UCD American Football
Encyclopedia
University College Dublin American Football is the American football
club at University College Dublin
. It competes in the South Division of the Irish American Football League
(IAFL).
league of the IAFL. A successful run through the flag league set the club up perfectly for its assault on the kitted development league in the IAFL, the DV8's. Under the rules of the IAFL, UCD were forced to spend a year in a development league which was then called a DV8's league. DV8's followed the rules of eight-man football
which is usually played by small schools in the United States.
, Trinity College
, Erris Rams
and Craigavon Cowboys
. UCD American Football managed a 4-0 start which surprised its opponents and fellow teams in the 11-a-side league. Overall in 2008/09 season UCD managed a 6-2 record with only 2 losses coming from north side rivals Trinity College. Trinity managed to pull off two shut-out victories by adjusting their gameplan after a blowout opening victory by UCD.
which was held in Limerick
, County Limerick
. UCD American Football fielded a plucky team with little experience and with few returning players. This resulted in disappointing losses to both the DCU
and Trinity College teams in two low-scoring contests. Failing to advance to the championship game, UCD would return home to prepare for the 2010 season with lessons learned, but a low level of morale and confidence.
UCDAF, failing to secure a home ground within the Belfield campus, booked the vast majority of their home games in ALSAA, near Dublin Airport. The first of these was a crushing defeat at the hands of the UL Vikings, the end of which saw a 56-0 scoreline. Subsequent blowout losses saw the UCD American Football Team finish the 2010 season with a 2-6 record. Internal turmoil in the UCD camp was illustrated in several forfeited away games due to a lack of numbers. However, a mid-season rallying cry from then Team Captain Patrick Buttner and Head Coach John Collins saw UCD up their game later in the season. A season sweep of in-county and in-Division rivals, the Dublin Dragons
ensued along with a close contest against eventual semi-finalists, the Carrickfergus Knights
.
The 2010 season, despite disappointment, saw the proliferation of a strong rookie class headed by star Quarter-Back Colin O'Meara and Linebacker Nick Hall, who were awarded Team Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year honours, respectively. The resolve of veteran players was also tested ultimately leading to the success of Cornerback David Murphy, All-rounder Vitaly Levdonski and, Team MVP, Free-Safety Kevin McFadden.
. The Vikings dominated in a 6-56 rout of UCD, causing the more experienced players to reminisce over the failure of the prior season's shutout. Further disappointment came in an 0-8 loss to the Belfast Trojans
in the two teams first ever fixture. Despite a rock-solid defense and an ominous opening drive in which QB Colin O'Meara suffered a burst vein in his throwing hand, UCD failed to score and were forced to suffer a third defeat in a row.
Their luck would soon change with a dominant 74-8 win over the Dublin Dragons
. UCD started the game in style with an 80 yard kick return touchdown by rookie WR Conor Redmond. Conor would go on to return another Kickoff, a Punt and add a rushing TD, taking his tally to 30 Points for the season after 4 games. Running Back Dave Murphy had a breakout game with 87 rushing yards and 30 points on the ground. 2nd year Quarterback Colin O'Meara added 3 Touchdowns and 118 yards through the air and showed his talent eluding multiple sack attempts. UCDs Defense continued with their fine form by forcing 5 interceptions and kept the Dragons offence off the field for the majority of the game. The team took their form into their game against Cork Admirals
winning 12-8. The Admirals put up a good fight and went into the half with an 8-0 lead over UCD. In the third quarter UCD began to build momentum as linebacker Dylan Carrig roared down the Cork offence with multiple tackles. The touchdown for UCD came when QB Colin O Meara threw to WR Dave Bennett who tucked the ball in at the end zone. The 2 points were converted by Andrew Kenny and Luca D'Ettore got a safety for UCD with a great sack.
IAFL South
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
club at University College Dublin
University College Dublin
University College Dublin ) - formally known as University College Dublin - National University of Ireland, Dublin is the Republic of Ireland's largest, and Ireland's second largest, university, with over 1,300 faculty and 17,000 students...
. It competes in the South Division of the Irish American Football League
Irish American Football League
The Irish American Football League is a fully kitted American football league in Ireland. Founded in 1984, it consists of 14 teams, with 2 having joined the league in 2010. The league generally runs from March through to August, ending with two teams competing for the Shamrock Bowl...
(IAFL).
