Posts related to the IAFL1 league
Players who have paid their American Football Ireland membership for the 2020 season before midnight on 31 December 2019 will automatically be entered into the draw to win their membership fee back!
One player from each league (Shamrock Bowl Conference, IAFL 1 and IAFL 2) will be chosen at random with the 3 winners being announced on 03 January 2020.
Don’t miss out – purchase your membership today: https://iafa.azolve.com
2018/19 has been a stellar year for IAFA that’s seen a 31% increase in unique membership, with particularly strong growth at youth level, in female membership and officials. These statistics formed part of our Commissioners (interim, Brian Cleary) report at yesterday’s AGM.
| Year |
Unique Members |
% +/- |
| 2017 |
1314 |
+7% |
| 2018 |
1256 |
-4% |
| 2019 |
1641 |
+31% |
Overall memberships totalled 1774 – this includes members who took one more than one membership e.g. registered as an official and player.
| Year |
Overall Memberships |
% +/- |
| 2017 |
1567 |
|
| 2018 |
1635 |
+4% |
| 2019 |
1774 |
+9% |
Youth football had huge growth this year, thanks to the addition of four new teams to the youth league. Youth football is key to the future of our sport and whilst IAFA is pleased with this increase, IAFA will continue to push this growth and encourages more clubs to join the youth league in 2020.
Officiating was another department that seen considerable growth. There have been changes made to the operations of the officiating department, including 5 new personnel appointed to help improve standards across the whole department. The success of this can be clearly seen, with an 81% rise in the amount of trained and registered officials.
| Year |
Youth Kitted |
Officials |
Other |
| 2017 |
70 |
78 |
173 |
| 2018 |
63 |
75 |
44 |
| 2019 |
123 |
136 |
106 |
IAFA is delighted with the increase in female membership, with members taking on roles across all areas including kitted and flag players, coaches, officials and volunteers (club and NGB level). IAFA has worked hard to increase the visibility of American football to females as part of Sport Irelands 20×20 strategy. IAFA will continue to strategize to increase female membership and welcomes all feedback to help with that strategy.
Slight decreases were noted in the number of senior kitted players and coaches – IAFA are working hard to address this to ensure that these increase next year.
| Year |
Coaches |
Senior Kitted |
Flag |
| 2017 |
99 |
956 |
191 |
| 2018 |
125 |
1006 |
322 |
| 2019 |
110 |
968 |
331 |
Statistics collected using the IAFA registration system (Azolve).
American football is played right across the island of Ireland, with 22 teams competing at senior level (ages 18+). No prior sporting experience is needed to play – American Football is a sport for all shapes and sizes as well as for both females and males.
Many of our member clubs are currently recruiting for the 2020 seasons – they will have experienced, qualified coaches who will teach you all you need to know to play American football. Check out our A-Z of clubs and get in contact with your nearest club to start playing:
Connacht
Leinster
Munster
Ulster
We are now accepting applications for the 2020 Adult Kitted Season. All member teams and those that have expressed an interest in submitting a team for 2020 should have received an email. If you have not received this email, please contact the Commissioner immediately. The deadline for submission of application forms is strictly the 15th October 2019.
Ever thought about VOLUNTEERING with an American football club?
You don’t have to play to be part of something special. There are many roles available in every club such as coaches, team managers, game day personnel, photographers, videographers, statisticians, graphic design, equipment managers plus many more!
Check out our A-Z of clubs and get in contact with your nearest club to get involved:
Thanks to T. McCann and M. Lavery for the photos.
All to play for this Sunday with the IAFL 1 Bowl and promotion to the Shamrock Bowl Conference at stake as the IAFL 1 top seeds Craigavon Cowboys take on second seeds Westmeath Minotaurs. The game will be played at Navan RFC with live commentary, music, bar, BBQ and an ice cream van for spectators to enjoy and of course, the big game. Admission is free for everyone with the game kicking off at 2pm – not to be missed!
Craigavon Cowboys vs Westmeath Minotaurs
Form favours the Cowboys as they are currently on an eight game winning streak, whilst also carrying the best consistency having lost only one game this year. The Minotaurs had an excellent start to the season, winning six games in a row before losing their last two regular season games. These teams last met only four weeks ago where the Cowboys would return home from Mullingar RFC with a 26-0 win.
