Category: Gridiron Football

European American Football | Ireland v European Teams 1995-1996

Ireland & IAFL Allstars vs European Opposition 1995-1996

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Date Irish Team European Team
03.09.95 Ireland 6 Hanau Hawks 19
26.11.95 Ireland 45 GB NW Allstars 0
1995 Ireland 0 Great Britain 22
1996 Ireland 36 Northants Storm (Eng) 30

[1][2][3][4]

 

Bibliography

 

 

[1] Anon. (1996) “NORTHANTS MOVEN ON UP” First Down. April 6, 1996.

 

Websites

 

[2] Britball Now (2009) British and Irish Friendly results against foreign opposition [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/UKClubsForeignOppo.html [Accessed 16 November 2017]

[3] British Collegiate American Football League (2001) GB Bulldogs History [Internet] Available from: http://web.archive.org/web/20010710011259/http://bcafl.org/cgi-bcafl/showdoc.pl?section=/bulldogs&article=1 [Accessed 27 March 2018]

[4] Irish American Football Association (2006) Team Ireland 8 Coventry Cassidy Jets 35 [Internet] Available from: https://web.archive.org/web/20071117035949/http://www.dublindragons.com/e107/news.php?extend.20 [Accessed 31 October 2017]

 

Acknowledgements

 

Thanks to Cillian Smith, Michael Smith, Ralph Schmeer and Michael Brophy of the Irish American Football Association and Irish American Football Officials Association.

 

About this document

 

Researched, compilred and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 15 February 2019

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.

Irish American Football Teams v Canadian Semi-Pro Teams 1994-1995

DateIrish Team Canadian Team 
07.1994Carrickfergus/BelfastLHull Raiders (QC)W
10.07.1994Dublin Tornadoes18Hull Raiders (QC)17
08.1994Dublin Tornadoes19Team Canada 18
08.1994Ireland/Le Mans Caimans7Team Canada27
19.07.1995Ireland22Ottawa Gee Gees Alumni (ON)34
03.08.1995Ireland27Ottawa Gee Gees Alumni (ON)24
Irish American Football teams versus Canadian teams 1994-1995 [Reference 1-12]

Irish American Football teams have played Canadian teams as well as American teams, faring much better.

The first of these matches was in 1994, when the Hull Raiders from Quebec toured Ireland, defeating a combined Carrickfergus/Belfast team and losing 18-17 to the Dublin Tornadoes, who would also defeat a Team Canada 19-18, while a combined Ireland/Le Mans Caimans team would lose 27-7 to the Canadians in France. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

In 1995, Team Ireland would split a two-game series with the Gee-Gees a Canadian Alumni team from Ottawa. During these games Canadian Football rules were slipped in, making it difficult for the Irish teams.[5][6][7][8]

Carrickfergus Knights lost a game to a Team Canada U21s, 34-6 in 2002 [10],  before Ireland U20s beat Greendell Falcons, a junior team from Manitoba 22-20 in 2013 [11].

[1] Evening Herald (1993) Tornadoes Plan for ’94 Evening Herald. Thursday, October 07, 1993, pg. 52

[2] Evening Herald (1994) YOUR SPORTING UPDATE AT A GLANCE – AMERICAN FOOTBALL Evening Herald. Thursday February 17, 1994, pg. 53

[3] Evening Herald (1994) Tornadoes Test Evening Herald. Thursday July 07, 1994, pg. 61

[4] Evening Herald (1994) “Tornadoes Test” Evening Herald. Thursday July 07, 1994, pg. 61

[5] Irish American Football Association (2016) History of US Teams playing in Ireland [Internet] Available from: http://www.americanfootball.ie/history-of-us-teams-playing-in-ireland/ [Accessed 22 November 2016]

[6] Wayback Machine – Irish National Team (1999) The Irish National Team [Internet] Available from: http://web.archive.org/web/19990203153252/http://fiachra.ucd.ie/~alan/national_team.html [Accessed 5 July 2017]

[7] Wayback Machine – Dublin Tornadoes (2000) Welcome to the Dublin Tornadoes Web Site [Internet] Available from: http://web.archive.org/web/20000422074512/http://www.connect.ie/users/tornadoes/Welcome.htm [Accessed 16 April 2017]</p

[8] Wayback Machine – Dublin Tornadoes (2001) Irish National American Football Team [Internet] Available from: http://web.archive.org/web/20010710173628/http://www.connect.ie/users/tornadoes/NatTeam/History.htm [Accessed 16 April 2017]

[9] Wayback Machine – Irish American Football Association (2002) August 25th 2002 – TEAM CANADA 34 – 6 CARRICKFERGUS KNIGHTS [Internet] Available from: http://web.archive.org/web/20021210031300/http://www.irish-american-football.org/news%20stories/25aug02.htm [Accessed 8 October 2017]

[10] Irish American Football Association (2013) IAFA U20s have historic win against Greendell Falcons [Internet] Available from: http://www.americanfootball.ie/breaking-news-iafa-u20s-win-against-greendell-falcons/ [Accessed 30 April 2017]

[11] Greendell Falcons (2017) MMFA Schedule [Internet] Available from: http://falconsfootball.ca/index.php [Accessed 16 November 2017]

[12] Irish American Football Association (2016) Journey to Thirty [Internet] Available from: http://www.americanfootball.ie/journeyto-thirty/ [Accessed 08 August 2016]

Thanks to Cillian Smith, Michael Smith, Ralph Schmeer and Michael Brophy of the Irish American Football Association and Irish American Football Officials Association. Also thanks to Ciaran Columb, Marlay Martyrs

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 10 July 2025. First Published: 27 January 2020

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2020

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.

