and embrace the sport of American Football’.

Admission is free, tickets are required please logon to www.americanfootball.ie.

The Gathering Dublin is a South Dublin County Tourism project in partnership with the Gathering Ireland. This project is supported by South Dublin County Council, Failte Ireland, the Irish Sports Council, Fingal LEADER Partnership, Cuisine De France and The Square Towncentre.

For more information www.thegatheringdublin.com. 

Background Information:

Greendell Falcons:

The Falcons are a community based team from Manitoba, Canada. They recruit players from the Winnepeg area and field a number of teams at various age groups from 7 year olds right up to high school (15-17) and college (18-22) aged players. Their top level team plays in the Manitoba Major Football League. The Falcons squad for The Gathering Bowl – their “Euroteam” will feature players from both their high school and college aged squads. A number of players from the Falcons have progressed onto Canada’s top level professional league, the CFL.

Bristol Academy Pride:

Though based in the UK, the Pride play in the US High School system. They play in the DODDS Europe League which is the European section of the American High School League for the US Military bases. This league features teams based in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium. These games are played in stadia and regularly attract up to c.2,000 spectators. In 2012, the Pride were ranked in the top 4 in Division 1 of the DODDS league. A number of Bristol players have won scholarships to NCAA college football teams in the United States in recent years.

 

 

IAFA Meetings – Youth Kitted Football to start. Application dates for 2014 season set.

On Saturday 10th August, the IAFA held a General Meeting, which focused mainly on Youth Kitted Football. There was also an IAFA Board meeting later that day. The main issues discussed at each meeting are as follows:

 General Meeting:

 Youth Kitted Football: 

There was a long discussion regarding the introduction of Youth Kitted football which covered topics such as policies, legal requirements, player pathway, rules/format etc.

A new Youth Kitted Football Subcommittee was put in place as follows:

 Matt Craig (Carrickfergus)

Garland Drake (Meath)

Ken Farrell (South Kildare/Schools Flag).

Tony Rivers (officiating input). 

This Subcommittee will report to Board Member Terry Lynch (Coaching Tutor), who will also supply some coaching input.

The first IAFA Youth Kitted Football Tournament has been scheduled for Sunday 6th October. Teams will be required to register at least 2 weeks in advance. The tournament will use DV8s rules and will be in blitz format. 

The subcommittee will produce a document pack for prospective teams before the end of this month.

Workshop – League Football:

A strategic workshop which will discuss the format of the league has been scheduled to take place on Saturday 21st September [date of 14 or 15 September was discussed at the meeting, but at the Board Meeting, it was found to clash with other 2 other important events]. SBC/IAFL-1 concepts recently introduced will remain in place, however, the workshop will discuss issues such as minimum requirements, schedule formats and the direction that league football should take over the next 3-4 years.

 Other topics discussed included 2012 accounts, officiating payments, coaching courses and league balls.

IAFA Board Quarterly Meeting:

 The Board meeting covered a variety of topics including the following: 

1. Vacant Board Position:

Matt Craig was co-opted onto the Board to replace Russell Kerley, who recently resigned. 

Alan Orr will take over Development Officer duties. All Flag Football will report directly to the Development Officer except for some administrative matters which will be handled by the Commissioner.

2. The Gathering Bowl:

Greendell Falcons and Bristol Academy have been confirmed. The game will take place under lights at 7pm on Saturday 31st August at Tallaght Stadium. In addition, an Ireland U20 team will play Greendell on 28th August.

 3. 2014 League Season:

Some important dates were set as follows: 

21st September – Strategic Workshop on League Football.

1st October – deadline for applications from new teams for the 2014 season.

15th October – deadline for application for the 2014 season for all other teams.

 All teams will be required to attend a face to face audit. Audit meetings will be scheduled 3-4 weeks after each of the above application dates. A new application/audit form will be circulated to all teams in early September. 

Formative Membership Applications:

Tyrone Titans – formative membership granted.

Cork Greens – formative membership refused.

4. 2014 -2017 Strategic Plan:

We are in the final year of the current Strategic Plan. Over the coming weeks, the IAFA Board will start consulting with various stakeholders. Feedback on league football will be taken at the Workshop on League Football.

5. Coaching Pathway:

The Coaching Directorate sought formal permission from the Board to commence work on a new coaching player pathway in advance of introducing any level 2 courses. This has been requested by Coaching Ireland. If completed, the IAFA will be one of only 4 NGBs in Ireland with the new pathway in place (IRFU/FAI/GAA are the others). This will be a significant body of work and the IAFA will be the first small/medium NGB to undertake the exercise. Board approval was given.

