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Shamrock Bowl XX will be an interesting match-up pitching the big game experience of the Dublin Rebels against the young talent of the UL Vikings. The Dublin Rebels are seeking to win their fourth consecutive Shamrock Bowl and have a roster packed with experienced players, many of whom have played in all of their recent Shamrock Bowl victories. The UL Vikings squad represents the youth revolution that is sweeping the IAFL. The expansion of the league, coupled with larger squads, has introduced a new generation of talented young player into the sport. The Rebels, given that they finished first in the league stage of the championship, will be the obvious favourites for the game. However, the UL Vikings have already upset the vastly experienced Carrickfergus team in the semi-finals and are seeking to repeat this feat in the Shamrock Bowl.

The Rebels finished 8-0 in the regular season and defeated the Cork Admirals in the semi-finals. They run a multiple formation offense with the ability to run or pass to any one of their myriad of offensive weapons that line up at receiver, tight end or running back. Quarterback Andrew Dennehy is an experienced play caller and high percentage passer. Running backs Simon Mackey and Sam Hodgins will share carries out of the backfield. Young wide receiver Carl Faichney will trouble the Vikings secondary with his 6-5 size and good hand. The Rebels tight ends are also expected to be heavily used in the passing game. The Rebels smothering defense has only allowed seven scores all season. Their aggressive gambling style of play aims to put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. It is also difficult to run up the middle against them. Though players like linebacker Sean Shanahan and defensive linemen Al Kelly and Conor Walsh should be among the key players, the Rebels defense is a genuine team effort with few weaknesses in any unit.

The UL Vikings finished the regular season with a 5-2-1 (W-L-T) record and upset the Carrickfergus Knights with a 30-25 victory on the road in the semi-finals. The University of Limerick Vikings have been in existence since 1999 and first played in the IAFL in 2001. Initially set up as an outlet for the University’s American students, it has attracted a large number of Irish students in recent years and this year’s team is almost entirely made up of Irish people. With an average age that is much younger than most other teams in the league, the Vikings look to use their extra speed as an advantsge in both their run based offence and their ‘No Fly Zone’ defence. Quarterback Chris Bassitt will lead the team on offense. Running back Daniel Levy, who was the star of their semi-final win, is expected to get most of the carries at running back. They also use an unconventional wing back in motion formation in which Liam Ryan will line up in multiple positions. Their secondary is the undoubted strength of their defense. IAFL teams have found it hard to pass against the Vikings all season and they give up few big plays due to their sure tackling.

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