SHAMROCK BOWL XIX

Last modified on 2009-08-21 00:03:45 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Posted 29th August 2005
By IAFL

DUBLIN REBELS WIN 4th TITLE IN LAST 5 SEASONS – 3 IN A ROW
BELFAST BULLS 19 – 26 DUBLIN REBELS

28th August 2005
Venue: Grafton Arena, Deramore Park, Belfast.

THE 2005 SHAMROCK BOWL CHAMPIONS
SCORERS:
1st Quarter: DUB: Brian Dennehy 1yd run (6-0); DUB: Paul Smyth 10 yard fumble return (12-0).
2nd Quarter: DUB: Sam Hodgins 5yd run (18-0); BEL: Mark Helferty 15yd pass from James McKelvey, Eoghan Murphy 1xpt (18-7).
3rd Quarter: BEL: Erin Wagner 13yd run (18-13).
4th Quarter: BEL: Kris Donaghy 9yd pass from James McKelvey (18-19); DUB: Fearghal O’Donnchu 15yd pass from Andrew Dennehy, Brian Dennehy 2xpt (26-19).

REPORT:
The Dublin Rebels won Shamrock Bowl XIX by a score of 26-19 in a very exciting game played at the Grafton Arena in Belfast. The result of the game was not decided until the final play of the game when the Bulls were stopped on the Rebels 5 yard line. The game is one of the most memorable in Irish American football history and is the second consecutive Shamrock Bowl to be decided by a score inside the final two minutes. Both teams had periods of dominance in the game – the Rebels in the first quarter and early second quarter and the Bulls from late in the second quarter and the third quarter. Both teams seemed evenly matched in the final quarter.

THE STARTING DEFENSE
(Back – Left to right: Darran Conway, Eric Gras, Kenny Hudson, Al Kelly, Steve Wilson, Simon Mackey)
(Front – Left to right: Paul Smyth, Marcus Naylor, Pat Quinn, Brian Dennehy, Steve Archibald)

The Rebels got of to a good start by pinning the Bulls back on their own 5 yard line with the opening kick-off. The Rebels defense, led by Kenny Hudson and Al Kelly forced the Bulls to punt, giving the Rebels the ball at mid field. The Rebels marched downfield helped by some runs by Brian Dennehy and Sam Hodgins to give them a first and goal. Brian Dennehy then got the first touchdown of the game on a 1 yard run up the middle. The Rebels defense came up big on the Bulls next possession. On the first series after the ensuing kick-off, the Rebels got a major break when defensive end Paul Smyth, after getting a sack on preceding plays, recovered a Bulls fumble in the backfield and took it into the endzone for the Rebels second touchdown. The Rebels defense continued its dominance on the Bulls next possession. Defensive backs Marcus Naylor and Patrick Quinn prevented the Bulls from passing effectively. The Rebels forced the Bulls to punt. Late in the first quarter, the Rebels were faced with a crucial 4th and 1 on the Bulls 40 yard line. Quarterback Andrew Dennehy, who was having one of the best games of his career, got the necessary yardage to continue the drive on a quarterback sneak. Dennehy led the Rebels back into scoring range and rookie Sam Hodgins gave the Rebels an 18-0 lead with a 5 yard touchdown run early in the second quarter.

THE STARTING OFFENSE
(Back – Left to right: Fearghal O’Donnchu, Dave Griffith, Fergal O’Hanlon, Tobias Hansson, Dave Sherwin, Barry Flinn)
(Front – Left to right: Andy Dennehy, Shane Campbell, Andy Flynn, Brian Dennehy, Conor Ryan)

As the second quarter progressed, the Bulls began to get into the game. Their offense began to move the ball and their defense, including Carl Ward, Mark Helferty and Andrew Neeson began to click. Mid way through the quarter, the Bulls were faced with a 4th down at mid field. They lined up in punt formation, but faked the punt. Running back Erin Wagner scrambled for 20 yard to give the Bulls a crucial first down on the Rebels 20 yard line. A couple of played later the Bulls scored their first touchdown on a 15 yard pass from James McKelvey who hit Mark Helferty in the corner of the endzone. Eoghan Murphy kicked the extra point. The Bulls defense stopped the Rebels on their ensuing drive and the score was 18-7 in favour of the Rebels at half time.

The third quarter seemed to belong to the Bulls. Mark McGrath and Erin Wagner seemed to be able to pick up yardage on the ground and quarterback James McKelvey seemed to have more time. The Bulls defense forced the Rebels to punt on their opening possession. However, the Rebels punter fumbled the snap and was tackled to give the Bulls the ball in good field position. McKelvey then put together a solid drive and the Bulls scored on a rumbling 13 yard run by Erin Wagner who broke a number of tackles to get into the endzone. Momentum continued with the Bulls when linebacker Chris Weir made an interception at half way on the Rebels next possession. The Bulls offense then drove downfield thanks to some runs by Wagner and a couple of passes and got into scoring range early in the fourth quarter. McKelvey then threw a swing pass to running back Kris Donaghy who took it into the endzone from 9 yard out to give the Bulls a narrow 19-18 lead with only 11 minutes remaining in the game.