History
The UCD American Football team was founded in Spring 2007 by three University students. After a period of rapid development UCD Team entered the Irish American Football League. In its first ever season UCD team competed exclusively in the flagFlag football
Flag football is a version of Canadian football or American football that is popular worldwide. The basic rules of the game are similar to those of the mainstream game , but instead of tackling players to the ground, the defensive team must remove a flag or flag belt from the ball carrier to end...
league of the IAFL. A successful run through the flag league set the club up perfectly for its assault on the kitted development league in the IAFL, the DV8's. Under the rules of the IAFL, UCD were forced to spend a year in a development league which was then called a DV8's league. DV8's followed the rules of eight-man football
Eight-man football
Eight-man football is a type of American football, generally played by small high schools. Rules and formations vary greatly among states and even among different organizations, but the one constant is eight players from each team on the field at one time, as opposed to eleven-man football, which...
which is usually played by small schools in the United States.
2009 Season
DV8's league comprised Dublin DragonsDublin Dragons
Dublin Dragons is an American Football team based in Lucan, Dublin, Ireland. They currently compete in the IAFL league, Southern Division....
, Trinity College
Dublin University American Football Club
The Dublin University American Football Club is the American football team of Trinity College, the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin, Ireland...
, Erris Rams
Erris Rams
The Erris Rams are an American football team located in the West of Ireland. They compete in the Development 8 league for this 2009 season. They were founded by Michael Kelly in October 2008....
and Craigavon Cowboys
Craigavon Cowboys
The Craigavon Cowboys are a American Football team playing in Craigavon currently playing in the Irish American Football League. In the 2010 season the Cowboys finished 4-4 and were close to clinching a play-off berth going down to the last game of the season....
. UCD American Football managed a 4-0 start which surprised its opponents and fellow teams in the 11-a-side league. Overall in 2008/09 season UCD managed a 6-2 record with only 2 losses coming from north side rivals Trinity College. Trinity managed to pull off two shut-out victories by adjusting their gameplan after a blowout opening victory by UCD.
DV8 season
| Game | | Date | | Kickoff | | Opponent | | Results | | Venue | | Report | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | ||||||
| 1 | 1:00 p.m. | Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons is an American Football team based in Lucan, Dublin, Ireland. They currently compete in the IAFL league, Southern Division.... |
W 0-14 | 1 – 0 | Belfield Belfield Belfield is a small enclave, not quite a suburb, located to the south of Ireland's capital city Dublin. It has a distinct identity because of, and is generally synonymous with, the main campus of University College Dublin.... |
||
| 2 | 1:00 p.m. | @ Midland Soldiers | W 50–0 | 2 – 0 | |||
| 3 | 2:00 p.m. | Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons is an American Football team based in Lucan, Dublin, Ireland. They currently compete in the IAFL league, Southern Division.... |
W 6-35 | 3 - 0 | Belfield Belfield Belfield is a small enclave, not quite a suburb, located to the south of Ireland's capital city Dublin. It has a distinct identity because of, and is generally synonymous with, the main campus of University College Dublin.... |
||
| 4 | 1:00 p.m. | @ Trinity College | W 34 - 13 | 4-0 | |||
| 5 | 1:00 p.m. | @ Trinity College | L 0 - 34 | 4 - 1 | |||
| 6 | 1:00 p.m. | Trinity College | L 0 - 42 | 4 - 2 | Belfield Belfield Belfield is a small enclave, not quite a suburb, located to the south of Ireland's capital city Dublin. It has a distinct identity because of, and is generally synonymous with, the main campus of University College Dublin.... |
||
| 7 | 1:00 p.m. | Craigavon Cowboys Craigavon Cowboys The Craigavon Cowboys are a American Football team playing in Craigavon currently playing in the Irish American Football League. In the 2010 season the Cowboys finished 4-4 and were close to clinching a play-off berth going down to the last game of the season.... |
W 24- 20 | 5 - 2 | Belfield Belfield Belfield is a small enclave, not quite a suburb, located to the south of Ireland's capital city Dublin. It has a distinct identity because of, and is generally synonymous with, the main campus of University College Dublin.... |
||
| 8 | 2:00 p.m. | @ Erris Rams Erris Rams The Erris Rams are an American football team located in the West of Ireland. They compete in the Development 8 league for this 2009 season. They were founded by Michael Kelly in October 2008.... |
W 48 - 0 | 6 - 2 | |||
2010 Season
After a successful developmental league season, the UCD American Football club prepared to embark on its first ever season in the 11-a-side IAFL Senior League. In November of 2009, UCD American Football competed in the IAFL College ChampionshipIAFL College Championship
IAFL College Championship is an annual American Football competition between Universities in Ireland. Currently there are four university teams participating in the IAFL College Championship. Trinity College, Dublin City University Saints, UCD American Football and University of Limerick Vikings....
which was held in Limerick
Limerick
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the...