This will be the third bowl game for the Cowboys in three years, having lost out to the Mavericks and Rhinos in the previous two years. This has been an improved season for the County Armagh outfit, winning the league this year compared to finishing fifth in the 2018 overall standings. The Cowboys boast the better defense of the two teams, however they are up against the best offense in the league this Sunday. Cowboys head coach Greg Loughran will be hoping third times a charm and that the bowl makes its way back to Craigavon “We have to be confident going into this game but we are also well aware that nothing is guaranteed and that we have to perform at our best to come away with the win. We don’t have a right to the Bowl, it has to be earned and I’m pretty sure that the Minotaurs will be thinking along the same lines.”
The Minotaurs will contest their first ever bowl game this Sunday, following a stellar season so far. Changes off the pitch within the club set the foundations for the players to excel this year, which saw them improve on their fourth place finish in 2018 to second place in 2019. A tricky encounter with the Wexford Eagles two weeks ago, which had a 14-14 score line at half time, saw the team in purple emerge as 27-22 victors. Minotaurs head coach Conor Brennan was pleased with his team’s performance in the semi-final and has his team ready to try and bring home their first bowl “We’re really looking forward to the final. Obviously we didn’t like how the regular season ended as we felt that performance wasn’t what we were capable of. The semi-final result saw our big guns return to action and it was a much improved performance. We had a light session Sunday, just walking through plays and adjustments. I feel everyone is very excited but also relaxed at the same time. We’ve been around for eight or nine years at this stage and have had very mixed results over the years. We’ve gone 0-8, had some good years and some mediocre ones. Now we’re coming off back to back 6-2 seasons and playoff football so we’re just going to enjoy this occasion. That would be my message to the lads. We’ll aim to put in our best performance of the season and the result will look after itself.”
Location: Navan RFC, County Meath
Kick-off: 2pm
| 2019 Key Stats |
Cowboys |
Minotaurs |
| Regular Season Record |
7-1 |
6-2 |
| Avg Points Scored Per Game |
29.4 |
31.8 |
| Avg Points Conceded Per Game |
9.1 |
11.6 |
| Defensive Shutouts |
3 |
3 |
| Games W/L By 8 or Less Points |
1 |
2 |
| Most Recent Head To Head Results |
|
| 30 June 2019 |
Minotaurs 0-26 Cowboys |
| 06 May 2018 |
Cowboys 13-6 Minotaurs |
| 02 April 2017 |
Minotaurs 6-31 Cowboys |
This will be the third IAFL 1 Bowl appearance in three years for the Craigavon Cowboys, who finished top of the league after winning seven games and losing only their season opener. The Cowboys defeated Trinity College Dublin 27-19 in the semi-final to secure their spot at the IAFL 1 Bowl. Their defense finished as second best in the league, having only conceded an average of 7.9 points a game whilst the offense ended third best in the league scoring 238 points in eight games. We chatted with Cowboys president Jo Buchanan about the season so far and Sundays crunch game:
A tricky start to the season saw the Cowboys lose their only game this year to Trinity, before going on to win their next seven games and finishing top of IAFL 1. How much has the team improved from that first game to now?
“There has been a lot of changes throughout the season, particularly with new guys starting and old faces returning, which have been great additions to an already solid squad. We have played well in all three phases of the game and everyone has really come together week in week out to improve as a unit. Great coaches help too, we learned a lot about how we play in that Trinity game which let us make adjustments where needed. The team as a whole has improved massively since then.”
The Cowboys ran out 27-19 winners against Trinity in the semi-final, reaching the Bowl game as well as avenging their early season loss. What did you think of your team’s performance in that match?
“We were in first gear the whole first half. The heat was difficult to adapt to and we just weren’t clicking. We regrouped at half time and really stepped up our performance in the second half, which inevitably became too much for Trinity’s depleted squad. Fair play to them for travelling for such low numbers and putting in the performance they did. We have been working hard to ensure we start the bowl game playing like where we left off with Trinity.”
The Cowboys last played the Westmeath Minotaurs in June where their defense dominated, forcing a shutout against the Minotaurs high scoring offense. What is the game plan going into the Bowl game?
“We treat offense, defense and special teams equally as they are all just as important as each other. We have seen what the Minotaurs have but they were missing some players in the previous game, so we know this will be a completely different game. We will be focusing on us, our discipline and playing smash mouth Cowboys football.”
Finally, what advice would you like to give to your team before the big game on Sunday?
