American Football Ireland Explained

American Football Ireland
Pixels:170px
Sport:American football
Founded:1984 in Dublin, Ireland
Inaugural:1986
Teams:20
Country: Republic of Ireland
Northern Ireland
Champion:University College Dublin (2024)
Most Champs:Dublin Rebels (10 titles)

American Football Ireland (AFI) is the National Governing Body for American football for the island of Ireland. Founded in 1984 the AFI is entirely volunteer run and all American football played in Ireland is played at an amateur level.

History

1980s and 1990s

The first Shamrock Bowl game was played in 1986 between the Craigavon Cowboys and the Dublin Celts. The Cowboys won the first title played in Dublin. The Celts then went on to be the number 1 team in Ireland for the next 10 years, winning the Shamrock Bowl 5 times. The Celts were also the First Irish team to represent Ireland in the Euro Bowl – the then Champions league of European American Football.

2000s

During 2000, plans were made to resurrect the IAFL. The only fixture to be played in Ireland that year was an Irish selection against a visiting high school team – Mount St. Josephs from Maryland USA. In 2001, the Carrickfergus Knights, Dublin Dragons, Dublin Rebels and University of Limerick Vikings played a full league season of football. The Dublin Rebels defeated the Carrickfergus Knights in Shamrock Bowl XV, which was played in Carrickfergus.

All four teams participated in the reformation of the Irish American Football League (IAFL). A new league structure and administration was put in place and the IAFL helped form the Irish American Football Association (IAFA) – the new national governing body for the sport. During 2002, the sport found a new lease on life in Ireland. Again, four teams contested the league with the Carrickfergus Knights defeating the UL Vikings in Shamrock Bowl XVI. However, during the course of the year there were some significant developments. Firstly, three development teams applied to join the league for 2003. Secondly, an Irish team won an International club competition for the first time ever. In June, the Dublin Rebels travelled to Belgium and won the Charleroi Trophy against the Charleroi Cougars and two French teams – Reims Champs and Forbach Taupes. The season finished on a high note with the visit of Team Canada, the Canadian U21 team. The Carrickfergus Knights played Team Canada in Dublin and performed well in a 34–6 defeat.

2003 turned out to be one of the best years ever for Irish American football. Three more teams – Cork, Belfast & Craigavon – joined the IAFL bringing the total up to seven. The Carrickfergus Knights, Cork Admirals, Dublin Dragons and Dublin Rebels played in Division 1. The Belfast Bulls, Craigavon Cowboys and UL Vikings played in Division 2 which was created to help development teams get competitive game experience.

Membership in the IAFL increased significantly and the standard of play was higher than in previous years. In June 2003, the Dublin Rebels returned to Belgium to defend their Charleroi Trophy title. They were joined in Belgium by the Carrickfergus Knights. The Rebels won the Charleroi Trophy, defeating local team, the Charleroi Cougars in the Tournament final. The Knights came third, ahead of French team, Celtes de Mitry.

The Knights finished first in the league to qualify for the Shamrock Bowl. The Rebels beat the Cork Admirals in the semi-final and then defeated the Knights 24–12 in a spectacular Shamrock Bowl XVII, played at Suttonians RFC in Dublin. The game attracted a large crowd and some media attention – highlights were broadcast on TV3 in Ireland and Sky Sports throughout Europe. The Belfast Bulls won the Division 2 title. The season finished with the first ever IAFL Allstar game in which the North defeated the South 7–0.

During the 2003–2004 off-season, Coach Phil DeMonte (ex-Oxford University Cavaliers) was appointed as the head coach of the Irish National Team and IAFL Allstars. Coach DeMonte will also help with the education of coaches throughout Ireland. 2004 promised to be the best season ever for Irish American football both on and off the field and did not fail to deliver. 6 teams played a full competitive league schedule and the standard of play was higher than at any time in the previous 10 years. IAFL membership reached an all-time high of more than 300 registered players. All teams had bigger rosters and most of the rookies were in the 17–21 age group. The Dublin Rebels defeated the Carrickfergus Knights 24–22 in Shamrock Bowl XVIII. The game, which attracted a record attendance for an IAFL game, is regarded as the best ever Shamrock Bowl. 2004 also saw the return of the Ireland team. The team played two fixtures including the inaugural Celtic Classic against John Carroll University from Ohio, USA.