 There was also a discussion on how the adult learning/pathway knowledge on the coaching side could be also be applied to officiating.

6. Croke Park Classic:

Report on recent meetings with GAA was given. Michael Smith to continue to liaise with GAA.

Dragons go top of IAFL-1 Standings.

Match Report by Jimmy English of the Dublin Dragons

Westmanstown Sports Ground was the Venue as the Lightning entered the Dragon’s Lair for what would be the Home team’s final game of the season. The teams ran out to blustery conditions, with the sunny sky threatening to break at any minute. Drogheda won the toss and elected to receive the ball. A 20-yard return by Oisin Dowling saw the Lightning Offense open the game. A combination of QB running and RB Mick O’Shea moved the ball well to the outside, but found nothing but a solid wall of defenders through the middle. They advanced the ball well, but a great turnover from their opponents saw the Dragons Offense take to the pitch.

Dragons defence tackles Drogheda runner

The Dragons had plenty of previous success with their offense, and this game was no different. RB Dave Edwards made huge yardage on the ground, with a lot of help from his O Line. Edwards got the ball the entire way to the 2-yard line, where after two unsuccessful pass attempts, QB Conor Murphy slammed it through the Defense into the End Zone. Mick Duncan’s PAT made it 7-0 to the Dragons.

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The Lightning started to feel the heat from the defense early in the 2nd. Veteran Linebacker John Durrad and D Tackle Gus Zigmantavicius got closer and closer to sacking Drogheda QB Dan Finnamore. Finnamore was lacking options at WR and was hunted every time he rolled out to pass. Hit after hit was put on the young QB, and at one stage it looked like he didn’t want to get back up off the ground. Defensive tackle Anto Burke was one of the many Dragons players who got to Finnamore through the middle. The pressure paid off big time when Dragons LB Aidan Waters intercepted a pick and ran it back for 6,helped on his way by a fantastic block from Defensive End SJ McKell. The Dragons Defense were flawless in their inside penetration. In fact the only yards that Drogheda picked up were to the outside of the line. The second Quarter was completed when QB Conor Murphy completed a superb pass to WR Mick Duncan, who hauled it in the end zone for the score. At the half the Dragons led 21-0.

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The third Quarter saw a slightly shaky start from the O Line, who became porous and allowed inside blitzes from Drogheda’s defenders. This culminated in a blocked field goal, which denied the Dragons another 3 points. A swift talking to from Coach John Collins fixed this problem and they were soon back to their excellent form. Mid way through the third they sprang RB Dave Edwards free, allowing him to blaze forty yards down the field for his 7th TD of the season. The defense continued to show why they are a force to be reckoned with, providing two fumble recoveries from Gus Zigmantavicius and a pick each for Aidan Waters and DE Boris Sellak, the former robbing Aidan of his fourth pick in a very acrobatic fashion.

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Drogheda’s backfield made them plenty of yards to the outside in the fourth quarter, eventually getting them to the goal line. Dan Finnamore eventually punched it through after two strong Defensive stops. The score stood then at 28-6 to the Dragons, as Drogheda failed to convert on their two point try. Dragon’s rookie Running Back Jamie Falloon looked impressive on Offense when he came in to give Dave Edwards a breather. He held on to the ball well, despite some big hits from Drogheda defenders.

The game finished 28-6 to the Dragons, although this score does not represent the hard fought battle that took place .The Lightning never gave up, and showed grit and heart to give the Dragons a hell of a game. The Dragons will look to build on this season’s success and move forward to the next one. They are now eagerly awaiting the score from Drogheda’s next fixture against Kildare, and must rely on Drogheda to beat the Reapers next Sunday. A win for Drogheda will see the Dragons take the title. Regardless of the outcome of that game, this has been a turnaround season for the West Dublin team and marks the start of a new era in Dragon’s History.

North Kildare remain in Championship hunt.

Courtesy of Greg Barrett of the Waterford Wolves

Waterford arrived at North Kildare Rugby Club knowing that a win or draw was all it would take to put the final cherry on their fairy-tale rookie season. This game was considered to be the Championship game for IAFL 1 and it was going to be a battle royal. The Reapers themselves very much part of the title race and were not going to be a statistic against this Wolves juggernaut.

Photo by Siobhan Hennessy

North Kildare won the toss, opted to receive and started slowly with a three and out, as the Wolves offence started to head back towards the Reapers end zone. The Reapers stood firm though eventually stopping the Wolves. Deep in their redzone, the Reapers offense took to the field only to fumble the ball and have it recovered on the 8yd line by #6 Eoin Reinhardt playing at Linebacker today. The Wolves took full advantage with #21 Kevin Butler punching in for the 6 points and #37 Aaron Walsh connecting with #12 David Kelly for the subsequent 2 point conversion. The 1st quarter finished with the Wolves leading 8 to 0.

