THE PERFECT SEASON 10-0

REBELS WIN SHAMROCK BOWL XX

Last modified on 2009-07-25 10:59:33 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

UL Vikings 12-44 Dublin Rebels
Sunday 20th August 2006
Venue: Sportslink, Santry, Dublin.
SCORERS:
1st Quarter: DUB: Carl Faichney 11yd pass from Andrew Dennehy, Simon Mackey 2xpt (8-0); DUB: Chris Winton 1 yd run (14-0).
2nd Quarter: UL: Chris Bassitt 1 yd run (14-6).
3rd Quarter: DUB: Carl Faichney 19yd pass from Dennehy, Mackey 2xpt (22-6); DUB: Sam Hodgins 19yd run, Mackey 2xpt (30-6).
4th Quarter: DUB: Chris Flinn 10yd pass from Dennehy (36-6): DUB: Chris Winton 5yd run, Conor Ryan 2xpt (44-6), UL: Daniel Smith 28yd pass from Chris Bassitt (44-12).

REPORT:
The Dublin Rebels won a record fourth consecutive Shamrock Bowls with a 44-12 win over the University of Limerick Vikings on front of a large crowd, which included His Excellency, the United States Ambassador to Ireland, at the specially erected “Shamrock Bowl Stadium” at Sportslink in Santry. Rebels linebacker Ross McCooey won the Thomas Street Jewellers Most Valuable Player Award after making two key interceptions and numerous tackles in the game. Receiver Carl Faichney and rookie running back Chris Winton each contributed two touchdowns and Rebels quarterback Andrew Dennehy contributed three touchdown passes to the Rebels offenses scoring tally.

UL Vikings Quarterback Chris Bassitt (#14) looks to pass.

The Rebels got off to a quick start in the game, putting together two touchdown drives in the opening quarter. Their running back rotation of Simon Mackey, Chris Winton and Sam Hodgins helped the Rebels move the ball effectively on the ground. Tight end Paul Smyth and receivers Conor Ryan and Carl Faichney also contributed several catches to help the Rebels move the ball on both scoring series. Tall receiver Faichney got the opening score when he caught a 11 yard pass at the back of the endzone to give the Rebels the lead. The Rebels second score came from a short yardage run by Chis Winton after being set up by a pass to Smyth and run by Mackey.

The Dublin Rebels (black) defense lines up against the Vikings offense.

The Vikings were not without their scoring chances in the first half. Quarterback Chris Bassitt used wing back Liam Ryan, tight end Glen Carr and running back Daniel Levy to effectively at times. Twice in the second quarter they failed to score in the red zone. Early in the quarter, they missed a 32 yard field goal attempt and later were stopped on fourth and goal by the excellent Rebels defense. They finally got on the scoreboard 15 seconds before half time when Chris Bassitt scored on a short yardage quarterback sneak after Ryan, Carr and Levy got their team a first and goal.

Seamus Hogan (#2) is tackled by Patrick Quinn (#28).

The Rebels defense dominated the third quarter stopping the Vikings on all their possessions. Defensive lineman Conor Walsh had a number of stops for losses and linebacker Ross McCooey, in only his second year in the sport, his first as a middle linebacker, had his breakout game recording some crucial tackles. The Rebels got two scores in the quarter, the first coming on their first possession after half time when Faichney caught a 19 yard touchdown pass from Dennehy. They stretched their advantage later in the quarter thanks to a 19 yard run from Sam Hodgins.

Sam Hodgins (#8) of the Rebels swerves to avoid a tackle.

McCooey had two interceptions in the final quarter which effectively ended the game as a contest. His first came early in the quarter when he made a diving interception at mid field to twart a Vikings drive. The Rebels quickly converted this turnover into a score when, after picking up a couple of first downs, Dennehy hit receiver Barry Flinn for a touchdown pass. Mc Cooey had his second interception on the Vikings next possession. He nabbed a one handed interception at the 25 yard line and took it back to the Vikings 8 yard line to give the Rebels a first and goal. Again the Rebels capitalised with Chris Winton running in for a touchdown a couple of plays later. The Vikings managed to put together a scoring drive as they chased the game late in the fourth quarter. Passes to Glen Carr and Liam Ryan got them in scoring range and receiver Daniel Smith caught a touchdown pass with just over two minutes remaining to make the score 44-12. The Rebels ran out most of the time in the final two minutes to get the victory.