NFL & NCAA Pre-Season Games in Ireland 1988-1997

NFL & NCAA Pre-Season Games 1988-1997

DateHome Team Away Team 
 NCAA Pre-Season   
19.11.88Boston College Eagles38Army Black Knights24
02.12.89Pittsburgh Panthers46Rutgers Scarlet Knights29
16.11.91Holy Cross24Fordham19
29.11.92Bowdoin7Tufts6
02.11.96Notre Dame Fighting Irish54Navy Midshipmen27
 NFL Pre-Season    
1997Pittsburgh Steelers30Chicago Bears17

[1][2][3][4]

Bibliography

[1] Evening Herald (1993) Tornadoes Plan for ’94 Evening Herald. Thursday, October 07, 1993, pg. 52

[2] Evening Herald (1994) YOUR SPORTING UPDATE AT A GLANCE – AMERICAN FOOTBALL Evening Herald. Thursday February 17, 1994, pg. 53

[3] Evening Herald (1994) Tornadoes Test Evening Herald. Thursday July 07, 1994, pg. 61

Websites

[4] Lucky Show (2016) American Football in Ireland [Internet] Available from: http://www.luckyshow.org/football/Shamrock%20Bowl.htm [Accessed 5 June 2017]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Cillian Smith, Michael Smith, Ralph Schmeer and Michael Brophy of the Irish American Football Association and Irish American Football Officials Association.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 15 February 2019

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.

European Football League | Eurobowl 1988-1992

EFL Eurobowl 1988-1992

European Team

DateRoundIrish Team European Team 
  Eurobowl II   
1988QualDublin Celts12Graz Giants (Aut)36
  Eurobowl III   
1989Rd 1Dublin Celts3Birmingham Bulls (Eng)29
  Eurobowl IV   
1990PrelimDublin Celts30Barcelona Boxers (Esp)0
1990Rd 1Dublin Celts12Manchester Spartans (Eng)28
  Eurobowl V   
1991Rd 1Craigavon Cowboys6Brussels Raiders (Bel)16
  Eurobowl VI   
1992Rd 1Dublin Celts0Birmingham Bulls (Eng)20

[1][2][3]

Report

________________________________________________________

The Eurobowl was the European Championship for the National Club Champions of Europe. It was first staged in 1986, and the Irish Champions first took part in 1988.

The Dublin Celts were Ireland’s first representatives in the Eurobowl, losing 36-12 to Austria’s Graz Giants in the Qualifying Round.   The following year the Celts represented Ireland again, losing 29-3 to the United Kingdom’s Birmingham Bulls. [3]

1990 proved historic, with the Dublin Celts winning 30-0 over the Barcelona Boxers, in an Irish teams first victory in European competition. The game was abandoned at half-time after the Barcelona players walked off the pitch complaining that a Celts player was using illegal studs, however, the result stood as the match officials had checked the kit before kickoff and judged it to be all within regulation. [3]

The Celts lost in the next round 28-12 to the Manchester Spartans in what was claimed to be the best performance by an Irish team against English opposition. [3]

In 1991 the Craigavon Cowboys played at home against the Brussels Raiders, losing 16-6 in front of a large crowd. [3]

The Dublin Celts again faced English opposition in 1992, losing 20-0 to the Birmingham Bulls. This was the last time Irish teams entered the Eurobowl as the Irish Association left the EFL due to Britain being expelled – it would have been too costly for the small Irish association to travel anywhere else to play matches. [3]

Dublin Celts QB John Donnelly v Birmingham Bulls – Eurobowl Qualifier 1989 [Reference: [4]

Bibliography

[1] Naughton, L. (1990) “Dublin Celts ready to roll” Evening Herald. Thursday, April 5, 1990. Pg. 52.

[2] Naughton, L. (1991) “COWBOYS TEST” Evening Herald. Thursday, February 14, 1991. Pg. 61.

Websites

[3] Britball Now (2009) Results in Euro Competition [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-in-euro-competition.html [Accessed 1 November 2016]

Images

[4] Britball Now | Facebook (2016) Photo February 26, 2016: ” Birmingham Bulls defense swarm over Dublin Celts QB John Donnelly in this 1989 Eurobowl qualifier “[Internet] Available from: https://www.facebook.com/131555973564179/photos/a.616537095066062/946026535450448/?type=3&theater [Accessed 11 November 2019]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Cillian Smith, Michael Smith, Ralph Schmeer and Michael Brophy of the Irish American Football Association and Irish American Football Officials Association.

About this document

Researched, compilred and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 15 February 2019

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.

