Pen Pictures of key players/coaches.

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK VIKINGS

Head Coach: Gavin Grace

Gavin Grace is from Co. Galway and after playing for the Vikings for two years he Head Coach of the Vikings for the first time this season. Formerly a student in UL but now studying in Mary Immaculate College, under his stewardship the Vikings have won 6 and drawn 1 of their 9 games this season as well as qualifying for the Shamrock Bowl for the first time since 2001.

QB #14 Chris Bassitt

Chris Bassit hails from Ohio in the United States and joined the Vikings while on an academic exchange program in 2005/06. He is one of the few players in the IAFL this season to have thrown, run and caught at least one touchdown, having played in other offensive positions before settling in at Quarterback. He was voted Overall MVP for the Vikings at the end of this year’s regular season by his teammates.

RB #26 Daniel Levy

Another American, Daniel Levy is from Louisiana and started playing for the Vikings in 2005 and was one of the key players in the Vikings’ 3-5 season, a big improvement on the previous year. He is taking time out from a Celtic Studies course to train and play with the Vikings and was MVP in their semi-final victory over the Carrickfergus Knights.

RT/DT #67 Kieran Coen

Kieran Coen is from Corofin, Co. Galway and graduated from the University of Limerick with a degree in Computer Engineering in 2005. A versatile member of the line, both on offense and defence, his contributions to coaching the line this sason has been invaluable and were a big factor in the recent win over the Knights.

LB #2 Seamus Hogan

Though only a rookie in the league this season, Seamus has already established a reputation for both hard hitting on defence and special teams and some crucial runs and blocks while the Vikings are on offence. An explosive player and one another one of the Vikings American contingent, his fellow players voted him as their Best American Player in 2006.

S/WB #17 Liam Ryan

A four-year veteran, Liam Ryan has recently completed a degree in European Studies at the University of Limerick. He has represented Ireland in the recent Celtic Classics against Adrian and John Carroll Colleges and is widely regarded as one of the standout safties in the league with a key instinct for the ball. He also is key contributor on special teams and offence and scored a touchdown in the semi-final win over the Knights.

TE/DE #40 Glen Carr

Glen Carr is in his second year with the Vikings. Big and fast with good hands he is a versatile player who contributes on offence, defence and also on special teams. He also plays rugby for Shannon Rugby Club in Limerick, a tribute to his athleticism and size. It was his 40-yard interception return for a touchdown in the semi final against the Carrickfergus Knights that was highlighted as the key play in getting the Vikings into Shamrock Bowl XX.

DUBLIN REBELS

Offensive Coach: #16 Andrew Dennehy

QB Andy Dennehy doubles as the Rebels' Offensive Coach. A student of the game, Andy has quarterbacked the Rebels to three successive Shamrock Bowl victories. Dennehy’s key strength is his ability to call the correct play at crucial times in the game. Dennehy is a high percentage passer and has good ball control skills. Off the pitch, Dennehy works for a media company in Dublin.

Defensive Coach: #80 Marcus Naylor

Marcus Naylor is the Rebels' Defensive Coach. He has been around football since the late 90s and runs a tight ship. He has marshalled his troops through an outstanding season, and has led by example. He also plays safety and has six interceptions under his belt this season.

RB #86 Simon Mackey.

Simon Mackey is a bruising runner who is extremely difficult to take down. He has had a stellar season at running back, despite starting at Defensive End and splitting carries with Sam Hodgins and Chris Winton. Expect Mackey to ring a few bells.

WR #82 Carl Faichney.

Standing at 6'5", Carl Faichney is literally head and shoulders above everyone else at the wide receiver position. He was instrumental in the Rebels' semi-final victory, amassing 150 yards receiving and three TDs. In his fourth year in the IAFL, Carl has broken out as a real star.

Offensive Line

The Rebels Offensive Line is the most prolific unit in the league. A very physical and mobile group, this line of Fergal O'Hanlon, Tobias Hansson, Dave Sherwin, Shane Campbell and Simon Connellan may not be the biggest in the league but it executes better than any other.

OLB #25 Sean Shanahan

The son of the owner of 'Shanahan's on the Green' restaurant, Sean Shanahan, is a terror at the Outside Linebacker position. His lightning speed causes problems for offenses, and despite his slim frame he hits like a train.

DE #94 Paul Smyth

The tallest player on the team, Paul 'Big Money' Smyth, towers at 6'6". Since joining the Rebels in 2003 he quickly advanced to become one of the most feared Defensive Ends in the country. The multi-talented Smyth doubles as a second Tight End on Offense, giving QB Dennehy a potent redzone target.

DT #96 Conor Walsh

Conor Walsh has quietly developed into perhaps the most solid defensive player for the Rebels. With an enviable work ethic and an selfless understanding of 'responsibility football', Conor has had an outstanding season. He specialises in making big plays, such as sacks and stuffing runs in the backfield, at just the right time.

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