In 2005 the same six teams competed for the Shamrock Bowl. Again the Rebels ran out victorious with a tough fought win against the Belfast Bulls in the big game.The 2006 season saw the addition of new teams the DCU Saints and Dublin Marshals to the IAFL making the total number of competing teams, 8, the highest it had been in many years. The UL Vikings faced the Rebels in the Bowl game, which the Rebels won, making it their fourth consecutive Shamrock Bowl win.

The 2007 season was contested by nine teams, following the addition of the Belfast Trojans and the Tallaght Outlaws to the league. The 2007 Shamrock Bowl was won by UL Vikings.

After the 2008 season, the Tallaght Outlaws decided to stop playing in the league, after playing two full seasons in the league.

Structure

AFI oversee the administration of 3 codes:

Within the Senior American Football code, there are 3 separate divisions:

The Youth American Football section expands year on year, with a record 7 teams competing for the AFI Youth Plate in 2019. The Cork Admirals are the current champions.

The Flag Football section is split into 2 separate conferences:

The Premier Division consists of eight senior teams. For the 2021 Season, the Premier Division will consist of:

Teams

The League consists of three tiers of football, starting with the Premier Division, also known as the SBC. Below are the IAFL 1 and IAFL 2 divisions. The 2019 season was the last year the League ran due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Division (SBC)

TeamCityStadium / Home FieldFoundedHead coach
Malone Rugby Club 1993 Adam Devenney
2006 James McKelvey
2002 Alan Lomasney
1995 Ross McCooey
Kings Hospital, Palmerstown 2014 Ben Arulogun
UCD Sports Ground 2007 Dave Murphy
UL Sports Ground 1999 Glenn Carr
2008 Chris Cullen

Division 1 (IAFL 1)

TeamCityStadium / Home FieldFoundedHead coach
Peoples Park 1986 Greg Loughran
Donegal Vipers Vale Centre 2014
St Mary's College 2012
Louth Mavericks Dundalk Rugby Club 2012 Angelo Arena
TCD Sports Ground 2008
Waterford Wolves Waterpark Rugby Park 2005
Westmeath Minotaurs Mullingar Rugby Club 2011
Wexford Eagles Garden City Pitch 2015

Division 2 (IAFL 2)

TeamCityStadium / Home FieldFoundedHead coach
Antrim Jets Antrim Leisure Centre 2015
Causeway Giants Limepark Playing Fields2018
Cill Dara Crusaders Newbridge College 2018 Ken Farrell
NI Razorbacks Newforge Police Club 2015
Malahide Rugby Club 2015
Meath Bulldogs Blackwater Park2008

Defunct teams

Shamrock Bowl appearances by team

AppearancesTeam[1] WinsLossesSeason(s)[2]
16Dublin Rebels1062001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024
10Carrickfergus Knights371994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2017
8UL Vikings352002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
7Dublin Celts431986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993
6Belfast Trojans512012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019
4Dublin Tornadoes311993, 1994, 1995, 1996
4Craigavon Cowboys311986, 1987, 1990, 1992
3UCD American Football212022, 2023, 2024
3Antrim Bulldogs031989, 1991, 1992
2Cork Admirals112007, 2018
2Dublin Tigers111998, 1999
2Trinity College022014, 2015
1Dublin Lightning101996
1Belfast Blitzers011988
1Dublin Bulls011997
1Belfast Bulls012005
1South Dublin Panthers012019

Results

2006 season

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = TiesLeague Table

Position Team Played W L T Pts
1 8 8 0 0 16
2 8 6 2 0 12
3 8 5 2 1 11
4 8 4 3 1 9
5 8 2 4 2 6
6 8 3 5 0 6
7 8 1 7 0 2
8 North Dublin Marshals 8 1 7 0 2

[3]

2007 season

Format

In 2007, to cope with the growing number of teams, a divisional format was introduced to replace the old league format. In it, the existing teams were divided into three divisions, Northern, Central and Southern, three teams in each. The idea of the divisional format is that any new teams, such as the up-coming development teams, will easily fit into the divisional format without dramatically increasing the length of the season, which currently runs from February/March to Early August. The top team from each division all go into the play-offs and the two second placed teams, with the highest numbers of points, playing a wildcard game for the 4th spot. The winners of the playoffs battle it out for the Shamrock Bowl.