American Football Association of Ireland All-Ireland American Football League 1993

League Table

PWLTPFPAPct
North
*Craigavon Cowboys6411
*Belfast Spartans5140
Antrim Bulldogs4040
South
*Dublin Tornadoes10901.950
*Dublin Celts10550.500
Lee Valley Steelers5050

Playoff Results

DateHome TeamAway Team
Semi-Finals
12.09.1993Dublin Tornadoes20Belfast Spartans0
12.09.1993Craigavon Cowboys0Dublin Celts19
Shamrock Bowl VII
26.09.1993Dublin Tornadoes19Dublin Celts2

[2][3]

Regular Season Results

DateHome TeamAway Team
Week 1
16.05.93Dublin TornadoesWBelfast SpartansL
16.05.93Lee Valley SteelersLDublin CeltsW
16.05.93Craigavon CowboysWAntrim Bulldogs0
Week 4
30.05.93Craigavon Cowboys15Lee Valley Steelers0
30.05.93Dublin Tornadoes24Dublin Celts0
Week 5
05.06.93Dublin Tornadoes0Craigavon Cowboys0 ot
05.06.93Dublin Celts3Antrim Bulldogs0
05.06.93Belfast Spartans17Lee Valley Steelers0
Week
13.06.93Dublin Celts24Belfast Spartans0
Week
04.07.93Dublin Tornadoes33Belfast Spartans0
Week
11.07.93Dublin Tornadoes48Lee Valley Steelers0
18.07.93Lee Valley Steelers0Dublin Tornadoes31
Week
22.08.93Dublin Tornadoes23Dublin Celts7
Week
06.1993Dublin Celts13Belfast Spartans0
Dublin Celts0Craigavon Cowboys3
Dublin Celts6Craigavon Cowboys7

[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]

dublin-tornadoes-1993-shamrock-bowl-winners

Dublin Tornadoes 1993 Shamrock Bowl Winners[11]

References

______________________________________________________________________________

Sources

[1] (1993) Dublin Celts Team Roster 1993. Shamrock Bowl Programme. 26 September.

[2] (1993) Tornadoes Bowl Glory.First Down. 9 October, p. 20.

[3] (1993) Storm Dave Talks Back. First Down. 15 May, p. 18.

[4] (1993) Coast Guard at Sea. First Down. 12 June, p. 17.

[5] (1993) Irish Zeros. First Down. 19 June, p. 21.

[6] Naughton, L. (1993) US Football. Evening Herald. 3 June, p. 61.

[7] Naughton, L. (1993) US Football. Evening Herald. 8 July, p. 65.

[8] Naughton, L. (1993) US Football. Evening Herald. 22 July, p. Sport 1.

[9] Anon. (1993) US Football. Irish Independent. Monday, June 14, 1993. pg.24.

[10] Anon. (1993) US Football. Evening Herald. Monday, June 14, 1993. pg.46.

[11] (1993) American Football comes to Westport next Sunday. Connaught Telegraph. 30 June, p. 23.

[12] (1993) American Football – A first for Mayo. Mayo News. 30 June, p. 40

Images

[11] Irish American Football Association (2018) Nostalgia – A look a some pictures from the archives [Internet] Available from: http://www.americanfootball.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/20171016_165339-1024×768.jpg [Accessed 3 July 2018]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Cillian Smith, Michael Smith, Michael Brophy and Ralph Schmeer of the Irish American Football Association and Irish American Football Officials Association.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 8 February 2019

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.

American Football Association of Ireland All-Ireland American Football League 1991

League Table

 PWLTPFPAPct
*Dublin Celts7700 9720 1.000
*Belfast Spartans7331 9466 .583
*Antrim Bulldogs8341 11951 .438
Dublin Tornadoes8350 37156 .375
Newtownabbey Warriors6150 2286 .000
Craigavon Cowboys0000 0.000
All-Ireland American Football League Standings 1991 [Ref: Compiled from: 1-17]

Playoff Results

DateHome Team Away Team 
Semi-Finals
25.08.1991Belfast Spartans8Antrim Bulldogs14
Shamrock Bowl VI  
29.09.1991Dublin Celts66Belfast Spartans6
AFAI All-Ireland American Football League Playoffs 1991 [Ref: 18]

Regular Season Results

DateHome Team Away Team 
Week 1  
11.05.1991Dublin Tornadoes7Belfast Spartans14
11.05.1991Antrim Bulldogs32Newtownabbey Warriors6
Week 2  
19.05.1991Antrim Bulldogs32Dublin Tornadoes6
Week 3  
26.05.1991Belfast Spartans54Newtownabbey Warriors6
26.05.1991Dublin Tornadoes Craigavon Cowboys 
Mid-Week  
29.05.1991Antrim Bulldogs6Belfast Spartans6
Week 4 2 June 1991 
02.06.1991Dublin Celts13Antrim Bulldogs8#
Week 5  
09.06.1991Dublin TornadoesWNewtownabbey WarriorsL
09.06.1991Dublin CeltsWBelfast SpartansL
Mid-Week  
13.06.1991Dublin Tornadoes12Dublin Celts44
Week 6  
16.06.1991Dublin Tornadoes6Antrim Bulldogs0
Week 7  
21.06.1991Belfast Spartans6Antrim Bulldogs27
Week 8  
28.06.1991Dublin CeltsWAntrim BulldogsL
Week  
11.08.1991Newtownabbey Warriors10Antrim Bulldogs0
11.08.1991Dublin Tornadoes6Belfast Spartans8
Week  
08.1991Dublin Tornadoes0Dublin Celts40
Week ??
Dublin CeltsWNewtownabbey WarriorsL
Belfast SpartansDublin Celts
Newtownabbey WarriorsDublin Celts
Newtownabbey WarriorsLDublin TornadoesW
Newtownabbey WarriorsBelfast Spartans
AFAI All-Ireland American Football League Regular Season Results 1991 [Ref: 1-17]

