Members of the IAFA have been given an exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2012 Emerald Isle Classic game between Navy and Notre Dame. The game is due to take place at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 1st September 2012. This game is a NCAA BCS Championship regular season game and feature two of the most historic teams in US college football.

IAFA members can obtain their codes by contacting their team manager or the secretary of their organisation.

Members of the public will be able to purchase tickets in March 2012. People affiliated to the various European Federation of American Football organisations across Europe will be given a chance to purchase tickets in a second pre-sale to take place in advance of the March general release.

Irish American Football Association,
19 Castle Park,
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22,
Ireland.

All post should now be sent to this address. Phone and email contact details remain unchanged.

Tuesday 30th August 17:00 – 18:00

Wednesday 31st August 00:30 – 01:30

Thursday September 1st 04:00-05:00

IAFL fans are advised to check the Setanta TV schedule closer to these dates in case of changes.

The coverage will feature live commentary by Matt Craig and Chris Biondi. The progamme was produced independently on behalf of the IAFL and IAFA by Viewfinder. This is the second successive year that the game has been broadcast on Setanta. In further developments, as interest in the Shamrock Bowl is growing, EFAF is looking at including next years game on the list of European games to be broadcast by Eurosport in 2012.

Dublin Rebels celebrate winning Shamrock Bowl XXV

The Dublin Rebels won Shamrock Bowl XXV with a nail biting 14-13 victory over the UL Vikings. The decisive TD was scored by RB Sam Hodgins in the 4th quarter. The game was played on front of a large crowd at Morton Stadium, Santry. Rebels Safety Marcus Naylor won the MVP Award.

Shamrock Bowl XXV MVP Marcus Naylor makes a difficult interception

The Shamrock Bowl comes just once a year. The culmination of a season’s workload, it is the pinnacle of the sport in Ireland. It’s an amateur, minority sport after all, and as such, it casts the reason for playing the game into light. The motivations may vary, but all were on display in Morton Stadium on Sunday.

As with any sport, the pursuit of a set goal is often reason enough, but the satisfaction is no doubt amplified in overcoming adversity along the way. For the Dublin Rebels and UL Vikings, adversity has become a given in recent years, irremovable from the goal. This year’s Bowl was no different. In fact, it highlighted the ferocity and competitiveness more than any other final. Just one point separated the teams at the final whistle, the Rebels stealing the title with a 14-13 win. And Limerick’s challenge came from every angle.

On offense QB Marc Ashworth was particularly impressive, looking more settled than ever behind centre after years of service from other positions. He connected for two touchdowns with receivers Breandán Curtin and rookie Seán McGoldrick, the latter making an incredible leaping catch in slippy conditions. Up front, the entire Vikings D-Line caused problems, while in the secondary CB Craig Brouder and veteran safety Liam Ryan picked up an interception each.

Facing such a challenge, the Rebels soon surrendered their early lead. RB Aaron Smith was the first to cross the plane, but some turnovers for the Vikes soon pinned the Rebels deep in their own territory. Unable to escape, Ashworth set up with good field position and went to the air for two scores in quick succession. Reeling, the Rebels went into halftime trailing 13-6.

Brendan Curtin scores Vikings touchdown

Rebels Colin Keegan (Black) and Vikings Sean Goldrick battle for the ball

But just as goals require obstacles, they also need a driving internal force. It’s true of every sport, but with fringe sports in particular, clubs are only what their members make it. With less money and less people, there are more sacrifices. There are no clubhouses. No toothless old men pining for the good old days, because all of them are still playing. Just as that mentality drove the Vikings’ challenge, so too did it drive the Rebels’ response. And that response came in units, the defence in particular. Of course, individuals stood out. Game MVP Marcus Naylor shifted momentum with an impossible diving interception, Kevin Healy collected two sacks, Bobby Smith made countless tackles. But the response was unified. The defence was simply frightening, and it was fitting that their two-point contribution from a 3^rd quarter safety proved to be the difference.

The offensive response may not have been as pronounced, but crucially, it was enough. Leaning on the legs of RB Sam Hodgins, and the plowing mass of the offensive line, the Rebels jumped ahead early in the 4^th quarter. 14-13. With the defence in such form, the lead, slim as it was, was never threatened. Still, everything churned slowly; the Rebels running game, the clock, the sidelined stomachs.

Rebels RB Aaron Smith carries the ball.