Captain Andrew Dennehy and Team Manager Marcus Naylor were presented with the winning trophy by IAFL Commissioner Steve Stacher to cap a memorable 20th Shamrock Bowl event. They are now officially the greatest IAFL team of all time, with 5 Shamrock Bowls (4 in a row to date).

REBELS DEFEAT ADMIRALS

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:00:40 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Cork Admirals 22-58 Dublin Rebels
Sunday 2nd April 2006
Venue: Sportslink, Santry, Dublin.

SCORERS:
1st quarter: DUB: Simon Mackey 8yd run + 2xpt (0-8); COR: Keith O’Callaghan 26yd run + 2xpt (8-8); DUB: Carl Faichney 51yd pass from Andrew Dennehy + 2xpt (8-16).
2nd quarter: DUB: Carl faichney 13yd pass from Andrew Dennehy + 2xpt (8-24); DUB: Conor Ryan 20yd pass from Dennehy + 2xpt (8-32); COR: Hug McBratney 8yd pass from Lomasney + 2xpt (16-32); DUB: Sam Hodgins 80yd kick off return + 2xpt (16-40).
3rd quarter: DUB: Sam Hodgins 9yd run (16-46); COR: Keith O’Callaghan 45yd run (22-46); DUB: Carl Faichney 22yd pass from Dennehy (22-52).
4th quarter: DUB: Simon Mackey 10yd run (22-58).

REPORT:
Defending Shamrock Bowl Champions, the Dublin Rebels will get an opportunity to win a record breaking 4th consecutive Shamrock Bowl thanks to victory over the Cork Admirals in the semi-finals. The Rebels offense was firing on all cylinders with receiver Carl Faichney scoring three touchdowns and Sam Hodgins and Simon Mackey scoring 2 each as the Rebels scored a total of 8 touchdowns.

Both offenses had good first quarters. Simon Mackey got the Rebels first touchdown on an 8 yard run early in the game. The Admirals then responded with running back Keith O’Callaghan breaking free on a 26 yard run. The quarter finished with Carl Faichney hauling in a long 51 yard pass from Andrew Dennehy, the first of his three scores. The Rebels stopped the Admirals on their next possesson. Then Faichney got his second score – from 13 yards out – to give the Rebels a two score lead. The Rebels continued with the passing game and, after getting into scoring range again, receiver Conor Ryan pulled in a nice pass for a 20 yard touchdown. Cork them responded with a touchdown pass of their own – Lomansney hit receiver Hugh McBratney from 8 yards out, after driving into scoring range, to keep the Admirals in touch with the Rebels. However, Sam Hodgins returned the ensuing kick off 80 yards for a touchdown to give the Rebels a solid 40-16 lead at half time.

The third quarter continued in much the same fashion as the first half. The Rebels drove into scoring range and Sam Hodgins punched the ball in from 8 yards out for a touchdown. Then the Admirals responded with a nice 45 yard touchdown run by O’Callaghan. The Rebels came back again later in the quarter as Faichney scored his third touchdown – a 22 yard pass from Dennehy. The scoring wound down in the fourth quarter as the Rebels started running out the clock. There was one further touchdown – a 10 yard run by Mackey to make the final score 58-22 in favour of the Rebels. Nothwithstanding their semi-final loss, the Admirals finished the season with their first ever winning season giving their young team hope for next year. Rebels now face the UL Vikings in Shamrock Bowl XX on August 20th.

REBELS GO UNBEATEN

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:02:04 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Dublin Dragons 12-46 Dublin Rebels
Sunday July 16th 2006
Venue: Sportslink, Santry
SCORERS:
1st quarter: DRA: Barry Reynolds 10yd run (6-0); REB: Chris Winton 2yd run (6-6); REB: Sam Hodgins 60yd run, Simon Mackey 2xpt (6-14).
2nd quarter: REB: Sam Hodgins 2yd run, Simon Mackey 2xpt (6-22); DRA: Dave Wheeler 57yd int return (12-22); REB: Carl Faichney 14yd pass from Andrew Dennehy, Fearghal O’Hanlon 2xpt (12-30).
3rd quarter: REB: Sean Shanahan 29yd int return, Andrew Dennehy 2xpt (12-38).
4th quarter: REB: Paul Smyth 9yd pass from Dennehy, Marcus Naylor 2xpt (12-46).