Report

With an All-Ireland American Football League again being played, under the authority of the American Football association of Ireland, after a year where the Dublin Celts played in the NCMMA (British Second Level) and a separate Irish League of American Football in Northern Ireland, the Dublin Celts showed their superiority with a resounding 66-6 win against the Belfast Spartans in the Shamrock Bowl. The Spartans were also using a few guest players from other All-Ireland League teams.

The Dublin Celts had gone through the season undefeated, and the Belfast Spartans and Antrim Bulldogs had both finished on 4-3-1 (Won-Lost-Tied) records, with the Dublin Tornadoes finishing in fourth on 3-5. Newtownabbey Warriors, playing their debut season following the merger of the Carrickfergus Cougars and Coleraine Chieftains, finished bottom and the Craigavon Cowboys had pulled out before the start, leaving a five-team league.

Home Venues

TeamVenue
Dublin CeltsClontarf, Dublin
Dublin TornadoesTallaght Community Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Belfast SpartansMusgrave Park, Belfast
Craigavon Cowboys 
Newtownabbey Warriors 
Antrim BulldogsAllen Park, Antrim
AFAI All-Ireland American Football League Home Venues [Ref: ]

References

Newspapers

[2] Naughton, L. (1991) “Minority Report: Tornadoes are flying”, Evening Herald. Thursday, April 18, 1991, pg. 56.

[3] Naughton, L. (1991) “Minority Report: Look out for the Dublin Tornadoes”, Evening Herald. Thursday, May 9, 1991, pg. 55.

[4] Anon. (1991) “TODAY: AMERICAN FOOTBALL”, Irish Press. Saturday, May 11, 1991, pg. 46.

[5] Naughton, L. (1991) “Minority Report: Spartans supreme”, Evening Herald. Thursday, May 16, 1991, pg. 62.

[6] Naughton, L. (1991) “Minority Report: Tornadoes all the way”, Evening Herald. Thursday, June 13, 1991, pg. 60.

[7] Naughton, L. (1991) “Minority Report: Defensive Tornadoes do it”, Evening Herald. Thursday, June 27, 1991, pg. 59.

[8] Naughton, L. (1991) “Minority Report: CELTS STAY UNBEATEN”, Evening Herald. Thursday, July 25, 1991, pg. 55.

[9] Naughton, L. (1991) “Minority Report: Tornadoes toppled!”, Evening Herald. Thursday, August 15, 1991, pg. 44.

[10] Naughton, L. (1991) “Minority Report: CELTS TOP LEAGUE”, Evening Herald. Thursday, August 22, 1991, pg. 53.

[11] Naughton, L. (1991) “Minority Report: Tip-toe around American grid!”, Evening Herald. Thursday, September 26, 1991, pg. 91.

[12] Traynor, Jonathan (1991) “American Football: Clash of Titans!” Sunday Life May 28, 1991. pg. 46

[13] Anon. (1991) “Scoreboard: Gridiron” Sunday Life June 2, 1991. pg. 53

[14] Anon. (1991) “Gridiron: Antrim Dawgs go for walkies” Sunday Life June 9, 1991. pg. 41

[15] Anon. (1991) “American Football: Rows spoil Irish scene” Sunday Life July 28, 1991. pg. 43

[16] Berry, Lee (1992) “Moon Ready to Belt the Celts” First Down March 28, 1992. pg. 18 [Available on the Internet at Dublin Celts | Facebook (2019) Post to Page by Dermot Connolly September 8, 1992 “Blast from the past… clearing out the attic” [Internet] available from: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10219514768330762&set=pcb.975213116205143&type=3&theater&ifg=1 [Accessed 5 October 1992]

[17] Anon. (1991) “Spartans win Junior crown after thriller” Belfast Telegraph. Monday, August 26, 1991. pg. 18 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

[18] Anon. (1991) “Bowl back in Dublin” Belfast Telegraph. Monday, September 30, 1991. pg. 18 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

[19] Anon. (1991) “Buldogs tied up”Belfast Telegraph. Monday, August 12, 1991. pg. 18 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

Websites

[1] Irish American Football Association (2018) Shamrock Bowl History [Internet] Available from: hhttp://www.americanfootball.ie/american-football/shamrock-bowl-history/ [Accessed 23 March 2018]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Ronan O’Brien & Paul O’Reilly

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy

for the Eirball | Irish North American & World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 8 February 2019

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy & Eirball 2019

You may quote this document in part provided proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved

American Football Association of Ireland | All-Ireland American Football League 1992

 

League Table

P W L T PF PA Pct
Mourne Conference
*Craigavon Cowboys 5 4 1 0 124 18 .800
*Antrim Bulldogs 6 4 2 0 127 16 .667
Belfast Spartans 6 4 2 0 105 59 .667
Tara Conference
*Dublin Tornadoes 6 4 2 0 81 49 .667
*Dublin Celts 6 3 3 0 77 57 .500
Drogheda Vikings 5 1 4 0 15 135 .200
Lee Valley Steelers 6 0 6 0 0 195 .000

Playoff Results

19

Date Home Team Away Team
Semi-Finals
13.09.92 Dublin Tornadoes 6 Antrim Bulldogs 19
13.09.92 Craigavon Cowboys W Dublin Celts L
Shamrock Bowl VII
20.09.92 Craigavon Cowboys 14 Antrim Bulldogs 6

[15][17]

Regular Season Results

Date Home Team Away Team
Week 1
Antrim Bulldogs 6 Dublin Celts 0
Belfast Spartans 16 Dublin Tornadoes 13
Week 2
Antrim Bulldogs 60 Lee Valley Steelers 0
Week 3
05.07.92 Dublin Tornadoes 22 Dublin Celts 0
05.07.92 Craigavon Cowboys 14 Belfast Spartans 0
Week 4
12.07.92 Dublin Tornadoes 22 Lee Valley Steelers 0
Week 5
19.07.92 Belfast Spartans 13 Dublin Celts 12
19.07.92 Craigavon Cowboys 26 Dublin Tornadoes 0
Week 6
26.07.92 Dublin Celts 18 Craigavon Cowboys 16
26.07.92 Antrim Bulldogs 50 Drogheda Vikings 0
Week 7
02.08.92 Belfast Spartans 50 Drogheda Vikings 9
Week 8
09.08.92 Lee Valley Steelers 0 Craigavon Cowboys 60
09.08.92 Drogheda Vikings 0 Dublin Celts 19
Week 9
16.08.92 Drogheda Vikings 0 Dublin Tornadoes 16
16.08.92 Dublin Celts 21 Lee Valley Steelers 0
Week 10
23.08.92 Dublin Tornadoes 8 Antrim Bulldogs 0
23.08.92 Belfast Spartans 18 Lee Valley Steelers 0
Week 12
06.09.92 Antrim Bulldogs 11 Belfast Spartans 8
Week ??
Craigavon Cowboys W Antrim Bulldogs L

Report

Week 1: 23 June 1992

Antrim Bulldogs 6 Dublin Celts 0 – The Dublin Celts lost to Irish opposition for the first time in five years as they were shocked by the Antrim Bulldogs, who were now installed as favourites to win the Shamrock Bowl.[1]

Week 2: 30 June 1992

Belfast Spartans 16 Dublin Tornadoes 13 – The Spartans set an Irish record by coming from 13-0 down to defeat the Tornadoes and make it a week 1 double for northern sides over southern teams. The Tornadoes had a chance to tie the game as time expired but a field goal attempt fell short.[1]

Antrim Bulldogs 60 Lee Valley Steelers 0 – Antrim Bulldogs, with a win over the Dublin Celts under their belt, easily beat Lee Valley Steelers from Cork 60-0. Despite lots of possession for Running Back Mark Tataro and Alan Rice & John McNamara, the Steelers couldn’t convert their chances, in what was their first ever game.[2]

Week 3: 6 July 1992

Dublin Tornadoes 22 Dublin Celts 7 – A “brusing encounter” between the Dublin rivals, which saw only one person ejected from play, ended in a victory for the Tallaght-based Tornadoes. Vinnie Clark scored one TD, QB Martin Dillon scored a spectacular touchdown from 20 yards, and Phil McGowan added a third TD for the Tornadoes. Brendan Fox added a Field-Goal and Extra Point as the Celts could only manage one TD in reply.[3][4]

Craigavon Cowboys 14 Belfast Spartans 0 – The Cowboys started their season with a win over the previously unbeaten Spartans.[3]

Week 4: 13 July 1992

Lee Valley Steelers 0 Dublin Tornadoes 22 – Gary Morrell scored two touchdowns, and Vinnie O’Connell added another while the defence scored a safety by Mark Kearns as the Tornadoes defeated a much-improved Cork side.[5]

Week 5: 20 July 1992

Dublin Celts 12 Belfast Spartans 13 – The defending champions Dublin Celts slumped to their third straight defeat of the season against Belfast.[6]

Dublin Tornadoes 0 Craigavon Cowboys 26 – Another northern double over southern sides in week 5 as the Cowboys were comfortable winners over the Tornadoes.[6]

Week 6: 27 July 1992

Dublin Celts 18 Craigavon Cowboys 16 – In a close encounter the Dublin Celts finally won a game in 1992 after a last-second field goal attempt by Craigavon was missed.[7]

Antrim Bulldogs 50 Drogheda Vikings 0 – The Drogheda Vikings lost by a large margin in their first ever game as the Bulldogs improved to 3-0.[7]

Week 7: 2 August 1992

Belfast Spartans 50 Drogheda Vikings 9 – The Vikings lost heavily again to northern opposition.[7]

Week 8: 9 August 1992

Craigavon Cowboys 68 Lee Valley Steelers 0 – It was another big victory for northern teams over southern teams as the Cowboys won easily against the Cork side.[8]

Week 9: 12-16 August 1992

Dublin Celts 20 Lee Valley Steelers 0 – In a midweek match the Dublin Celts defeated the Lee Valley Steelers.[9]

