Irish American Football League

The new management of the Irish National Program was announced today as follows:

Peter O'Rourke, the new General Manager, has extensive experience of American football in Ireland. He was a member of the Dublin Celts management team during the 1980s and early 1990s. During his tenure with the Celts, they won a record 4 Shamrock Bowls and competed in 4 EuroBowl campaigns. The Celts EuroBowl campaigns and the season the Celts spent in the International Combined Gridiron League has given Peter extensive experience of being involved in the organisation of major games in Ireland and taking teams abroad to play on a regular basis. Peter has some coaching experience with the Celts including a spell as Head Coach (1993). He also played safety for the team during it's EuroBowl years. Outside of American football, Peter O'Rourke is a very successful businessman having spent 10 years as an Executive in Independent News & Media plc and he is currently the Managing Director of a major information systems company.

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGERS:

JOHN DURRAD (DUBLIN REGION)

John Durrad has been appointed Assistant General Manager with responsibility for the greater Dublin region. He is currently the Team Manager of the Dublin Dragons and therefore has experience of working closely with National Coach, Phil DeMonte. John Durrad has been involved in Irish American football for more than 15 years. As well as managing the Dragons, he is one of the team's founders. He currently serves on the IAFA Board and was part of last seasons Shamrock Bowl Committee. His playing career spans more than 15 years as a wide receiver or linebacker for Dublin Tornadoes (with whom he won 3 Shamrock Bowls), Dublin Lightning, Dublin Tigers (1 Shamrock Bowl), Dublin Rebels and Dublin Dragons. He also played for the Irish National Team during the 1990s. Outside football, John works for Palmer Etching in Dublin.

Paul Whelan has been appointed Assistant General Manager with responsibility for the Munster region. He retired from playing at the end of the 2002 season after playing for 16 years. Paul is the only player in Ireland to have won a Shamrock Bowl with three different teams. His playing career began in the 1980s with the Dublin Celts during their EuroBowl years. Paul won 4 Shamrock Bowls with the Celts before joining the Dublin Tornadoes for one season, during which he won a 5th Shamrock Bowl (1994). From 1995 to 1997, Paul played for Dublin Lightning with whom he won his 6th Shamrock Bowl (1996). He finished off his playing career with the Univ. of Limerick Vikings in 2001 and 2002. He also made several appearances for the Irish National Team during the 1990s. Paul was involved in the administration of Dublin Lightning as well as playing for the team from 1995 to 1998. He currently works for Dell Computers in Limerick and lives in Co. Tipperary.

The Irish National Program consists of the Irish National Team, the IAFL Allstar team and any other representative teams that are fielded under the "Ireland" banner by the IAFA. The IAFL Allstar game and National Coaching Sessions are also part of the INP. This year, the program consists of the following:

* National Coaching Sessions/Trials.
* IAFL Allstar team v John Carroll University (home game).
* IAFL Allstar team v GB Bulldogs (away game).
* IAFL North - South Allstar game.

The Management Team consists of the General Manager and Assistant General Managers and are responsible for the general administration of the program including finances, organising venues, equipment, sponsorship, player records, travel arrangements, liaison with IAFA/IAFL & teams, appointment of administrative and support personnel, travel arrangements and the circulation of information to players, teams, officials and administrators. The Management Team will be expected to work very closely with Irish National Coach, Phil DeMonte and the IAFA.