Northern Division Central Division Southern Division
Belfast BullsDublin RebelsUL Vikings
Belfast TrojansDublin DragonsCork Admirals
Carrickfergus KnightsDCU SaintsTallaght Outlaws
The 2007 IAFL season, complete with new divisional format was due to begin on 4 March with the College Championship game between DCU Saints and UL Vikings, but the game was delayed due to rain, so the season proper began on 25 March when the Cork Admirals beat the Belfast Bulls, the UL Vikings beat the Tallaght Outlaws and Dublin Rebels (then Shamrock Bowl Holders) beat the DCU Saints. The season continued throughout April and May, with the IAFL College Championship Game eventually been rescheduled on 3 June, with the UL Vikings beating the DCU Saints 50–2.

During the course of the regular season, two non-league games were played against foreign opposition, with CMS College Stags beating the Tallaght Outlaws 67–0 and, in the Claddagh Classic on 2 June, the Team USA All-Stars beat the Carrickfergus Knights 26–0.

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

Northern Division

Position Team W L T Pts
1 4 3 1 9
2 3 3 28
3 3 4 1 7

Central Division

Position Team W L T Pts
1 7 1 0 14
2 2 6 0 4
3 2 6 0 4

Southern Division

Position Team W L T Pts
1 7 1 0 14
2 6 2 0 12
3 0 8 0 0

The play-off positions were decided on the last day of the regular season, with the Belfast Bulls, Dublin Rebels and UL Vikings securing their respective Divisional titles and the Belfast Trojans and Cork Admirals as the wildcard teams. Cork Admirals won the wildcard game and set up a play-off tie with the Dublin Rebels, strongly fancied to retain the Shamrock Bowl for the 5th consecutive time. However, Cork managed to win a close fought 8–6 victory and secured their first ever bowl appearance against UL Vikings, who beat the Belfast Bulls 44–2 to set the stage for the first ever all-Munster Shamrock Bowl. The UL Vikings won a close game 22–14 to win Shamrock Bowl XXI and claim their first ever title.

2008 season

An AGM held on 25 November decided the format for the 2008 season. It was decided to gradually phase out under 18 kitted players and start a junior (i.e. 16–18 age group) league. It was also decided to run a DV-8's league, where development teams and entrants from already established teams can field rookies in 8 a side matches. This would also help teams who are just starting out to get some playing time and reduce the pressure to find new players, which has plagued new IAFL teams in the past.

It was decided to keep the league format the same. The same teams will compete in the same divisions, with the exception of the Dublin Rhinos, a spin-off from the Dublin Dragons, who will replace the Dragons in the IAFL Central. The league for 2008 looks like this.

Northern Division Central Division Southern Division
Belfast BullsDublin RebelsUL Vikings
Belfast TrojansDublin RhinosCork Admirals
Carrickfergus KnightsDCU SaintsTallaght Outlaws

The Development League (DV8) consists of the following teams.

DV8 League
Craigavon Cowboys
Cork Admirals 2nd
Dublin Dragons
Trinity Thunderbolts
Edenderry Soldiers
Dublin Rebels 2nd

2009 season

It was decided to continue running the DV-8's league, where development teams could learn and improve on the basics of football in a competitive league setting. This would also help teams who are just starting out to get some playing time and reduce the pressure to find new players, which has plagued new IAFL teams in the past.

The IAFL format was changed to a single division rather than the previous North, South and Central divisions in which each team would play eight matches, seeded to make the league more competitive. the top four teams would go to the playoffs in which the number 1 seeded team would face the number 4 seeded team, and the number 2 seeded team would face the number 2 seeded team. both winners would then play in the shamrock bowl. the league looks like this:

IAFL
Dublin Rebels
UL Vikings
Carrickfergus Knights
Belfast Trojans
Cork Admirals
West Dublin Rhinos
DCU Saints

The Development League (DV8) consists of the following teams.