Dublin Tornadoes 16 Drogheda Vikings 0 – Gary Morrell scored 2 TD’s, one from 30 yards out, and brother Greg scored a safety on defence as the Tallaght team became the first to qualify for the playoffs.[10]

Week 10: 23 August 1992

Dublin Tornadoes 6 Antrim Bulldogs 0 – Quarterback Jim Walsh scored the only TD of the match as the Dublin Tornadoes secured home field advantage for the playoffs.[11]

Week 11: 30 August 1992

Dublin Celts 19 Drogheda Vikings 0 – Drogheda were not disgraced in this loss to the Celts , with rivalries to the fore as the Vikings were a splinter team from the Celts.[12]

Lee Valley Steelers 0 Belfast Spartans 18 – Peter Taylor scored two touchdowns as the Belfast Spartans and Cork side met halfway in Tallaght.[12]

Lee Valley Steelers 0 Drogheda Vikings 6 – This encounter in Cork between the two winless sides , went Drogheda’s way, Brian Reynolds scoring the only TD. The Vikings played with the bare minimum of 12 players, with Chris Leonard coming out of retirement for the match.[13]

Week 12: 6 September 1992

Antrim Bulldogs 11 Belfast Spartans 8 – In a “cracking climax” to the regular season the Antrim Bulldogs defeated the Belfast Spartans in a close match.[14]

Playoffs: 13 September 1992

Dublin Tornadoes 6 Antrim Bulldogs 19 – In a “dour” match, the Antrim defence held strong, with matters made worse for the Tornadoes, when QB Jim Walsh damaged his arm. Billy Beattie opened the scoring from 10 yards for the Bulldogs, and the Tornadoes responded quickly with a Mark Nicholls TD. A missed FG at the end of the first half for the Dubliners meant the teams wre level going in at the break. Antrim scored a second TD against the run of play, when Paul McCullough put the Bulldogs one TD up, and there was “no surprise” in the end when Mark Banks added athird with Garry Graham adding the extra-point.[15]

References

_________________________________________________________

Sources

[1] Anon. (1992) “IRISH CHAMPION CELTS STUNG BY BULLDOG SPIRIT”, First Down. July 11, 1992, pg. 17.

[2] Naughton, L. (1992) “Minority Reports: U.S. Football”, Evening Herald. Thursday, July 2, 1992, pg. 65

[3] Anon. (1992) “Sad Celts are Torn to shreds”, First Down. July 18, 1992, pg. 16.

[4] Naughton, L. (1992) “Minority Reports: Celts blown away”, Evening Herald. Thursday, July 9, 1992, pg. 66

[5] Naughton, L. (1992) “Minority Reports: U.S. Football”, Evening Herald. Thursday, July 16, 1992, pg. 69

[6] Anon. (1992) “Dublin Celts still winless”, First Down. July 25, 1992, pg. 19.

[7] FD Reporter. (1992) “At last! It’s the Dub-win Celts!”, First Down. August 15, 1992, pg. 17.

[8] Anon. (1992) “IRISH RESULTS”, First Down. August 29, 1992, pg. 17.

[9] Naughton, L. (1992) “Minority Reports: Vikings ready to invade Tallaght”, Evening Herald. Thursday, August 13, 1992, pg. 66

[10] Naughton, L. (1992) “Minority Reports: Tornadoes ko Vikings”, Evening Herald. Thursday, August 20, 1992, pg. 61

[11] Naughton, L. (1992) “Minority Reports: U.S. Football”, Evening Herald. Thursday, August 27, 1992, pg. 61

[12] Naughton, L. (1992) “Minority Reports: U.S. Football”, Evening Herald. Thursday, September 3, 1992, pg. 94

[13] Anon. (1992) “Vikings Victory”, Drogheda Independent. Friday, September 4, 1992, pg. 11

[14] Naughton, L. (1992) “Minority Reports: U.S. Football”, Evening Herald. Thursday, September 10, 1992, pg. 70

[15] Naughton, L. (1992) “Minority Reports: Gridiron grief for Dubs!”, Evening Herald. Thursday, September 17, 1992, pg. 76

[16] Naughton, L. (1992) “Minority Reports: U.S. Football”, Evening Herald. Thursday, October 8, 1992, pg. Sport 7

[17] Irish American Football Association (2018) Shamrock Bowl History [Internet] Available from: hhttp://www.americanfootball.ie/american-football/shamrock-bowl-history/ [Accessed 23 March 2018]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Cillian Smith of the Irish American Football Association and Irish American Football Officials Association.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 28 January 2019

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.

Carrickfergus / East Antrim Cougars | Irish American Football Team 1986-1989

Factfile

IAFL Senior Team 1987-89

Home Ground: The Sea Park, Troopers Lane, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim (1987-88) [6] / Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim (1989) [5]

Colours: White / Orange / white

Career Record: (W-L-T) 7-15-0

History: The third fully kitted team in Ireland, the Carrickfergus Cougars played three seasons, 1987-1989, the last in Newtownabbey under the name the East Antrim Cougars, finishing with an even 5-5 record their first season, and winning only one game in both their final two seasons.