People play for the challenge, the adversity, and for their teammates, huddled together away from the passersby honking their car horns. They also play for pleasure, and never is it greater than in the Shamrock Bowl. There is an atmosphere unlike any other game of the season and the attitude and preparation of both teams improve the quality no end. There is a spectacle. Compared to the regular season, there is a grandeur that could seem artificial. But in reality, there is no delusion with this grandeur, because what is on display is sport in its truest form. A big field of lads killing each other for a glory that is only theirs. Players bettering themselves to win a challenge that few will appreciate, but because they’re so few, the appreciation is all the greater.

Kieran Coen #67 battles with Rebels OL

It’s the beauty of the sport, and the beauty of the Shamrock Bowl. For this year, the Rebels remain champions. The Vikings will return stronger than ever, as will the rejuvenated teams in the North and the improving teams elsewhere in Dublin. For them, there is added motivation in knowing that the Rebels had a far from perfect season. The gap seem to be closing. But until the teams go back to test that theory, the Rebels will celebrate their 7^th Shamrock Bowl victory – their favourite reason to play this game.

Large crowd watches Shamrock Bowl at Morton Stadium

EFAF President Robert Huber, IAFA President Greg Loughran and Referee Michael Smith prepare for the coin toss

SHAMROCK BOWL PICTURE GALLERY:

Pictures supplied by Ariane Boudias.

[Show picture list]

[[Show as slideshow]]

Morton Stadium

Sunday 31^st July 2011

The Shamrock Bowl is the Championship game of the Irish American Football League (IAFL). Shamrock Bowl XXIV is taking place at Morton Stadium on Sunday 31st July, 2011, kick-off 4pm.

Morton Stadium, Santry.

The Event:

Shamrock Bowl XXV is being run as a family orientated event aimed at people who may never have attended a live game before. Spectators will be able to experience the unique atmosphere of a major American football game – watching on television does not compare with seeing the athleticism and hearing the hitting first hand.  The event will also feature live match commentary. At half time, there will be a flag football demonstration featuring players from the Schools Flag Football Programme.

The event is being run with the support and assistance of National Sports Campus Development Authority, who own and operate Morton Stadium.

Dublin Rebels (black) versus UL Vikings (blue)

The Teams:

Dublin Rebels and University of Limerick Vikings will contest Shamrock Bowl XXV.  They played each other once during the regular season – on March 20th – with the Vikings winning by the narrow margin of 6-3. 

UL Vikings:

2011 has been a year of change and growth at the University of Limerick Vikings. The coaching staff have been bolstered by the addition of Mark Thompson (O-Line) & Paul Gilhool (Running Backs). There were changes on the field too with the usual high quality injection of new talent. The 2011 Rookie class has provided several starters. The changes didn’t stop there. The Vikings launched a new look offence. A variant of the Flexbone, it has proved a huge success, taking UL to the top of scoring chart in the IAFL. The new system has allowed veteran players to rediscover old form & new players to blend into the scheme seamlessly. Offensive Tackle Eoin O’Sullivan has been of the players to benefit from this change, holding down a starting role onthe line throughout the season. James Twomey’s transformation from full back  to slot back has increased his impact on the game. A rotation of full-backs are the heavy armor in the attack. Glen Carr, Ian Cahill, Joe Nolan & Darrin Gleeson bring a variety of skill sets to the position and have provided many of the highlights for the Vikings in 2011. The Vikings Defense has long been one of the best in the IAFL. This year it surpassed all expectation leading the league conceding a stingy 17 points in 8 games. The average of less than 3 points per game is a mark that will be very hard to beat. The defense is led by an All-Star defensive line. Alan O’Carroll, Glen Carr, Kieran Coen & James Lorden. The Linebackers of Limerick carry on a tradition of aggressive and relentless pursuit of the football. The depth at this position must give UL’s coaches a real headache when it comes to naming the roster. The Vikings secondary is led by Liam Ryan, one of the country’s all-time great players. With Seamus Hogan returning from the US and Brouder and Sheehy settling into the cornerback roles, this must be the strongest defense ever fielded by a Vikings team.