REPORT:
The Dublin Rebels finished their regular season with a perfect 8-0 record after defeating the Dublin Dragons at Sportslink. Both defenses made their mark on the scoring with no less than 3 interceptions having a big impact on the game.. This is not surprising since the Rebels and Dragons entered into the game as the #1 and #3 ranked defenses in the IAFL.

The Dragons defense got on the scoreboard first when linebacker Nick Newby intercepted a pass on the Rebels 22 yard line and returned it to the 10. Barry Reynolds carried the ball in for a touchdown three minutes into the first quarter. The Rebels responded quickly. Some first down runs from their rotating backfield of Simon Mackey, Sam Hodgins and Chris Winton got the Rebels a first and goal which rookie Winton converted into a score to tie the game at 6-6. The Rebels scored again on their next possession to take the lead. Running back Sam Hodgins broke free for a 60 yard touchdown run to make the score 14-6 in favour of the Rebels following the conversion. The Rebels defense came up with a crucial turnover early in the second quarter when a Steve Archibald interception got them the ball in good field position. Sam Hodgins extended the Rebels lead with another short yardage touchdown. Later in the same quarter, the Dragons defense then scored their second touchdown of the game when Dave Wheeler intercepted a Rebels pass and took it into the endzone. However, a relatively high scoring first half ended when the Rebels Carl Faichney pulled in a touchdown pass as time expired in the half to give the Rebels a 30-12 lead.

The second half turned out to be a defensive struggle with only one offensive touchdown being scored. Lez Connolly, Nick Newby both had good games for the Dragons along with Dave Wheeler who had an interception in the second quarter. The Rebels defense was led by Al Kelly and Paul Smyth, but the player who had the greatest impact on the second half was linebacker Sean Shanahan. Shanahan got the only score of the third quarter when he returned and interception 29 yards to effectively seal the game for the Rebels. He then put on a great defensive display throughout the rest of the half making several tackles in the Dragons backfield. The Rebels got the only offensive score of the half early in the fourth quarter when Paul Smyth, lining up as a goal line offense tight end, caught a short pass from quarterback Andrew Dennehy to make the score 46-12 in favour of the Rebels. The Rebels had one further scoring opportunity in before the game ended, but John Durrad of the Dragons stripped a Rebels ball carrier on the 1 yard line thus preventing a score and reclaiming possession. The Dragons attempted to chase the game in the fourth quarter, but the Rebels defense was strong and the game ended with the Rebels running out the clock inside the 2 minute warning.

The other game played today in the IAFL saw the Cork Admirals defeat the DCU Saints 28-6. Next weekend is the final regular season weekend for the IAFL and both fixtures have major play-off implications. The Belfast Bulls travel to the Cork Admirals with both teams needing a win to see if they can clinch a place in the Shamrock Bowl semi-finals. In the other game, the Carrickfergus Knights travel to the Dublin Dragons. The Knights need a win to get home field advantage in the semis, the Dragons need a win (along with a Cork loss) to clinch a place in the play-offs. As things stand, the Dublin Rebels have won the league stage and will be at home to either Cork, Belfast or Dragons in one semi. The UL Vikings will play the Carrickfergus Knights in the other semi with home field advantage depending on the outcome of the Knights final game.

REBELS WIN IN CORK

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:03:46 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Dublin Rebels 20-6 Cork Admirals
Sunday 17th April 2005
Venue: Crosshaven RFC, Cork

SCORERS:
1st quarter: DUB: Simon Mackey 26yd run (6-0).
2nd quarter: COR: Willy O’Brien 3yd pass from Dave Lomasney (6-6).
3rd quarter: DUB: Carl Faichney 21 yd pass from Andy Dennehy (12-6).
4th quarter: DUB: Paul Calner 55yd run + 2xpt (20-6)

REPORT:
The Rebels won in Cork thanks to two second half touchdowns in a game that included a good solid defensive performance by both teams. The Admirals probably had the best of the first half, but the Rebels managed to take advantage of their opportunities to score in the second half to get the win which moves them to 5-0 in the IAFL standings.