“It is a big occasion so soak it all in. Focus on your job and support your team mates. Finally and most importantly, enjoy it!”
Coaching/Volunteer Staff
| Head Coach |
Greg Loughran |
| Offensive Coordinator |
Christian Cowan |
| Defensive Coordinator |
Mark Beattie |
| Media Team |
Ben Fallon, Kerry Richards, Liam Grimley, Simon Richards |
Playing Squad
| Number | Name | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 01 |
Neil Maxwell |
WR |
| 05 |
Stephen Finnegan |
DB |
| 07 |
Peter Loughran |
QB |
| 09 |
Luis Alberto |
WR |
| 10 |
David McMichael |
DB |
| 13 |
Padraig Dynes |
DB |
| 14 |
Anton Nulty |
WR |
| 15 |
Christian Cowan |
WR |
| 22 |
Jo Buchanan |
LB/RB |
| 23 |
Lawrence Ruddock |
DB |
| 26 |
Stephen Brennan |
RB/K |
| 30 |
Christopher McLaughlin |
DB |
| 32 |
Gareth McShane |
LB |
| 34 |
John Murray |
LB |
| 36 |
Matthew Alexander |
DB |
| 44 |
Shayne Mone |
LB |
| 54 |
Conor Fearon |
OL |
| 56 |
Scott Buchanan |
OL |
| 57 |
James Loughran |
OL |
| 59 |
Criostoir Lewsley |
LB |
| 61 |
Jonny Magee |
OL |
| 63 |
Manny Bell |
OL |
| 77 |
Peadar McMahon |
OL |
| 81 |
Gavin McConnell |
DB |
| 83 |
Matthew Kelly |
WR |
| 84 |
Modestas Gargasas |
DL |
| 87 |
Peter Lundy |
TE |
| 88 |
Dylan Flanagan |
RB |
| 89 |
Conrad Smith |
TE |
| 90 |
Jason Duddy |
DL |
| 92 |
Joe Marley |
DL |
| 96 |
Micheal McGregor |
TE |
| 99 |
Anthony McArdle |
DL |
The Westmeath Minotaurs will enter their first IAFL 1 Bowl this Sunday, following an excellent regular season recording six wins and two losses. This was followed by a hard fought 27-22 win over the Wexford Eagles in the semi-final. The Minotaurs offense stood tall above the rest of the league scoring an average of 32.5 points per game during the regular season whilst the defense recorded three shut outs. We spoke with Minotaurs chairman Adam Ó Corcráin to get his thoughts on the season and the Bowl game:
A scintillating start to the season saw the Minotaurs win six games in a row, including three shutouts, before finishing the regular season with two losses and a second place finish in the league. What was the key to such an impressive season?
“Recruitment was key at the start of the season. We recruited eight new players both young and old who added greatly to our squad. Depth allowed us to keep guys in one position and gave them an opportunity to focus solely on that position. Moving Joe Kinahan from RB/SS to QB has helped us greatly. He has a firm grip of our offense and despite being only 20, he has shown great composure and maturity in the position. The final piece to the puzzle was handing our defence over to previous Head Coach Paddy Lally. Paddy put systems in place that allowed our defensive players to excel in their positions.”
The Minotaurs overcame the Eagles in the semi-final through a 27-22 win, thus completing the double over the Eagles this year. What did you think of your team’s performance in that match?
“We were extremely happy with our performance against a very strong Wexford outfit. We never have an easy game against them so to score 27 points on them in a playoff game was a feat in itself. It helped also that we were at close to full strength with players coming back from injury and holidays such as our captain and anchor of our offensive line JO Coyne. That win has given us great momentum going into the final.”
The IAFL 1 Bowl will see the Minotaurs take on the Craigavon Cowboys. Having already played them this season, what are your expectations for the game and how have you been preparing?
“Looking back on past results, we’ve never beaten the Cowboys but that won’t deter us in the slightest. We expect an extremely tough game against such an experienced team and as we all know anything can happen in a final. We know that we will be at full strength so we’ve tweaked what we’ve needed to tweak so it’s a matter of just bring on the final at this stage.”
Finally, what advice would you like to give to your coaches and players taking to the field on Sunday?