Dublin Rebels:

Since the reformation of the IAFL in 2001 the Dublin Rebels have won seven League Titles and six Shamrock Bowls – both league records. They competed in nine of the past 11 Shamrock Bowls, narrowly losing to UL in 2008 and 2009. Last year, the Rebels won their sixth Bowl with a perfect 10-0 record, beating UL 15-0 in the championship game. This year’s 5-3 regular season record is the Rebels’ worst in recent memory, but a resurgent performance in the semi-finals showed that they are still a force in Irish football.  Balance is the cornerstone of the Rebels’ success. On offense, they combine finesse with physicality, utilising the speed and power of their offensive weapons and operating efficient running and passing games. Running-backs Aaron Smith and Sam Hodgins are both tenacious runners who threaten to score on every play. Behind the crushing blocks of the Rebels’ Offensive Line, led by Left Tackle Steve Wilson, both backs have had great seasons. Quarterback Andy Dennehy is known for his tactical mind, plus his ability to connect with favourite receiver Barry Flinn. At 6’5”, with great speed and sure hands, Flinn is the prototypical Wide Receiver – UL must figure out how to stop him. On defense, the Rebels also have a heady mix of power and speed. The über-aggressive quartet of defensive linemen Ciaran Tighe, Fergal O’Hanlon, Mark Van Headley and Paul Smyth takes on the battle in the trenches. Behind this maelstrom, the speed of players like LBs Kevin Finnegan and Javier Benavente gives the Rebels the balance they need to compete in the IAFL’s flagship game. After dominant performances throughout last season, three of last year’s Rebels left Dublin to play semi-pro football in Germany’s GFL2 league – one to the Lübeck Cougars, joining two former Rebels teammates, and two to the Berlin Rebels. Coincidentally, those two teams clash today in a crucial game that could send one team into GFL1 to play at the highest possible level in Europe.

Irish American Football League (IAFL):

The IAFL is Ireland’s national American football league. Ten teams contested the 2011 season, which commenced in March – Belfast Trojans, Carrickfergus Knights, Cork Admirals, Craigavon Cowboys, Dublin Dragons, Dublin Rebels, Trinity College, UCD, Univ Limerick Vikings & West Dublin Rhinos.

American football is one of the most rapidly growing sports in Ireland. The Irish American Football Association, which is the sports governing body, currently has c.1,200 members. The standard of play is increasing all the time to the extent that the IAFL is now one of the strongest amateur leagues in Europe. There are 40 national leagues and c.150,000 players in Europe.

Last Years Game:

The 2010 game was played on front of a crowd of 1,700 people at Tallaght Stadium and was also televised on Setenta Ireland and Setanta 1. The Dublin Rebels defeated the UL Vikings 15-0.

Teams face each other at Tallaght Stadium last year.

Ticket Prices:

Tickets are available from any Ticketmaster outlet nationwide or online at www.ticketmaster.ie. Tickets will also be available at the stadium on game day. Stadium capacity for the event is 3,000 spectators.

Prices: Main Stand Seating €6, Terracing €3

Location & Transport:

Morton Stadium, Santry is on Dublin’s Northside and is adjacent to the M50/M1 interchange, making it readily accessible to the entire country. It is also close to Dublin Airport and is on the main route for public transport and taxis from the City Centre. Please see map linked to below with details of the exact location:

http://www.mortonstadium.ie/#/location/4540763049

The following bus routes stop directly outside Morton Stadium:

16a  Dublin Airport to Lower Rathfarnham (Nutgrove Avenue) 

27b  Eden Quay Towards Harristown 

33  Lower Abbey St. to Balbriggan 

41  Lower Abbey St. to Swords Manor 

41b  Lower Abbey St. to Rolestown 

41c  Lower Abbey St. to Swords Manor 

See www.dublinbus.ie for further information.

Parking:

There is no parking provided at the stadium or on street immediately outside. People driving to the game are advised to park at Omni Park shopping centre – located a 5min walk from the stadium.

Morton Stadium is Ireland’s National Athletics Stadium and has a capacity of 5,000.   It is located on the Swords Road in North Dublin near to the M50/M1 interchange and is equally accessible from Dublin Airport and the City Centre (exact location).

There are currently 5 teams in contention for the Shamrock Bowl:

1. UL Vikings (IAFL South Winners)
2. Carrickfergus Knights (IAFL North Winners)
3. Dublin Rebels (IAFL Central Winners)
4. Belfast Trojans (Wildcard team)
5. Craigavon Cowboys (Wildcard team)

Tickets will cost €6 (plus €1 service charge/postage if purchased online). Tickets can be purchased online on Ticketmaster.ie or in one of the many Ticketmaster box offices around the country. IAFA Members can purchase tickets at a discount price of €4 (plus €1 service charge/postage if purchased online) using a discount code which can be obtained from their club/organisation. The tickets on sale from Ticketmaster are for the Main Stand seating in Morton Stadium. Please purchase early as, based on last years attendance figures, these tickets are likely to sell out in advance of the event.