, County Limerick
County Limerick
It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC...
. UCD American Football fielded a plucky team with little experience and with few returning players. This resulted in disappointing losses to both the DCU
DCU
DCU may mean:*D.C. United, a Washington, D.C. soccer club*DC Universe, the shared universe of most DC Comics publications*Darden Employees Federal Credit Union, a credit union with headquarters in Orlando, FL*Dublin City University...
and Trinity College teams in two low-scoring contests. Failing to advance to the championship game, UCD would return home to prepare for the 2010 season with lessons learned, but a low level of morale and confidence.
UCDAF, failing to secure a home ground within the Belfield campus, booked the vast majority of their home games in ALSAA, near Dublin Airport. The first of these was a crushing defeat at the hands of the UL Vikings, the end of which saw a 56-0 scoreline. Subsequent blowout losses saw the UCD American Football Team finish the 2010 season with a 2-6 record. Internal turmoil in the UCD camp was illustrated in several forfeited away games due to a lack of numbers. However, a mid-season rallying cry from then Team Captain Patrick Buttner and Head Coach John Collins saw UCD up their game later in the season. A season sweep of in-county and in-Division rivals, the Dublin Dragons
Dublin Dragons
Dublin Dragons is an American Football team based in Lucan, Dublin, Ireland. They currently compete in the IAFL league, Southern Division....
ensued along with a close contest against eventual semi-finalists, the Carrickfergus Knights
Carrickfergus Knights
The Carrickfergus Knights is an American Football team and Ireland's longest running American Football club. Founded in 1993 by Eddie Kelly, the Knights have been National Champions 3 times, in '97, '98 and '02 and have competed in 9 of the 15 championship games.-1994:In the Knights' inaugural...
.
The 2010 season, despite disappointment, saw the proliferation of a strong rookie class headed by star Quarter-Back Colin O'Meara and Linebacker Nick Hall, who were awarded Team Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year honours, respectively. The resolve of veteran players was also tested ultimately leading to the success of Cornerback David Murphy, All-rounder Vitaly Levdonski and, Team MVP, Free-Safety Kevin McFadden.
Regular season
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff | | Opponent | | Results | | Venue | | Report | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | ||||||
| 1 | March 14 | 1:00 p.m. | UL Vikings University of Limerick Vikings The University of Limerick Vikings are the American football team from the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland. The team currently competes in the Irish American Football League... |
L 0-56 | 0–1 | ALSAA, Dublin Airport Swords RFC Swords RFC is an Irish rugby team based in Swords, County Dublin, Fingal County. They play in Division Three of the Leinster League. The club colours are green and navy.-History:... |
Report |
| 2 | March 21 | 1:00 p.m. | Cork Admirals Cork Admirals The Cork Admirals are an American Football team that play in the Irish American Football League . The team is based in Bishopstown, Cork in the newly constructed CIT Stadium.The team was formed in 2002, playing along with 4 other teams that year.... |
L 2–28 | 0–2 | Belfield Belfield Belfield is a small enclave, not quite a suburb, located to the south of Ireland's capital city Dublin. It has a distinct identity because of, and is generally synonymous with, the main campus of University College Dublin.... |
Report |
| 5 | April 18 | 2:00 p.m. | @ Cork Admirals Cork Admirals The Cork Admirals are an American Football team that play in the Irish American Football League . The team is based in Bishopstown, Cork in the newly constructed CIT Stadium.The team was formed in 2002, playing along with 4 other teams that year.... |
L 0-30 | 0-3 | CIT Stadium Cork Institute of Technology Cork Institute of Technology , formerly the Regional Technical College, Cork, is an Institute of Technology in Ireland, located in Cork, Ireland opened in 1973. The institute has 17,000 students in art, business, engineering, music and science disciplines... |
|
| 6 | April 25 | 2:00 p.m. | Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons is an American Football team based in Lucan, Dublin, Ireland. They currently compete in the IAFL league, Southern Division.... |
W 26-0 | 1-3 | ALSAA, Dublin Airport Swords RFC Swords RFC is an Irish rugby team based in Swords, County Dublin, Fingal County. They play in Division Three of the Leinster League. The club colours are green and navy.-History:... |
Report |