“We’ve learned from previous play-off experience not to focus ourselves too much and to be too serious. Being relaxed and going out to have fun is key. Enjoy the scores, enjoy the hits, and enjoy the atmosphere. Sport is about having fun above all else.”
| Head Coach |
Conor Brennan |
| Offensive Coordinator |
Bill Dougherty |
| Defensive Coordinator |
Paddy Lally |
| Assistant Coach |
Adam Ó Corcráin |
| Number | Name | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 05 |
Niall King |
DE/P |
| 07 |
Dermot Corroon |
DB |
| 11 |
Cormac Fagan |
WR |
| 13 |
Jack Lynch |
WR |
| 14 |
Niall Folan |
DB |
| 15 |
Dean Core |
DB |
| 16 |
Jordon Lacey |
DB |
| 19 |
Shaun Dalton |
WR |
| 20 |
Jason Owens |
DB |
| 23 |
Colm Sammon |
DB |
| 24 |
Andrew Patton |
RB |
| 27 |
Joe Kinahan |
QB |
| 28 |
Jay Bruton |
RB/K |
| 32 |
Rafael Monteiro |
RB/LB |
| 33 |
David Walsh |
WR |
| 34 |
Padraic Cunningham |
DB |
| 45 |
Niall Corcoran |
DE |
| 48 |
Steven Nally |
LB |
| 50 |
Jayo McBride |
LB |
| 52 |
Darren Sammon |
LB |
| 56 |
Kevin Monaghan |
OL |
| 63 |
Sean McCormack |
OL |
| 66 |
Liam Dougherty |
OL |
| 69 |
Kevin Tempany |
DT |
| 70 |
Ros McAdden |
OL |
| 72 |
Colin Regan |
OL |
| 73 |
JO Coyne |
OL |
| 76 |
Dean Johnston |
OL/DT |
| 77 |
Stephen Goonery |
OL |
| 82 |
Mark Mulvaney |
DB |
| 86 |
Conor Doughtery |
TE |
| 92 |
Luca Valentini |
DT |
| 94 |
Gordon Murphy |
DT |
Trinity College Dublin @ Craigavon Cowboys
There was 1276 points scored in IAFL 1 this season, with over a third (34.4%) of those scored by Trinity College and league champions Craigavon Cowboys. Whilst their offenses have been setting the pace, their defenses have also had an almighty season as Trinity finished the regular season with the best defense (only 47 points conceded in eight games) and the Cowboys defense coming second, having conceded an average of 7.9 points a game. The last time these two teams met, Trinity came out on top 14-2 in the season opener.
It has been a great season for Trinity, having bounced back from being relegated from the SBC last year. They recorded six wins and two losses, however both their losses came in the last two games they played, losing out to the Eagles and Minotaurs. Trinity line captain Kevin Seery is hoping that recent form will be overturned this Sunday “We are very excited to get back on the field this weekend. This is playoff football, and we know our season hinges on this game. We aren’t expecting an easy game, playing away against the league leaders. We have a very young team this year so for a lot of the guys this will be their first taste of playoff football. We’ve made massive strides as a team over the season and we’re confident that if some of our rookies like WR Franklin Obiekwe and Lineman Oisin Fullham Smith step up and give their all then we can come away with the W.”
With the Cowboys beating the Minotaurs and the Eagles beating Trinity on a frantic final day of the regular season, the Cowboys saw themselves propel from third to first in the table, clinching the league and a home playoff game. The Cowboys carry the best form into the playoffs having won their last seven games, most recently beating the Minotaurs and Eagles. Cowboys head coach Greg Loughran is keen to avenge the early season defeat to Trinity and get his team to their third consecutive IAFL 1 Bowl game “It’s post season football again for the Cowboys and this time around it’s a clash with the only team to beat us in the 2019 season, Trinity College Dublin. We owe it to ourselves to win this game.”
Location: Peoples Park, Portadown
Kick Off: 2pm
Its win or bust time in IAFL 1 as this Sunday see’s four teams go head to head with only two coming out the other side with an IAFL 1 Bowl spot. The four teams combined won 25 matches and lost only 7 this season, so both games are sure to be very competitive. We start our previews with a hard hitting match up in Mullingar.
Wexford Eagles (3rd, 6-2) @ Westmeath Minotaurs (2nd, 6-2)
Second versus third in what is sure to be a smash mouth game of football with both teams being run reliant. The last time these two teams met, the Minotaurs ran out comprehensive winners in Gorey beating the Eagles 39-16. However, the Minotaurs recent form has dipped, losing their two most recent games to the Mavericks and Cowboys. Momentum is certainly with the Eagles, who have won their most recent two games against the Vipers and Trinity.
The Eagles offense scored the second highest points during the regular season (239) however the defense finished fourth after conceding 123 points. Eagles head coach Kevin Klatt will be looking for his defense to step on Sunday “We know this game won’t be easy; the Minotaurs gave us our worst loss this season when we played them in March. However, we’ve moved on a lot since then. I like to think that the Eagles players and coaches have developed the ability to adapt to what other teams are doing ‘on the fly’ if you’ll excuse the play on words. We’ve got nearly a fully-fit squad, and given the performance of some of our rookies over the past few games, the Eagles coaches actually have selection problems of the good kind heading into this semi-final. We think a lot of people expected Trinity to win our game last Sunday. As they’ve done throughout my time with this club, the Eagles rose to the challenge and did exactly what was needed on the day. I know, hand-on-heart, that the players will leave it all out there again next Sunday, as we all know that a place in the final is at stake.”
The Minotaurs find themselves with home field advantage and only one game away from the Bowl after a terrific season. Six wins on the bounce saw them sit top of the table after their first six games but struggles recently saw them finish in second place. The Minotaurs offense is the best in the league, scoring an average of 32.5 per game. Minotaurs club captain Jo Coyne will be hoping his offense is firing all cylinders “We know what to expect from Wexford so we know we will not be handed anything and that we will have to earn every yard on the day. With a few key pieces back from injury/holidays we do think we can get back to playing the football which got us to the playoffs.”
Location: Mullingar RFC
Kick Off: 2pm
Two massive games in IAFL 1, with all four teams having already qualified for the playoffs but home advantage still up for grabs!
Craigavon Cowboys (6-1) @ Westmeath Minotaurs (6-1)
First versus third in what is a heavyweight match up as the Craigavon Cowboys travel south to take on the table toppers, Westmeath Minotaurs. All to play for as a win for either team would guarantee a home semi-final game on 14th July. The Minotaurs are coming off their first defeat of the season, where they were beaten 26-34 by the Louth Mavericks, whilst the Craigavon Cowboys have won six in a row, beating the Wexford Eagles 27-13 in their most recent match.
It was a disappointing result for the Minotaurs in their last match as their unbeaten ambitions came to an end. However Minotaurs head coach Conor Brennan isn’t fazed by the result and is confident his team can get the job done on Sunday “We’re looking forward to what will be a great challenge in the form of the Cowboys. There is a lot to play for in terms of playoff seeding. We’re looking to right a few wrongs after a disappointing showing against the Mavericks last time out. We’ll have to be at our very best to come away with a positive result.”
The Cowboys have improved significantly since their first game loss to Trinity. Whilst having the same record as the Minotaurs and Trinity, they find themselves in third place. Nothing but a win will do this Sunday as Cowboys president Jo Buchanan explains “The team are excited to travel to Mullingar this Sunday for a game we very much want to win. Our offense has really begun to click, whilst our defense has been on fire all season so I believe we are starting to come together at the right time. The Minotaurs always present a tough challenge, but we feel well prepared for the game.”
Location: Mullingar RFC
Kick Off: 2pm
Trinity College (6-1) @ Wexford Eagles (5-2)
A huge game for both teams who are in a quest for a home playoff game. Trinity currently sit second in the table and will secure a home semi-final should they win. The Eagles however face little to no chance of hosting a home semi-final, with only 1 of 9 possible outcome scenarios giving them hope. Both teams will both be looking for a win here to gain some momentum going into the playoffs.
Trinity have not played since 12 May where they were defeated for the first time this season by the Westmeath Minotaurs (06-21). Despite the extended break following a loss, Trinity secretary Rory O’Dwyer is confident his side can dig deep to get the win this Sunday “Trinity are looking forward to being back on the field after a series of unfortunate forfeits mean this will be our first game since mid-May. Even though we go in 6-1, we are by no means underestimating our opponents. The Eagles are a well-coached, strong side that are tough and hard hitting, we expect a very physical game.”
It has been a mixed season for the Eagles, who have faced many challenges but have proved worthy of a playoff spot. Eagles head coach Kevin Klatt will be looking for his team to continue on from where they left off in their last match versus the Vipers “This will be the first time we’ve ever played Trinity, and we’re really looking forward to meeting such a top-quality opponent. This is the type of game that can tell us how far we’ve come with our own game, as well as what we need to work on heading into the play-offs. While we know that this game will have a significant bearing on who plays who, and who plays where in the semi-finals, our guys understand very well that the only thing we can control is what happens in our own game, and that’s what we’re focused on. We had an excellent result in our last away game to the Vipers (a game the Eagles won, 50-6); all phases of our game clicked well on the day, and we’d like to keep that momentum going. But Trinity have only lost one game this year, and we expect a massive battle in our last home game of the season.”
Location: Gorey Celtic FC, Wexford
Kick Off: 2pm
Season Over
A disappointing end to 2019 for the Louth Mavericks (5th, 4-4) having hoped to bounce back into the SBC straight away following relegation last year. A tough start to their season saw them fall to 1-4 but a strong end to the season culminated with them beating the former unbeaten Westmeath Minotaurs and finish with a 4-4 record. Not the immediate return to the SBC the Mavericks were hoping for but the rebuilding process seems to be taking serious shape and should see them right in the mix once again next year.
Not the season the Donegal/Derry Vipers (6th, 2-6) where hoping for, whose only wins came via forfeits. The squad is certainly in a rebuilding phase having lost key players to injury and retirement after the 2018 season. Offensive struggles proved to be the sticking point this year, with the offense only scoring 33 points in the six games they played, including their first three games where they failed to score any points. Credit to the Vipers who stuck at it when the going got tough, plenty of room for improvement for next season which they will for sure be working hard on in the off season.
A season to forget for both the Waterford Wolves (7th, 1-7) and the Galway Warriors (8th, 0-8) who both faced major struggles on and off the pitch this year. The Wolves only win of the season came via a 29-0 win against the Warriors. Both teams will need to regroup quickly and begin preparations for 2020 as soon as possible to avoid a repeat of this season.
Venues and dates for the both IAFL1 and IAFL2 Bowl Games have been confirmed.
IAFL1 Bowl game will be held at the Navan RFC grounds on Sunday 28th of July. Teams have yet to be determined.
IAFL2 Bowl game will take place at the Newbrige College grounds on Sunday 14th of July and will see 1st seed Cill Dara Crusaders take on 2nd seed Meath Bulldogs.
As it stands four teams have already gained a berth in the IAFL1 playoff stage :
However, it is not yet clear which of these will take 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th seed.
The playoff games will take place on July 14th. Both games will be hosted by the top 2 seeds respectively.
Before we get to the scenarios here is some key factors to help us determine the possible outcome of each scenario.
The current standings as of last weekend are:
So – unto the scenarios. There are 9 possible outcomes so bear with us while we lay them out for you.
The Donegal/Derry Vipers will host the West Dublin Rhinos this weekend in an IAFL1 semi-final in Limavady Rugby Club as both sides battle it out to reach this year’s IAFL1 Bowl in Wexford. Continue reading “Vipers raring to go”
We caught up with Wexford Eagles Head Coach Kevin Klatt for a quick Q&A ahead of their Playoff semi-final against the Craigavon Cowboys this Weekend Continue reading “Q&A with Wexford Eagles Head Coach Kevin Klatt”
Wildcard Weekend produced everything you’d expect from Playoff Football, overtime games, tough defensive battles and some high scoring, as some teams moved on while others saw their season come to a shuddering end. Continue reading “Wildcard Weekend thrills and spills”
This weekend sees the Playoffs get underway in both the Shamrock Bowl Conference (SBC) and in the Irish American Football League Division One (IAFL1). Continue reading “Cowboys and Warriors get set for a playoff battle”
It was the final weekend of the regular season with two games down for decision, one each in both the SBC and IAFL1. Continue reading “Weekly Round-up: Rebels win SBC South as the Panthers make the playoffs”
This weekend in the Shamrock Bowl Conference saw the Trojans beat the Knights in a Belfast Derby, the reigning champions Rebels thrash the Vikings, the students of UCD finish the regular season unbeaten on 8-0, and the Panthers close in on a late Playoff place. Continue reading “Weekly Round-up: UCD end the season unbeaten and Trojans win the battle of Belfast”