DV8 League
Craigavon Cowboys
UCD
Dublin Dragons
Trinity College Dublin
Edenderry/Midland Soldiers
Erris Rams

2010 season

The 2010 IAFL season, has returned to the divisional format. There are now an unprecedented number of teams competing in this fast growing league with a total of 11 teams taking part in the senior IAFL and 3 teams plus a number of rookie teams provided by some of the larger senior teams in the DV-8's. The league format will look like this:

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

Northern Division

Position Team W L T Pts
1 6 2 0 12
2 4 4 0 8
3 3 5 0 6

Central Division

Position Team W L T Pts
1 8 0 0 16
2 3 3 2 8
3 2 5 1 4
4 2 5 1 4

Southern Division

Position Team W L T Pts
1 6 1 1 13
2 5 2 1 11
3 UCD 2 6 0 2
4 0 8 0 0

DV8's

Position Team W L T Pts
1 Tullamore Phoenixes 0 0 0 0
2 Castlebar/Erris Rams 0 0 0 0
3 Carlow Chargers 0 0 0 0
4 Dublin Rebels 2nd Team 0 0 0 0
5 UL Vikings/Carrickfergus Knights 2nd Team 0 0 0 0

2012 season

This years IAFL will be contested by a record 11 teams. The Tullamore Phoenix step up from DV8s level to join the ten sides who contested the 2011 season. The regular will start in late February, which is earlier than in previous years. It will conclude on 10 June. The playoffs and Shamrock Bowl will take place from mid June to mid July.

The big change this year is that the structure has been changed from 3 regional divisions to 2 regional divisions – IAFL North and IAFL South. These divisions will have 5 and 6 teams respectively as opposed to either 3 or 4 under last years format. This change gives a better balance between the divisions. Consequently, there will be some changes to the playoff structure. The top team in each division will host a Semi-Final. Each 3rd placed team will travel to the 2nd placed team in their division in the Wildcard round.

As with last year, each team will play 8 regular season games. Most teams will play all the teams in their division once and a selection of teams in the other division. This is a change from last years format whereby teams played home and away against all divisional opponents. However, the change gives teams a greater variety of opponents as well more common opponents.

There are 4 doubleheaders scheduled for the upcoming season where four teams will play at one venue on the same day. Each of these should be great day out for IAFL supporters.

The schedule and divisional standings can be found below. Please note that there are a small number confirmations to be made, so please check this site regularly for updates. One of these confirmations is the annual Colours match between Trinity College and UCD.[4]

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

North

Position Team Played W L T Pts
1 8 8 0 0 16
2 8 4 4 0 8
3 8 2 6 0 4
4 8 2 6 0 4
5 8 0 8 0 0

South

Position Team Played W L T Pts
1 8 8 0 0 16
2 8 6 2 0 12
3 8 6 2 0 12
4 8 4 4 0 8
5 8 3 5 0 6
6 Tullamore Phoenix 8 1 7 0 1

2013 season

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

North

Position Team Played W L T Pts
1 8 8 0 0 16
2 8 5 3 0 10
3 8 3 4 1 7
4 8 2 6 0 4
5 8 1 6 1 3

South

Position Team Played W L T Pts
1 7 5 2 0 10
2 7 5 2 0 10
3 7 3 4 0 5
4 8 0 5 0 0

[5]

2014 season

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

North

Position Team Played W L T Pts
1 8 7 1 0 14
2 8 7 1 0 14
3 8 3 5 0 6
4 8 2 6 0 4
5 8 1 7 0 2

South

Position Team Played W L T Pts
1 8 8 0 0 16
2 8 6 2 0 12
3 8 3 5 0 6
4 8 3 5 0 6
5 Waterford Wolves 8 0 8 0 0

[6]

2015 season

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties

North

Position Team Played W L T Pts
1 8 8 0 0 16
2 8 5 3 0 10
3 8 3 5 0 6
4 8 2 6 0 4
5 8 2 6 0 4

South

Position Team Played W L T Pts
1 8 7 1 0 16
2 8 6 2 0 12
3 8 3 5 0 6
4 8 3 5 0 6
5 8 1 7 0 2

[7]

2016 season

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
North[8] [9]

Position Team Played W L T Pts
1 8 7 1 0 14
2 8 6 2 0 12
3 8 6 2 0 12
4 8 0 8 0 0
5 8 1 7 0 -1