| 9 | May 16 | 1:00 p.m. | @ Craigavon Cowboys Craigavon Cowboys The Craigavon Cowboys are a American Football team playing in Craigavon currently playing in the Irish American Football League. In the 2010 season the Cowboys finished 4-4 and were close to clinching a play-off berth going down to the last game of the season.... |
L 6-19 | 1-4 | Craigavon Leisure Centre, Brownlow | |
| 11 | May 30 | 2:00 p.m. | Carrickfergus Knights Carrickfergus Knights The Carrickfergus Knights is an American Football team and Ireland's longest running American Football club. Founded in 1993 by Eddie Kelly, the Knights have been National Champions 3 times, in '97, '98 and '02 and have competed in 9 of the 15 championship games.-1994:In the Knights' inaugural... |
L 12-35 | 1-5 | ALSAA, Dublin Airport Swords RFC Swords RFC is an Irish rugby team based in Swords, County Dublin, Fingal County. They play in Division Three of the Leinster League. The club colours are green and navy.-History:... |
Report |
| 12 | June 6 | 2:00 p.m. | Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons is an American Football team based in Lucan, Dublin, Ireland. They currently compete in the IAFL league, Southern Division.... |
W 22-0 | 2-5 | Lucan Community College Lucan Community College Lucan Community College is located in Esker, Lucan, South Dublin in Ireland. The college opened in 1987, replacing Lucan Vocational School, which opened in the early 1950s.... |
Report |
| 14 | June 12 | 2:00 p.m. | @ UL Vikings University of Limerick Vikings The University of Limerick Vikings are the American football team from the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland. The team currently competes in the Irish American Football League... |
L 0-30 | 2-6 | UL Sports Grounds University of Limerick Vikings The University of Limerick Vikings are the American football team from the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland. The team currently competes in the Irish American Football League... |
|
- Note: Division opponents are in bold.
2011 Season
UCD opened the season with a the very first 11-a-side Colours Game, a close 16-20 loss to their north side rivals Trinity College. Victory would again become elusive to the young team, with the second game of the season being an away game to Division rivals and former Shamrock Bowl Champions University of Limerick VikingsUniversity of Limerick Vikings
The University of Limerick Vikings are the American football team from the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland. The team currently competes in the Irish American Football League...
. The Vikings dominated in a 6-56 rout of UCD, causing the more experienced players to reminisce over the failure of the prior season's shutout. Further disappointment came in an 0-8 loss to the Belfast Trojans
Belfast Trojans
The Belfast Trojans are a team formed in January 2006,and have competed in the IAFL since 2007.They are a fully kitted team, and play NCAA rules in full contact....
in the two teams first ever fixture. Despite a rock-solid defense and an ominous opening drive in which QB Colin O'Meara suffered a burst vein in his throwing hand, UCD failed to score and were forced to suffer a third defeat in a row.
Their luck would soon change with a dominant 74-8 win over the Dublin Dragons
Dublin Dragons
Dublin Dragons is an American Football team based in Lucan, Dublin, Ireland. They currently compete in the IAFL league, Southern Division....
. UCD started the game in style with an 80 yard kick return touchdown by rookie WR Conor Redmond. Conor would go on to return another Kickoff, a Punt and add a rushing TD, taking his tally to 30 Points for the season after 4 games. Running Back Dave Murphy had a breakout game with 87 rushing yards and 30 points on the ground. 2nd year Quarterback Colin O'Meara added 3 Touchdowns and 118 yards through the air and showed his talent eluding multiple sack attempts. UCDs Defense continued with their fine form by forcing 5 interceptions and kept the Dragons offence off the field for the majority of the game. The team took their form into their game against Cork Admirals
Cork Admirals
The Cork Admirals are an American Football team that play in the Irish American Football League . The team is based in Bishopstown, Cork in the newly constructed CIT Stadium.The team was formed in 2002, playing along with 4 other teams that year....
winning 12-8. The Admirals put up a good fight and went into the half with an 8-0 lead over UCD. In the third quarter UCD began to build momentum as linebacker Dylan Carrig roared down the Cork offence with multiple tackles. The touchdown for UCD came when QB Colin O Meara threw to WR Dave Bennett who tucked the ball in at the end zone. The 2 points were converted by Andrew Kenny and Luca D'Ettore got a safety for UCD with a great sack.
