Belfast Trojans win Shamrock Bowl XXIX

Belfast Trojans - Shamrock Bowl XXIX winners.
Belfast Trojans – Shamrock Bowl XXIX winners.

After a thrilling Shamrock Bowl in Dalymount Park between the Belfast Trojans and Trinity College, the Trojans got the victory by beating the students 28-14 and earning their fourth Championship in a row.

This was the second consecutive year that these teams met in the final, in what was the first ever American football game in the historic central Dublin stadium. The game was played in close to ideal weather conditions and on front of a very enthusiastic crowd. Running back David Colvin won the Terry Lynch MVP Award after scoring two touchdowns in the game. Lord Mayor of Dublin, Criona Ni Dhalaigh was the special guest and took part in the coin toss ceremony along side International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Presidium members Robert Huber and Janice Ward. The standard of football on display was extremely high with both teams giving their all.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Criona NiDhalaigh with the Shamrock Bowl.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Criona NiDhalaigh with the Shamrock Bowl.

 

 

Belfast were stopped by Trinity on their opening drive. Then Rob McDowell, who was Trinity’s outstanding player of the game and revelling in his new role as a running quarterback, opened the scoring in the first quarter with a very impressive 48 yard run. The Trojans responded shortly afterwards with a 13 yard pass from quarterback James McKelvey to Colvin. Some good defensive plays stopped any further scoring in spite of both offences being able to run the ball. Trinity came close to scoring just before the half, but were intercepted in the endzone by Trojans cornerback James Gallagher. The score at halftime was 7-7.

Rob McDowell scores the games first touchdown.
Rob McDowell scores the games first touchdown.

The intensity of both teams appeared to increase in the second half, with both offences putting together a number of impressive drives. There were some impressive plays on both teams, but the Trojans experience appeared to give them an edge in capitalising on moving the ball. Belfast took the lead for the first time early in the 3rd quarter with Colvin scoring his second touchdown – a 24 yard pass from McKelvey. Trinity got their first scoring opportunity of the quarter after defensive back Brian O’Driscoll intercepted the Trojans. However, they failed to capitalise on the interception when Belfast’s Neil Graham recovered a fumble.

Both lines engaged in an intense battle all game.
Both lines engaged in an intense battle all game.

Early in an exciting fourth quarter of play, the Trojans extended their lead with Matt Armstrong scoring from 10 yards out following an impressive series of downs. However, Trinity fought right back with McDowell leading them on a long scoring drive capped off by a 2 yard touchdown run by Alex Gurnee to make the score 21-14. What followed was one of the most impressive plays in Shamrock Bowl history. Trojans kick-off returner, Johnathan Siri scored on a spectacular 85 yard kick-off return to make the score 28-14 in favour of the Trojans.

Matt Armstrong scores for the Trojans.
Matt Armstrong scores for the Trojans.

But Trinity were still fighting hard. On their next drive, McDowell, who was a close second to Colvin in the MVP balloting, led Trinity on another impressive drive to give them first and goal with 1:56 remaining in the game. Both Mick O’Shea and Alex Gurnee were stopped a couple of inches from the goal line on 3rd and 4th downs respectively to seal the win for the Trojans.

Trinity on offense.
Trinity on offense.

The Trojans will now travel to the GFL International Atlantic Cup tournament in the Netherlands next month where they will attempt to win a European title as Ireland’s representative in the competition.

The Shamrock Bowl was not the only national title decided at Dalymount. Earlier in the afternoon, the Mullingar Minotaurs defeated the Dublin Vipers 19-13 in Emerald Bowl I, the inaugural Flag Football National Championship game.

Mullingar Minotaurs play Dublin Vipers in Emerald Bowl I.
Mullingar Minotaurs play Dublin Vipers in Emerald Bowl I.
Large enthusiastic crowd enjoys the game.
Large enthusiastic crowd enjoys the game.
Trojans and Trinity battle during the third quarter.
Trojans and Trinity battle during the third quarter.
Minotaurs win Emerald Bowl I.
Minotaurs win Emerald Bowl I.
MVP David Colvin receives his Americanfood.ie gift basket.
MVP David Colvin receives his Americanfood.ie gift basket.

Shamrock Bowl XXIX Logo