The fourth quarter then became on of the most exciting in IAFL history as both teams made every effort to get the victory. The Rebels were forced to punt on their first possession of the quarter thanks to some excellent defensive play by the Bulls. The Bulls offence then drove to the Rebels 35 yard line, but was stopped by three good defensive plays by the Rebels defense. The Bulls then decided to try another fake punt, but turned the ball over when the runner was tackled without getting the necessary yards. Andrew Dennehy then put together the best drive of his career with passes to Simon Mackey and Brian Dennehy to get the Rebels to the Bulls 25 yard line with less than two minutes remaining in the game. Dennehy then threw an out to tight end Fearghal O’Donnchu who caught the ball on the 10 yard line. O’Donnchu went for the goal line and forced his way through two Bulls defenders, just managing to get the ball in the endzone while being tackled. Brian Dennehy got the two point conversion to give the Rebels a 26-19 lead with just a minute remaining. However the game was not yet quite over. After the kick-off, the Bulls started on their own 30 yard line with 49 seconds remaining in the game. A couple of runs by Erin Wagner and some passes got them a first and goal on the Rebels 6 yard line with only 14 seconds left on the clock. The Rebels defense then put together a goal line stand and the game ended when the Rebels defense tackled Erin Wagner as he attempted to run for a touchdown as time expired.

THE SHAMROCK BOWL TROPHY
(Left to right: Marcus Naylor, Brian Dennehy, Andy Flynn & Kenny Hudson)

The win is the Rebels third consecutive Shamrock Bowl victory. Rebels quarterback Andrew Dennehy won the inaugural Thomas Street Jewellers MVP award mainly because of the way he directed the Rebels offense on each of their scoring drives. Shamrock Bowl day also featured Ireland’s first ever youth flag Championship which the Belfast Bulls youth team won against the Craigavon Titans.

DUBLIN REBELS DEFEAT KNIGHTS IN PLAY-OFF GAME

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:29:23 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

REBELS TO PLAY BULLS IN FINAL
Last modified on 2009-05-08 16:57:58 GMT. 0 comments. Top. Edit topic.

Posted 15th August 2005
By IAFL
DUBLIN REBELS DEFEAT KNIGHTS IN PLAY-OFF GAME
CARRICKFERGUS KNIGHTS 20 – 26 DUBLIN REBELSSunday 14th August 2005
Venue: Greystones Rugby Club.
SCORERS:
1st Quarter: CAR: Ian McIlroy 8yd pass from Adam Devenney (6-0).
2nd Quarter: DUB: Brian Dennehy 8yd run (6-6); DUB: Barry Flinn12yd pass from Andrew Dennehy (6-12).
3rd Quarter: DUB: Sam Hodgins 7yd run, Fearghal O’Donnchu 2xpt (6-20); DUB: Sam Hodgins 11yd run (6-26).
4th Quarter: CAR: Clinton McDowell 56yd pass from Devenney, David Wright 2xpt (14-26); CAR: Colin Esler 25yd pass from Devenney (20-26).

REPORT:
Defending Champions, the Dublin Rebels defeated the Carrickfergus Knights in their Shamrock Bowl semi-final to qualify for their third Shamrock Bowl in a row. The game was one of the most entertaining of the season as both teams played well and the result was not determined until the dying seconds of the game. The Knights opened the scoring mid way through the first quarter when Adam Devenney led the team downfield and threw a touchdown pass to receiver Ian McIlroy. Devenney was making his first ever start in the IAFL in place of the injured Stephen McDowell who has started every Knights game over the past 5 years. The Rebels responded almost immediately by putting together a solid drive which ended with a touchdown by Brian Dennehy on an 8 yard sweep. Momentum shifted in the Rebels favour on the knights ensuing drive when defensive back Darragh Farrell intercepted the Knights at mid field to give the Rebels excellent field position. The Rebels took advantage of the turnover and after picking up a fir st down scored on a 12 yard pass from Andrew Dennehy to rookie receiver Barry Flinn. The Rebels defense, led by safety Marcus Naylor and defensive end Paul Smyth played well for the remainder of the second quarter, stopping the Knights on each of their two remaining drives. The Rebels got another chance to score just inside the two minute warning. After getting into scoring range through the running of Dennehy and catches by Conor Ryan and Fearghal O’Donnchu, they were stopped when Knights intercepted them on the goal line.