Regular season
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff | | Opponent | | Results | | Venue | | Report | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | ||||||
| 1 | March 6 | 1:00 p.m. | Trinity College | L 16–20 | 0 – 1 | Belfield Belfield Belfield is a small enclave, not quite a suburb, located to the south of Ireland's capital city Dublin. It has a distinct identity because of, and is generally synonymous with, the main campus of University College Dublin.... |
Report |
| 2 | March 13 | 1:00 p.m. | @ UL Vikings University of Limerick Vikings The University of Limerick Vikings are the American football team from the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland. The team currently competes in the Irish American Football League... |
L 6–56 | 0 – 2 | UL Sports Grounds University of Limerick Vikings The University of Limerick Vikings are the American football team from the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland. The team currently competes in the Irish American Football League... |
|
| 4 | March 27 | 1:00 p.m. | @ Belfast Trojans Belfast Trojans The Belfast Trojans are a team formed in January 2006,and have competed in the IAFL since 2007.They are a fully kitted team, and play NCAA rules in full contact.... |
L 0 - 8 | 0 – 3 | Malone RFC, Belfast Malone RFC Malone RFC is a rugby union club based in Belfast, in Northern Ireland. It is currently in the Second Division of the All-Ireland League. The club is affiliated with the Ulster Branch, itself part of the Irish Rugby Football Union... |
|
| 6 | April 10 | 2:00 p.m. | Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons is an American Football team based in Lucan, Dublin, Ireland. They currently compete in the IAFL league, Southern Division.... |
W 74 - 8 | 1 – 3 | Belfield Belfield Belfield is a small enclave, not quite a suburb, located to the south of Ireland's capital city Dublin. It has a distinct identity because of, and is generally synonymous with, the main campus of University College Dublin.... |
|
| 7 | April 17 | 2:00 p.m. | @ Cork Admirals Cork Admirals The Cork Admirals are an American Football team that play in the Irish American Football League . The team is based in Bishopstown, Cork in the newly constructed CIT Stadium.The team was formed in 2002, playing along with 4 other teams that year.... |
W 12 - 8 | 2 - 3 | CIT Stadium Cork Institute of Technology Cork Institute of Technology , formerly the Regional Technical College, Cork, is an Institute of Technology in Ireland, located in Cork, Ireland opened in 1973. The institute has 17,000 students in art, business, engineering, music and science disciplines... |
|
| 11 | May 22 | 2:00 p.m. | UL Vikings University of Limerick Vikings The University of Limerick Vikings are the American football team from the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland. The team currently competes in the Irish American Football League... |
L 0 - 30 | 2 - 4 | Belfield Belfield Belfield is a small enclave, not quite a suburb, located to the south of Ireland's capital city Dublin. It has a distinct identity because of, and is generally synonymous with, the main campus of University College Dublin.... |
|
| 12 | May 29 | 2:00 p.m. | Cork Admirals Cork Admirals The Cork Admirals are an American Football team that play in the Irish American Football League . The team is based in Bishopstown, Cork in the newly constructed CIT Stadium.The team was formed in 2002, playing along with 4 other teams that year.... |
W 30 - 0 | 3 - 4 | Belfield Belfield Belfield is a small enclave, not quite a suburb, located to the south of Ireland's capital city Dublin. It has a distinct identity because of, and is generally synonymous with, the main campus of University College Dublin.... |
|
| 14 | June 12 | 2:00 p.m. | @ Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons Dublin Dragons is an American Football team based in Lucan, Dublin, Ireland. They currently compete in the IAFL league, Southern Division.... |
W 34 - 0 | 4 - 4 | Lucan Community College Lucan Community College Lucan Community College is located in Esker, Lucan, South Dublin in Ireland. The college opened in 1987, replacing Lucan Vocational School, which opened in the early 1950s.... |
|
- Note: Division opponents are in bold.
Season By Season Records
Development League DV8| Year | W | L | T | Record | Finish | Playoff Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0.750 | 3rd IAFL Irish American Football League The Irish American Football League is a fully kitted American football league in Ireland. Founded in 1984, it consists of 14 teams, with 2 having joined the league in 2010. The league generally runs from March through to August, ending with two teams competing for the Shamrock Bowl... DV8 |
-- |
IAFL South
Irish American Football League
The Irish American Football League is a fully kitted American football league in Ireland. Founded in 1984, it consists of 14 teams, with 2 having joined the league in 2010. The league generally runs from March through to August, ending with two teams competing for the Shamrock Bowl...
| Year | W | L | T | Record | Finish | Playoff Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0.250 | 3rd IAFL South Irish American Football League The Irish American Football League is a fully kitted American football league in Ireland. Founded in 1984, it consists of 14 teams, with 2 having joined the league in 2010. The league generally runs from March through to August, ending with two teams competing for the Shamrock Bowl... |
-- |
| 2011 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0.500 | 2nd IAFL South Irish American Football League The Irish American Football League is a fully kitted American football league in Ireland. Founded in 1984, it consists of 14 teams, with 2 having joined the league in 2010. The league generally runs from March through to August, ending with two teams competing for the Shamrock Bowl... |
-- |
| Overall | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0.375 | ||
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties