Pre-1984 American Football in Ireland
Starting with the US Army’s European Theater of Operations Football Championship in Northern Ireland in 1942, through to the 4th of July Festival match in 1983, held in Banbridge Rugby Club between two teams of specially trained Rugby players, American Football Leagues in Ireland pre-date the American Football Ireland (Originally Irish American Football Association) by 44 years.
Pre-American Football Ireland Leagues
Picture Credits: [1] 1920s football action. Thousands of spectators watch from double decker stadium seats. Picture Credit: By Everett Collection [Shutterstock]
Early Pre-Pads Football Matches (Seasons):
1983: First unofficial game between two Irish teams – Redskins v Yankees at Banbridge
ETO European Theater of Operations Football Championship (Seasons):
1944: ETO Northern Ireland Championship: Army Wolverines v Navy Galloping Gaels at Newry
1942: First American Football games between teams based in Ireland – Hale Blue Devils, Yarvard Crimson Tide and Tech Fighting Irish
