Sportslink to host big game.

The Irish American Football League (IAFL) is pleased to announce that Shamrock Bowl XX will take place at Sportslink, Santry, Dublin on Sunday 20th August 2006. The Shamrock Bowl is the National Championship game for American football in Ireland.

The Shamrock Bowl Semi-Finals, to decide who will participate in the Championship game will take place on Sunday 6th August. The Dublin Rebels, Univ. of Limerick Vikings and Carrickfergus Knights have already qualified for the Semi-Finals. The final semi-finalist will depend on the outcome of the IAFL's remaining league fixtures to take place on Sunday 23rd July. Cork Admirals, Belfast Bulls & Dublin Dragons can all qualify depending on results. D.C.U. Saints and North Dublin Marshals are already eliminated from contention.

The last three Shamrock Bowls (in Belfast, Greystones & Sutton) have all been run as family events and have attracted good crowds. Shamrock Bowl XX will be run along the similar lines with food, entertainment, music and children's entertainment available on the day. RTE, TV3, BBC Northern Ireland, Setanta Sports & Sky Sports have all broadcast coverage of the Shamrock Bowl in recent years.

American football is one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland, particularly in the 16-23 age range. The number of registered players is doubling every two years. The IAFL currently has 8 teams playing a full league schedule and 6 new teams in development. A junior flag football programme for the 11-16 year old age group has also commenced within the past year, attracting 9 teams. The IAFL is part of the Irish American Football Association, the Irish Sports Council recognised National Governing Body for American football in Ireland. The Irish American Football Association is also affiliated to both the European Federation of American Football and the International Federation of American Football.

The playing rules for American football in Ireland (and in the rest of Europe) are based on NCAA rules - those used in major college football in the USA (e.g. Notre Dame, Boston College, USC, Miami, Michigan, Florida State etc. etc.). Players are fully kitted the sport is full contact as per NCAA rules. Teams in the IAFL typically kit up 30-40 players per game.

FURTHER INFORMATION FOR MEDIA:

Darrin O'Toole 086-3022286
Cillian Smith 087-4158196
cillian@americanfootball.ie

Interviews and media appearances for players/coaches/league representatives can be arranged by contacting one of the above. Access for photographers, TV & radio can also be arranged.

Further information on the event along with profiles of the teams will be circulated by press release closer to the event.

The IAFL website is a good source of background information.
Journalists are free to use any materials, including photographs, from the site.

http://www.iafl.info