Name Changes: Carrickfergus Cougars 1987-88 / East Antrim Cougars 1989

Home Venue Map

Year-by-Year Record

Year Regular Season Post-Season International
Lge P W L T Pct P W L T Chp P W L T
1987 IAFL 10 5 5 0 .500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1988 IAFL 4 1 3 0 .250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1989 CGL 8 1 7 0 .125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

[7][Adjjusted]
[4]

1987 Results

Week Date H/A Opposition W/L Score
2 03.05.87 H Craigavon Cowboys L 6-30
4 17.05.87 A Belfast Spartans W 15-2
5 24.05.87 A Jordanstown Jaguars L 6-8
6 31.05.87 H Dublin Celts p-p
7 07.06.87 A Belfast Giants L 6-9
8 14.06.87 H Dublin Tornadoes L 0-22
14 26.07.87 H East Side Jets W 1-0 #
15 02.08.87 A Coleraine Chieftans W 33-12
17 25.08.87 H Belfast Blitzers L 6-36
18 30.08.87 A Bangor Buccaneers W 26-6
19 06.09.87 H Dublin Celts

[4]

1988 Results

Week Date H/A Opposition W/L Score
1 17.04.88 H Belfast Spartans L 6-7
3 08.05.88 H Dublin Celts L 0-37
5 29.05.88 H Belfast Spartans L 13-14
8 17.07.88 A Coleraine Chieftans W 48-0

[4]

1989 Results

Week Date H/A Opposition W/L Score
3 13.05.89 H Belfast Spartans L 14-36
4 20.05.89 H Dublin Celts L 0-51
5 28.05.89 A Antrim A26 Bulldogs L 0-1 #
6 04.06.89 A Dublin Celts L 0-1 #
8 17.06.89 H Belfast Giants L 6-46
9 24.06.89 A Belfast Spartans L 3-35
10 02.07.89 A Craigavon Cowboys L 14-36
A Dublin Tornadoes W 1-0 #

[4]

Websites

[1] Britball Now (2016) Results Section [1987] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 23 March 2017]

[2] Irish American Football Association (2018) Shamrock Bowl History [Internet] Available from: hhttp://www.americanfootball.ie/american-football/shamrock-bowl-history/ [Accessed 23 March 2018]

[3] Britball Now (2016) Results Section [1988] [Other Kitted] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 27 February 2017]

[4] Britball Now (2016) Historial League Tables [1989] [CGL] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/historical-league-tables-in/ [Accessed 27 February 2017]

[5]Britball Now (2016) Results Section [1989] [CGL] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 27 February 2017]

[6]Britball Now (2016) Carrickfergus Cougars [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 17 July 2018]

Sources

[7] Anon. (1988) “Scoreboard: IAFL” American Football News July 28, 1988. Pg.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Fiona Connolly.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 21 January 2019

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Resereved.

Coleraine Chieftains | Irish American Football Team 1986-1988

coleraine-chieftans-logo

IAFL Senior Team 1987

Home Ground: Coleraine Borough Council Park, Co. Antrim

Colours: Navy Blue / Navy Blue / White

Career Record: (W-L-T) Regular Season: 2-11-1

History: Were the first team in Northern Ireland, and the second in Ireland as a whole, after the Dublin Celts [4] . Played in the first game between two Irish Clubs, a Flag Football game against the Tyrone Tornadoes in 1985.

Played in the Northern Ireland American Football Association Flag League in 1985-86 before playing in the first two full Irish American Football League seasons in 1987 and 1988. they won two games in 1987, and managed just one tie in 1988.

Were reformed by former players in 2001, but only played two Flag Football games before folding again [6] .

 

Home Venue Map

Year-by-Year Record

Year Regular Season Final Position Post-Season
P W L T P W L T
1987 10 2 8 0 4th Mourne 0 0 0 0
1988 4 0 3 1 3rd Irish 0 0 0 0

[5][Adjusted]

1987 Results

Week Date H/A Opposition W/L Score
1 27.04.87 H Craigavon Cowboys L 0-38
3 10.05.87 H Dublin Celts L 9-48
5 24.05.87 A Belfast Blitzers L 0-52
7 07.06.87 H East Side Jets W 31-0
9 21.06.87 A Dublin Tornadoes L 6-38
10 28.06.87 H Belfast Spartans L 0-6
13 19.07.87 H Belfast Giants L 0-12
14 26.07.87 H Jordanstown Jaguars W 1-0 #
15 02.08.87 H Carrickfergus Cougars L 12-33
16 16.08.87 A Bangor Buccaneers L 0-6

[4]

 

1988 Results

Week Date H/A Opposition W/L Score
1 17.04.88 H Dublin Tornadoes L 0-46
2 01.05.88 A Belfast Spartans L 7-14
8 17.07.88 H Carrickfergus Cougars L 0-48
9 24.07.88 H Belfast Spartans T 32-32

[4]

 

Websites

 

[1] Britball Now (2016) Results Section [1987] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 23 March 2017]

[2] Irish American Football Association (2018) Shamrock Bowl History [Internet] Available from: hhttp://www.americanfootball.ie/american-football/shamrock-bowl-history/ [Accessed 23 March 2018]

[3] Britball Now (2016) Results Section [1988] [Other Kitted] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 27 February 2017]

[4] Britball Now (2016) Coleraine Chieftans [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Britball%20Teams/ColeraineChieftains.htm [Accessed 18 July 2018]

[5] Coleraine Chieftans (2002) Coleraine Chieftans: About [Internet] Available from: http://www.thecolerainechieftans.freeservers.com/about.html [Accessed 18 July 2018]

[6] Coleraine Chieftans (2002) Coleraine Chieftans: Chief Image [Internet] Available from: http://www.thecolerainechieftans.freeservers.com/images/chief.gif [Accessed 18 July 2018]

 

Sources

 

[5] Anon. (1988) “Scoreboard: IAFL” American Football News July 28, 1988. Pg.