South[10]

Position Team Played W L T Pts
1 8 6 1 1 13
2 8 6 1 1 13
3 8 2 6 0 4
4 8 2 6 0 4

2016 Playoffs

Shamrock Bowl Preview[11] Shamrock Bowl Results[12]

2017 season

SBC – North!Position!Team!W!L!T!Pts
1Belfast Knights53010
2Belfast Trojans4408
3University College Dublin3506
4South Dublin Panthers2604
SBC – South!Position!Team!W!L!T!Pts
1Dublin Rebels71014
2UL Vikings71014
3Cork Admirals4319
4Trinity College Dublin3417
5North Kildare Reapers0800

2018 season

SBC – North!Position!Team!W!L!T!Pts!PF!PA!+/-
1University College Dublin81016266128138
2Belfast Trojans72014276128148
3Belfast Knights5401022615868
4Louth Mavericks080049300–251
5Trinity College Dublin170–1 67201–134
SBC – South!Position!Team!W!L!T!Pts!PF!PA!+/-
1Dublin Rebels6201220664142
2Cork Admirals530101537479
3South Dublin Panthers350667150–83
4UL Vikings260475183–108

2018 Playoffs

2019 season

2019 playoffs

2022 season

Season standings

PositionTeamWLTPtsPFPA+/-
1Dublin Rebels8001632279243
2University College Dublin61113289116173
3Cork Admirals5211118512461
4South Dublin Panthers4408174175–1
5Belfast Trojans4408 22619927
6Craigavon Cowboys2604114276–162
7Belfast Knights1702143254–111
8West Dublin Rhinos1702 40270–230
Reference:[13]

2022 Playoffs

2023 Season

2023 Playoffs

2024 season

Season standings

PositionTeamWLTPtsPFPA+/-
1Dublin Rebels71014261119161
2University College Dublin71014316119197
3620122172089
4Belfast Trojans431915513817
5Belfast Knights3417 142180–38
6251518716819
7UL Vikings161366252–186
8Westmeath Minotaurs0802093272–179
Reference:

2024 Playoffs

League MVP award winners

Year Winner Team Position
2005 Erin Wagner Running back/defensive end
2006 Simon Mackey Running back/defensive end
2007 Seamus Hogan Safety/running back/Kick returner
2008 Jim Davis Offensive tackle/defensive end
2009 Liam Ryan Quarterback/Safety
2010 Aaron Smith Running back
2011 Rob McDowell Running back

Notes and References

  1. Bold indicate currently active team
  2. Bold years indicate winning seasons.
  3. Web site: Irish American Football League :: I A F L ::. Americanfoo0tball.ie. 28 April 2016.
  4. Web site: 2012 IAFL Schedule Published - New Format Announced. . 9 January 2012 . Irish American Football Association . 28 April 2016.
  5. Web site: 2013 Shamrock Bowl Conference Schedule Published. Irish American Football Association. 17 December 2012 . 28 April 2016.
  6. Web site: 2016 IAFA STANDINGS. Dublinrebels.com. 28 April 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160513082513/http://dublinrebels.com/?page_id=1431. 13 May 2016. dead.
  7. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20100408122227/http://www.americanfootball.ie/iafl-standings/ . 8 April 2010 . IAFL Standings/Schedule . Irish American Football Association . 9 June 2018 .
  8. Web site: Shamrock Bowl Conference . Irish American Football Association . 2017-02-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20160714073735/http://www.americanfootball.ie/contact-football/shamrock-bowl-conference/. 14 July 2016. dead.
  9. Web site: 2016 SBC North. Nfl-ireland.com. 2017-02-27.
  10. Web site: 2016 SBC North. Nfl-ireland.com. 2017-02-27.
  11. Web site: Shamrock Bowl XXX Preview - Belfast Trojans face the Dublin Rebels in Ireland's Championship game. . American Football International. 6 August 2016 . 2017-02-27.
  12. Web site: Dublin Rebels capture 8th Irish Championship with last second win over Belfast Trojans. 9 August 2016. Americanfoo0tballinternational.com. 2017-02-27.
  13. Web site: Premier Division . American Football . 6 October 2022.