The 2nd quarter began with #6 Eoin Reinhardt sacking North Kildare’s Quarterback and things seemed to be going well for Waterford. The Reapers weren’t going to lie down and take it though and fought back. #28 Matthew Kavanagh breaking through the Wolves defence for 6 points with seven and a half minutes left in the half. The game went tit for tat again until just before the two minute warning #72 Michéal O Coinn got a hand to the ball which Frankie Tchifo then took for his first interception of the season and took it agonisingly close to give Waterford another six points. The half finished with Waterford leading 8 to 6.

The third quarter was a tense affair but The Reapers offence pushed hard against the Wolves defence, with the Reapers eventually getting into the Wolves endzone again through a quarterback sneak, Luke Bailey getting the score and taking a 8 to 14 lead after the subsequent two point conversion was successful. The Reapers started the fourth quarter with their tails up and again and again pressed the Waterford defence with Vitaly Levdonski finally getting into the endzone again to increase their lead and following another 2pt. conversion the Reapers were now in a commanding 8 to 22 lead.

Photo by Siobhan Hennessy

Things were grim for the Wolves, but they didn’t quit, they fought back and with seven minutes left on the clock #25 Brian Sullivan broke through the North Kildare defensive line to give the Deise Men a glimmer of hope. This was quickly extinguished by the Reapers running back #28 Kavanagh, who to be fair had an excellent game as he took the ball back into the Waterford endzone inside the last two minutes of the game.  The score gave North Kildare a 28 to 14 lead and effectively ended Waterfords hopes at the IAFL championship.

The game finished with Waterford losing 28 to 14, and with it their fairy-tale ending. North Kildare aren’t champions yet though and still have to beat Drogheda Lightning in a match that had to be rescheduled. A win will give them promotion, but a loss will bring the Dublin Dragons into the picture for the coveted promotion place.

Ireland U20 Selection prepares for Greendell game.

The Ireland U20 team is gearing up for its upcoming challenge fixture against the Greendell Falcons on Wednesday 28th August. The team, which is comprised of young players from IAFL teams, will be holding training camp sessions in Dublin on each of the next two Saturdays.

Head Coach John Judge is looking forward to the challenge and believes that playing a similar aged team from overseas will be a great experience for all the players. The team will also be debuting the new all white Ireland kit – Greendell will be playing in green.

New team – Tyrone Titans join IAFA

On Saturday 10th August, the IAFA Board approved an application for Formative Status from the Tyrone Titans. The team intends to submit an application to play in IAFL-1 in 2014.

Any players and coaches interested in joining the team can contact them at:

titans@americanfootball.ie

Introducing The Gathering Bowl teams.

 

The Irish American Football Association and The Gathering Dublin are pleased to introduce the teams playing in The Gathering Bowl, which will take place at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday 31st August 2013.

The game will feature two top class teams who are among the best in their category of the sport. Canadian team, the Greendell Falcons will play the Bristol Academy Pride from the European US High School league. Both teams will be bringing full squads of players to this transatlantic battle played on neutral territory in Dublin. For Irish fans, this will be the only opportunity to watch this level of American football in Ireland in 2013.

Greendell Falcons:

The Falcons are a community based team from Manitoba in Canada. They recruit players from the Winnepeg area and field a number of teams at various age groups from 7 year olds right up to high school (15-17) and college (18-22) aged players. Their top level team plays in the Manitoba Major Football League. The Falcons squad for The Gathering Bowl – their “Euroteam” will feature players from both their high school and college aged squads. A number of players from the Falcons have progressed onto Canada’s top level professional league, the CFL.

The Falcons in action (green uniforms).

Bristol Academy Pride:

Though based in the UK, the Pride play in the US High School system. They play in the DODDS Europe League which is the European section of the American High School League for the US Military bases. This league features teams based in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium. These games are played in stadia and regularly attract up to c.2,000 spectators. In 2012, the Pride were ranked in the top 4 in Division 1 of the DODDS league. A number of Bristol players have won scholarships to NCAA college football teams in the United States in recent years.

 

Bristol Academy (white/silver) in action.

Tickets for The Gathering Bowl will be available from this website from next week and, as this is a South Dublin County Council community event, will be free of charge for all who register.  

In addition to The Gathering Bowl, on Wednesday 28th August, a domestic U20 selection of young players selected mainly from IAFL clubs will play a challenge game against the Greendell Falcons. Time and venue for this game will be announced shortly.