Click on the Ticketmaster logo below to purchase tickets.

A new Executive Committee was elected and includes IAFA Board member, Cillian Smith. The Committee will consist of the following individuals:

Chair: Fergus Murphy (Special Olympics)

Treasurer: Brendan Waters (Irish Sailing Association)

Executive Committee: Sarah O’Shea (Football Association of Ireland), Henry Hermon (Irish Sailing Assoc.), Sarah Keane (Swim Ireland), Ciaran Gallagher (Gymnastics Ireland), Cillian Smith (Irish American Football Association), Liam Harbison (Paralympic Council of Ireland) and Thomas McDermott (South Dublin County Council).

The Federation of Irish Sports consists of the National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and other organisations involved in sport. It’s principal aim is to represent the sporting community, particularly when dealing with Government.

IAFOA referee, Michael Smith (pictured with white cap), has been appointed to the officiating crew for the EuroBowl Final. EuroBowl XXV will take place in Innsbruck, Austria on June 18th 2011. The finalists are the defending Euro Bowl Champions, Berlin Adler and Austrian team Tyrolean Raiders.  The EuroBowl is the American football equivalent of soccers Champions League. It features the best professional teams from across the continent selected from Europes elite domestic leagues. The game will be televised live, kick-off 8:30 local time (see www.eurobowl.info for further details).

Michael Smith is one of three Irish officials who are on the European Federation list for International club and national team competitions. He has officiated in several high profile European ties in recent years. In Ireland, he officiates in the IAFL most weekends and has refereed several Shamrock Bowl finals. As with the Superbowl in the US, the neutral officials appointed to the EuroBowl earn the honour due to outstanding performances in previous European ties. Mr. Smith is the third IAFOA official to officate in the EuroBowl final, following in the footsteps of Steve Stacher (1980s) and Veikko Laminsalo (2002).

A new Board was appointed for 2011-2012. Greg Loughran (President), Cillian Smith (Secretary) and Michael Smith (Treasurer) retained the positions they occupied in 2010-2011. John Judge (Board Member) was appointed to replace the vacancy previously occupied by Darrin O’Toole. Tony Rivers and Barry Bolton both return as alternate Board members. Chris Gaughan and Ken Farrell are newly appointed alternates. The alternates will attend and fully participate in all meetings over the coming year. Michael Smith was appointed as the IAFA Delegate to the EFAF General Assembly, which is due to take place in Budapest next weekend.  Practising accountant Terry Lynch was re-appointed as Auditor.

The Irish American Football Association (IAFA) has been awarded an Educational Development Programme (EDP) grant by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).  Grants have been awarded to 15 of IFAF’s c.50 members worldwide.  The aim of the EDP is to develop youth and junior football throughout the world and it is primarily funded by the NFL.

The IAFA plans to use the EDP funding, along with grant aid received from the Irish Sports Council, to significantly expand the schools flag football programme, which has been piloted in the Midlands over the past couple of years. It is anticipated that the programme will be scaled up for the 2011/2012 school year.

A copy of IFAF’s official press release is below:

  Press Release

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has provided grants to 15 member federations spanning four continents to benefit youth and junior American Football development through the IFAF Education Development Program.

Educating coaches, officials, administrators, development personnel and players at junior (19-and-under) and youth (15-and-under) levels is a primary focus for IFAF, the international governing body of American football worldwide.  The cornerstone is the IFAF Education Development Program (EDP), which encompasses an evolving series of initiatives in order to benefit all IFAF members on multiple levels.  By creating meaningful and sustainable initiatives, IFAF ensures a strong foundation is in place to support future growth and development.  

IFAF member federations submitted EDP applications requesting almost $200,000 USD in funding.  Those whose applications were successful are: Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Korea, Nigeria, PAFAF (Pan American Federation of American Football), Poland and Spain.

“We were impressed by the wide range of initiatives that were proposed and encouraged by the anticipated outcomes, which will further our goal of developing the sport of American football internationally within our member federations,” said IFAF President TOMMY WIKING.  “I am confident that youth and junior players and the volunteers and coaches who help them progress as players and as representatives of the sport will benefit greatly from this funding.”

 The EDP initiatives are available to IFAF federations both national and continental level as a result of funding IFAF receives from the NFL Youth Football Fund.  IFAF has four continental federations (Asia, Europe, Oceania and Pan-America) and 59 national federations.