The South Dublin Panthers were surprise winners over SBC South leaders the Cork Admirals on Sunday afternoon in front of a big crowd in the East Village Bowl at the CIT Stadium. Continue reading “Weekly Round-up: Panthers stun the Admirals while the Minotaurs slay previously unbeaten Eagles”
With the IAFL 1 regular season soon coming to a close, we look at each team’s current position and what they need to do to make the post season. Continue reading “IAFL 1 Playoff picture”
Ahead of what’s probably one of the biggest games of the season in IAFL1, the Wexford Eagles against the Westmeath Minotaurs, Eagles Head Coach Kevin Klatt spoke to the clubs Media team about keeping the momentum going ahead of the big game. Continue reading “Eagles hoping to keep the momentum going”
It was a big weekend in the race for the playoffs in IAFL1 as the Wexford Eagles were looking to move to 6-0 while the Donegal/Derry Vipers were hoping to clinch a playoff spot with an away win over the Meath Bulldogs. Continue reading “Weekly Round-up: Vipers reach the playoffs while the Eagles go 6-0”
The Wexford Eagles had only one goal heading into the 2018 season, promotion. After two years of relative success, where they were finalists in the IAFL 2 Bowl game in 2016 followed by semi-finalists in IAFL 1 last season, the Eagles now want to take that step up to the Shamrock Bowl Conference and test themselves against the best the country has to offer. Continue reading “Interview with Wexford Eagles Head Coach Kevin Klatt”
The big game over the weekend saw the champions, the Dublin Rebels head up to Belfast to face an ever improving Trojans side in Harlequins Rugby Club on Sunday afternoon.
IAFL 1 side Antrim Jets have announced ground-breaking partnerships with two clubs, the Coventry Jets from the UK and Australian club the Claremont Jets.
The Coventry Jets were formed in 2004 and they’ve been one of the most successful teams in the UK during their short history, having competed in six bowl games and four National Championships over eleven years. They also won BritBowl in 2008. Continue reading “Ground-breaking partnerships announced by the Antrim Jets”
The Shamrock Bowl Conference teams had a well deserved week off this weekend, as the IAFL 1 took centre stage, as both the Wexford Eagles and the Donegal/Derry Vipers took control in their respective conferences.
The Eagles, top of the Southern Conference standings, headed into their game in Malahide against the North Dublin Pirates on a 4-game winning steak, while in the Northern Conference the Vipers were looking to make it three wins in a row against the Craigavon Cowboys. Continue reading “Weekly Round-up: Eagles soar to 5-0”
This weekend saw three games take place in the Shamrock Bowl Conference, with wins for UCD, Cork Admirals and the Belfast Knights.
UCD continued their unbeaten start to the season, as they moved to 5-0, following a 21-12 win over the University of Limerick Vikings in Belfield. Continue reading “Weekly Round-up – UCD remain unbeaten in SBC”
The application process for the 2018 kitted league season has now opened. Between now and 11th October, all teams will be required to submit a detailed application form if they wish to play in 2018. Shortly after the deadline, the Association will contact all applications with a view to arranging a face to face meeting to discuss their application. New and returning teams all go through the same process which is designed to ensure that all entrants are capable of successfully completing a full season and, in some instances, to determine which level they should be playing at.
Returning teams will be very familiar with the process. New applicants can get assistance with completing their forms and the requirements.
A copy of the application form can be downloaded here:
The dates for the Shamrock Bowl Conference & IAFL1 playoffs have been announced along with provisional dates for the Shamrock Bowl and the IAFL1 and IAFL2 Bowl Games.
The dates remain provisional while confirmation on the availability of Tallaght Stadium is to be determined. This will depend on the necessity of FAI teams to use it for European Competitions.
The dates of the SBC Playoffs are:
The dates of the IAFL1 Playoffs are:
The dates of the IAFL2 Playoffs are:
SBC Playoff Determination
Play-Offs:
Wildcard – 2nd placed teams at home to the 3rd placed team in the same division with one exception as follows. If the 4th placed team in the other division has more points than the 3rd placed team in the same division, then the aforementioned 4th placed team shall replace the 3rd placed team.
Semi-Finals:
Wildcard Winner away to 1st placed team in other Division to the team hosting the wildcard game.
The winners of the Semi-Finals will meet in the Shamrock Bowl.
IAFL1 Playoff Determination
Semi Finals:
Bowl:
Winner Semi Final 1 vs Winner Semi Final 2.
IAFL2 Playoff Determination
1st vs 2nd.