The first score of the game came in the opening quarter when fullback Simon Mackey broke free for a 26 yard touchdown run. The Admirals levelled up the score in the second quarter when Willy O’Brien caught a 3 yard pass from quarterback Dave Lomasney. Defensive linemen on both teams played well throughout the game – Al Kelly and Paul Smyth for the Rebels and Chris Gaughan and James Lordan for the Admirals.

The second half started in a similar manner to the first with both defenses playing well. However, a time went by the Rebels began to take advantage of their chances. Quarterback Andy Dennehy hit receiver Carl Faichney for a 21 yard touchdown pass to give the Rebels the lead late in the third quarter. The Rebels then sealed the game in the fourth quarter with a long touchdown run by Paul Calner

REBELS DOMINATE THE KNIGHTS

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:05:12 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Posted May 28th 2006
By IAFL

Carrickfergus Knights 0-34 Dublin Rebels
Sunday 22nd May 2005
Venue: Sportslink, Santry, Dublin.
SCORERS:
1st quarter: REB Simon Mackey 1 yd run (0-6)
2nd quarter: REB Simon Mackey 40 yd run, Simon Mackey 2xpt (0-14); REB Carl Faichney 20 yd pass from Andrew Dennehy (0-20)
3rd quarter: REB Simon Mackey 7 yd run (0-26)
4th quarter: REB Andrew Dennehy 5 yd run, Simon Mackey 2xpt pass from Andrew Dennehy. (0-34)

REPORT:
The Dublin Rebels showed why they are league champions today with a 34-00 shutout of the Carrickfergus Knights in a game fraught with intensity and big hitting.

Tailback Simon Mackey opened the scoring in the first quarter with a one yard run set up by a thundering 30 yard outside run by Mackey on the previous play. Mackey got his second of three in an awesome performance of power running with a 40 yard run and then converted the extra points himself to make it 14-00 to the Rebels. The Rebels defence did a great job shutting down the Knights’ Offence all game. Big hitting from LB’s Paul Calner and Paul Weldon and great intensity from the Defensive line of Simon Mackey, Conor Walsh, Al Kelly and Paul Smyth stuffed run after run. The Rebels scored again in the second quarter with Dennehy throwing 20 yds to Carl Faichney to make the score 20-00.

In the third quarter the Knights’ Offense tried to get some momentum with running backs David Wright and Robert Eliot getting yards on the ground. The Rebels Defense managed to stop a resurgent Knights team with continued aggression and hard hitting. When the Rebels were moving the ball, it was largely down to the power running of Offensive MVP Mackey and some great catches by Paul Smyth. The Knights Defense played hard, and DB’s Paul McKillop and Derek Dempsey did well in covering the Rebels’ receivers. The Rebels Offensive Line also played very well during the game, opening holes and maintaining blocks. Mackey went in for his third TD of the afternoon on a 5 yard run up the middle.

In the fourth quarter, Rebels QB Andrew Dennehy scored on a five yard run after a sensational catch for 40 yards by WR Eoin Halpin put the Rebels well into the red zone. Running back Simon Mackey then caught a pass from Dennehy to convert the 2xpt and bring his personal scoring tally to 22 points. Final score Rebels 34, Knights 00.

REBELS 42 – 12 DCU SAINTS

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:06:34 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

POSTED By IAFL

Dublin Rebels 42 – 12 DCU Saints
Sunday May 7th 2006
Venue: AALSA

SCORERS:
1st quarter: REB Sam Hodgins 50 yd run (6-0); REB Conor Ryan 60 yd pass from Andrew Dennehy (12-0)
2nd quarter: REB Carl Faichney 40 yd pass from Andrew Dennehy, James Collins 2xpt (20-0); REB Carl Faichney 60 yd pass
from Andrew Dennehy (26-0) DCU Eoin Stapleton 8 yd run (26-6)
3rd quarter: No scoring
4th quarter: DCU Willie Coyne 25 yd pass from Conor Buggle (26-12); REB Sam Hodgins 5 yd run, Sam Hodgins 2xpt (34-12) REB Conor Ryan 15 yd run, Mick Finucane 2xpt (42-12)

REPORT:
The Dublin Rebels maintained their unbeaten streak this season with a convincing 42-12 victory over the DCU saints at a sun-drenched AALSA today.

