Pen Pictures of key players/coaches.

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK VIKINGS

Coaching Staff:

Michael O'Brien

Michael O'Brien from Ballybunnion, Kerry joined the UL Vikings in 2003 as a player. He played as a CB for two seasons before finding his niche in the Vikings organisation.

Eoin Carroll

Eoin Carroll from Caherdavin, Limerick joined the UL Vikings in 2004. He played two seasons as a DE/OLB before hanging up his pads due to other sporting obligations. He is key on game day keeping the team organised and focused. He truly embodies the Viking spirit wearing his heart on his sleeve every down.

Seamus Hogan

Seamus Hogan from West Wareham, Massachusetts USA joined the UL Vikings in 2006. Over the last two years he has given so much to the team. He is the conditioning and defensive coach. He has instilled a never say die attitude in the Viking players defence which has shown through all season. In addition he has designed the 2007 Offensive play book.

Kieran Coen

Kieran Coen from Corofin, Galway joined the UL Vikings in 2002. He is the offensive and defensive line coach. Bringing years of experience to the team from playing in both Ireland and England he is a man of the game. Always leading by example his spirit and skill has shone all season. Able to play both sides of the ball he is a handful for any opposing lineman.

TE #40 Glen Carr

Glen Carr hails from Norwood Park, Limerick joined the UL Vikings in 2004. Since then he has been a corner stone of the offence and defence. He is deceptively fast and has great hands. Carr is tough in the open field and is rarely tackled one on one.

QB/S #17 Liam Ryan

Liam Ryan hails from Clonlara, Clare joined the UL Vikings in 2002 and has been a leader of the team for the last 5 years. He easily stepped into the role of starting QB after the departure of JP Nerbun mid way through the season. He is fast and elusive, a great blocker and is a valuable cog in the team.

WR #16 Marc Ashworth

Marc Ashworth hailing from Monaleen, Limerick joined the UL Vikings in 2005. An intense player, who has a deft ability of plucking balls from the air. This, however doesn't shade his blocking and speed.

OL #56 Mark Thompson

Mark Thompson from London, England joined the UL Vikings in 2006. After playing for years as a youth with the Heathrow Jets his move to Kerry stifled his football career. After finding the UL Vikings in the pre-season he has been a big part of the team attitude and heart.

LB #44 Alan O'Carroll

Alan O'Carroll from Ballincollig, Cork joined the UL Vikings in 2006. He is a leader of the defence from MLB. He is always swarming around the ball and is one of the hardest hitters on the team. His work ethic and determination has cemented his place on the team. Alan played for the Cork Admirals earlier in his IAFL career.

CB #22 Rob Ryan

Rob Ryan from Clyduff, Limerick joined the UL Vikings in 2003. He is an experienced player and has been an instrumental part of the team's success this year. He is very strong in run support and brings a good attitude every down.

LB #34 Damian Laffan

Damian Laffan from Pallasgreen, Limerick joined the UL Vikings in 2002. Laffan is not only just a valuable asset on defence but brings skill, experience and hard hitting to special teams. He has been a core part of the team since the re-birth of the Vikings in 2002.

DL #75 Eoin O'Sullivan

Eoin O'Sullivan from Navan, Meath joined the UL Vikings in 2006. O'Sullivan with his size at 6'7" and 19 stone is a mountain at defensive end. His dedication and work ethic during the season have seen him improve dramatically from a fringe player to a starter.

Alan Lomasney is 33 & from Midleton, Cork & joined the Admirals in 2002 & is in his first year as Head Coach. Alan played QB for the Admirals in 2002 & 2003. Retiring with a shoulder injury, he was the offensive cooordinator in 2004 & played QB briefly again in 2004 & 2005. Alan is also the Offensive Co-Ordinator & the offense lead the league this year in points scored. Since taking over as Head Coach he has lead the Admirals to a team best 6-2 regular season record.

Defensive Co-Ordinator Trevor O Connell

Trevor O Connell is 38, from Cork City & joined the Admirals in 2002 as a player. Trevor played many positions with the Admirals including Fullback, Linebacker & Offensive & Defensive lineman. Trevor was one of the toughest players to ever play for the Admirals & following his retirement in 2005 joined the coaching staff as Defensive line coach & D co-ordinator. Trevor has instilled his toughness into the defensive players to create a very stingy unit.

Defensive Backs Coach John Stokes

John Stokes is 41 & from Finglas, Dublin & is one of the founder members of the Admirals. John was Head Coach of the Admirals from 2002 to 2005 and lead the team to the semi finals in 2005. After a break in 2006, John returned this year as Defensive Backs Coach. John spent 10 years in the USA & is a qualified BAFCA Level 2 coach.

QB #82 David Lomasney

Quarterback David Lomasney is 22 & from Douglas, Cork & joined the Admirals in 2003. After a year playing Tight End, David took over the starting QB position in 2004. Despite his young age, he quickly became an offensive leader & with a strong passing arm is capable of easily mixing the deep pass with the short game. David is the career passing yardage leader with the team.


RB #34 Keith O Callaghan

Running Back Keith O Callaghan is 25 & from Douglas, Cork & joined the Admirals in 2002. Keith is a mainstay of the Admirals running game and is the career leading rusher and scorer with the team. One of the best running backs in the league, Keith is very quick & elusive & he will be a serious threat for years to come. Keith has scored six touchdowns this season.

WR #81 Dominic McHale

Wide Receiver Dominic McHale is 20 & from Blackrock, Cork & joined the Admirals in 2003. Dominic is a vital part of the Admirals offense & is one of the best receivers in the league. Dom's route running & his ability to catch passes in any coverage has made him responsible for embarassing many opposing defensive backs. Dom is the Admirals career reception leader.

OL #63 Robert Hennessy

Offensive Lineman Robert Hennessy is 29 & from Thurles,Tipperary & joined the Admirals in 2004. A starter since he joined, Rob is a very experienced and tough guard & is usually the first lineman blocking downfield on running plays. Rob is a team leader & shows the type of intensity & team spirit that any team would be proud of.

DB #23 Barry Rafferty

Defensive Back Barry Rafferty is 21 & from Ballinlough, Cork & joined the Admirals in 2003. A defensive starter & leader since the beginning, Barry's intensity & tackling are second to none & he is the Admirals career interceptions leader. Barry is also a dangerous kick returner & has returned two punts for touchdowns this year.

DL/TE #17 Patrick du Boucher

Defensive Lineman & Tight End Patrick du Boucher is 27 & from Sunday's Well, Cork & joined the Admirals in 2003. Pat has also played Center in his Admirals career. A major force on the Defensive & Offensive lines, this year Pat has also added receiving to his CV and with surprising speed & great hands has developed into a very dangerous Tight End. Pat is the career sack leader with the team.

DL #77 Marcus Gates

Defensive Lineman Marcus Gates is 30 & from Melbourne, Australia & joined the Admirals in 2004. Having played for several years with the Australian national team, Marcus is experienced at the highest level & a valuable asset to the team. Just back after missing most of this season through injury, the Admirals defensive line are a tougher unit when Marcus is on the field.

LB #48 Martin Mulrey

Linebacker Martin Mulrey is 22 & from New Hampshire, USA & joined the Admirals in 2007. Martin made an instant impact on the team & has improved the entire defense so much that he has become one of the defensive captains. Martin is involved in every play & his tenacity & tackling have inspired his team mates. Martin has also played Fullback & returned kicks in his career at Plymouth State College.

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