 

Acknowledgements

 

Thanks to Cillian Smith, Michael Smith, Ralph Schmeer and Michael Brophy of the Irish American Football Association and Irish American Football Officials Association.

 

About this document

 

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 21 January 2019

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Resereved.

Irish American Football League 1988

Final Standings

 PWLTPFPAPct
National Conference       
*Belfast Blitzers651013651.833
*Dublin Celts541011833.800
*Craigavon Cowboys63308074.500
Dublin Tornadoes615058123.167
Irish Conference       
*Labatt Belfast Spartans53118099.700
Carrickfergus Cougars41306758.250
Coleraine Chieftains403139140.125
Irish American Football League 1988 [Ref: 1;4][Adjusted]

Note: * Qualify for Playoffs. Belfast Giants pulled out of the league before the season started in a row over scheduling, no results recorded.

Playoff Results

DateHome Team Away Team 
 Semi-Finals   
14.08.1988Belfast Blitzers26Craigavon Cowboys12
14.08.1988Dublin Celts45Labatt Belfast Spartans6
 Shamrock Bowl III   
21.08.1988Belfast Blitzers6Dublin Celts34
Irish American Football League 1988 [Reference: 5-6]

Regular Season Results

DateHome Team Away Team 
 Week 1   
17.04.88Coleraine Chieftains0Dublin Tornadoes46
17.04.88Labatt Belfast Spartans7Carrickfergus Cougars6
17.04.88Belfast Blitzers7Dublin Celts20
Week 2
01.05.88Craigavon Cowboys32Dublin Tornadoes0
01.05.88Coleraine Chieftains7Labatt Belfast Spartans14
 Week 3   
08.05.88Belfast Blitzers14Craigavon Cowboys3
08.05.88Carrickfergus Cougars0Dublin Celts37
 Week 4   
15.05.88Dublin Celts14Dublin Tornadoes6
 Week 5   
29.05.88Dublin Tornadoes6Belfast Blitzers36
29.05.88Labatt Belfast Spartans14Carrickfergus Cougars13
 Week 6   
12.06.88Belfast Blitzers40Dublin Tornadoes0
12.06.88Craigavon Cowboys41Labatt Belfast Spartans13
 Week 7   
19.06.88Belfast Blitzers20Dublin Celts19
 Week 8   
17.07.88Carrickfergus Cougars48Coleraine Chieftains0
 Week 9   
24.07.88Craigavon Cowboys3Belfast Blitzers19
24.07.88Labatt Belfast Spartans32Coleraine Chieftains32
Week ??
??Dublin Tornadoes0 #Craigavon Cowboys1
??Craigavon Cowboys0Dublin Celts28
Irish American Football League 1988 [Reference: 1]

Report

The Dublin Celts won their second Shamrock Bowl 34-6 over the Belfast Blitzers in a surprisingly one-sided game considering the teams had split their two regular season games.

The two teams were well above everyone else, only losing to each other, with Craigavon Cowboys and Belfast Spartans winning three each to qualify for the semi-finals. Carrickfergus Cougars and Dublin Tornadoes both picked up easy wins against Coleraine Chieftains, otherwise losing all their matches. The Chieftains managed a shock tie with the Spartans to avoid a complete losing season.

The Belfast Blitzers were made to work hard against the Craigavon Cowboys in the Playoffs but eventually prevailed 26-12 to reach their first Shamrock Bowl, while the Celts made light work of the Spartans, winning 45-6, before the victory over the Blitzers in Shamrock Bowl III.

About

The 1988 season was the third of the Irish American Football League. 7 teams entered, down from 11 the previous season. New Teams: None. Non-Returning Teams: East Side Jets, Jordanstown Jaguars, Bangor Buccaneers. Belfast Giants went on hiatus for one season.

The top 4 teams from 1987 were placed in the National Conference, and the other three in the Irish Conference. After an unbalanced schedule of 6 games, the top 4 teams overall reached the Playoffs.

References

Sources

[2] (1988) “Celts’ home debut” Irish Independent. 14 May 1988. pg. 22

[3] (1988) “American Football” Irish Press. 30 May 1988. pg. 46

[4] (1988) “Scoreboard” American Football News. 28 July 1988. pg.

[5] (1988) “Ireland” American Football News. 18 August 1988. pg.

[6] (1988) “Shamrock Bowl report” American Football News. 29 September 1988. pg. 22

Websites

[1] Britball Now (2016) Results Section [1988] [Other Kitted] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 27 February 2017]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to John Malone, Tony Meenaghan, Declan Mulvey & John O’Reilly

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 27 July 2020

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019-2020

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.