Rebels RB Sam Hodgins opened the scoring on the second play of their opening drive with a 50 yd run to the outside. The next score also went to the Rebels (after a great pick by Rebels MLB Ross McCooey) when WR Conor Ryan scored from a 60 yd pass from QB Andy Dennehy. In the second quarter, Rebels WR Carl Faichney scored two big play TD’s first taking it in from 40 yds and then a 60 yd boomer from an in-form Dennehy. Rebels offensive MVP James Collins converted the first of the touchdowns. The Saints found themselves 26-0 down but did not give up the fight easily. QB Eoin Stapleton scored on an 8yd bootleg to get a vital score just before halftime.

The second half began with both defences playing well. The Saints defense lead by Damien Baker, Joe Carlyle and Neil Callanan did a great job of stiffling the Rebels offense in the third quarter, and 3 interceptions from Willie Coyne, Florian Steinmetz and Peter Kissiov meant that the game was far from over. Rebels CB Marcus Naylor had 2 interceptions himself to help the Rebels cause. But the Saints began to get some momentum on Offense, with Dave McMahon, Cillian Hurley and Conor Buggle playing particularly well. DCU then scored again, early in the fourth quarter, when Conor Buggle passed 25 yds to Willie Coyne, making the score 26-12 to the Rebels.

Then the Rebels, lead by fantastic blocking by the Offensive Line of Feargal O’Hanlon, Tobias Hansson, Dave Sherwin, Shane Campbell, Simon Connellan, Dave Griffith and TE Mick Finucane, got two more scores on the ground through Hodgins and Ryan for 5 and 15 yds respectively. TE Mick Finucane scored the 2xpt on a screen play to make the final score 42-12 to the Rebels.

UNIV OF LIMERICK VIKINGS 6-24 DUBLIN REBELS

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:08:33 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

By IAFL

Vikings 6-24 Dublin Rebels
Sunday 2nd April 2006
Venue: Sportslink, Dublin.

SCORERS:
1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: DUB: Ross McCooey 50 yd int return (0-6); DUB: Conor Ryan 25yd pass from Sean Shanahan + Paul Calner 2xpt (0-14).
3rd Quarter: DUB: James Collins 20yd run + 2xpt (0-22); DUB: Safety – punt snap (0-24).
4th Quarter: UL: Liam Ryan 95yd int return (6-24).

REPORT:
Defending Champions, the Dublin Rebels ended the Vikings 3 game winning streak at Sportslink today. The Rebels showed their championship pedigree by shutting out the UL offense which that was averaging over 30 points a game.

After an even first quarter, the Rebels defense got them on the scoreboard first with a 50 yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Ross McCooey. The Rebels defense, led by Paul Smyth and Darragh Farrell continued to shut down the UL offense which was led by quarterback Jeremiah Sexton and running back Andrew Gordan. It took a trick play for the Rebels to score their first offensive touchdown. Quarterback Andrew Dennehy pitched the ball to running back Sean Shanahan who hit receiver Conor Ryan with a 25 yard half back option pass for a touchdown. Paul Calner’s 2 point conversion gave the Rebels a 14-0 lead at halftime.

The third quarter continued in much the same way as the first quarter, with both defenses playing well, but the Rebels having an edge on offense. The Rebels stretched their lead to 22-0 when James Collins scored his first career touchdown on a 20 yard run. The Rebels defense then forced the Vikings into punt formation, but a bad snap on the punt – went through the endzone, gave the Rebels a safety and a 24-0 lead. The Rebels got into scoring range again in the fourth quarter, but Vikings safety Liam Ryan made an interception on front of his own goal line and returned it 95 yards for the Vikings only score of the game.