The Rebels started off the second half as the stronger team, however the Knights began to come back at them as time passed by. The Knights had the first scoring chance of the third quarter. After driving downfield with passes to Paul McKillop and Spencer McDowell, they were intercepted on the goal line by the Rebels Steve Archibald. Again the Rebels capitalised on the turnover. After picking up some first downs, rookie running back Sam Hodgins broke free and scored on a 28 yard run. Archibald caused another fumble on the Knights next possession by recovering a Knights fumble at mid field, but the Rebels were stopped on the ensuing possession. The Rebels got another turnover almost immediately when cornerback Patrick Quinn intercepted a pass on the Knights 20 yard line. Like with the previous interception, the Rebels capitalised on the turnover, and Sam Hodgins got his second touchdown of the day on an 11 yard run to give the Rebels what seemed like a comfortable 26-6 lead with one quarter to play. The fourth quarter started with both teams exchanging fumbles– Paul Weldon for the Rebels and Spencer McDowell for the Knights. The Knights then embarked on a comeback. They scored quickly on a 56 yard touchdown pass from Devenney to Clinton McDowell. The Knights defense then stopped the Rebels on their next possession and scored again when, after picking up some first downs through full back Bobby Murray, Devenney hit receiver Colin Esler for another touchdown to make the score 26-20 with just over two minutes to play. However the Rebels sealed the game with two first down runs by Brian Dennehy, thus running out the clock to give them a memorable 26-20 victory.

REBELS END BULLS UNBEATEN RUN

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:31:28 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Posted 26th July 2005
By IAFL

BELFAST BULLS 00 – REBELS 26Sunday 25th July 2005
Venue: Greystones Rugby Club, Co Wicklow.
SCORERS:
1st Quarter: REB: Barry Flinn 11yd pass from Andrew Dennehy (0-6); Conor Ryan 55yd punt return, Flinn 2xpt (0-14).
2nd Quarter: REB: Fearghal O’Donnchu 9yd pass from Andrew Dennehy (0-20).
3rd Quarter: REB: No scoring.
4th Quarter: REB: Brian Dennehy 8yd run (0-26).

REPORT:
The Dublin Rebels spoiled the Belfast Bulls chance of an unbeaten regular season and earned home field advantage in the play-offs with a shut out victory at Greystones RFC. The game was the first of a double header played in torrential rainfall – c.2 inches during the course of the afternoon – making conditions very difficult for the players from all teams. The Rebels victory was helped through winning the turnover battle, recovering three fumbles as opposed to the Bulls two. The Rebels got off to a good start in the first quarter. They put together a solid drive with running back Brian Dennehy picking up yardage on the ground which finished with an 11 yard touchdown pass from Andrew Dennehy to rookie receiver Barry Flinn. The Bulls punted on their next possession, but got a break when Stuart Simpson recovered a fumble. However they were forced to punt on the ensuing possession and the Rebels returner Conor Ryan returned the punt 55 yards for a touchdown to give the Rebels a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Bulls managed to move the ball in the second quarter through running back Kris Donaghy and receiver Chris McKeown, but were stopped by the Rebels each time they got into scoring range. The Rebels got a break just over 3 minutes before the half when Paul Smyth recovered a Bulls fumble in the Bulls half. The turnover was converted into a score via a 9 yard pass from Andrew Dennehy to tight end Fearghal O’Donnchu. Both teams struggled to get into scoring range in the second half as the weather deteriorated.

The Rebels defense had the best of the third quarter with middle linebacker Kenny Hudson causing two forced fumbles, both of which the Rebels recovered. Both defenses dominated the remainder of the half, particularly the defensive lines as the weather made it difficult to pass the ball. The Rebels got their final score of the day mid way through the fourth quarter. They marched into scoring range through a combination of running backs Brian Dennehy and Sam Hodgins. After getting a first and goal, Brian Dennehy scored on an 8 yard sweep to put the game beyond the Bulls. The Bulls finish their regular season with a league best 7-1 record and Rebels are guaranteed second place with a 5-2-1 record.

REBELS HAMMER DRAGONS

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:32:19 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Posted 13th July 2005
By IAFL

DUBLIN REBELS 52 – 08 DUBLIN DRAGONS
Sunday 10th July 2005
Venue: Lucan, Co Dublin.
SCORERS:
1st Quarter: REB: Barry Flinn 26yd pass from Andrew Dennehy, Brian Dennehy 2xpt (8-0).
2nd Quarter: REB: Ross McCooey 40yd int return, Flinn 2xpt (16-0); REB: Conor Ryan 60yd pass from A.Dennehy, Flinn 2xpt (24-0); REB: Barry Flinn 28yd pass from A.Dennehy, B.Dennehy 2xpt (32-0).
3rd Quarter: REB: Sam Hodgins 7yd run + 2xpt (40-0); DRA: Robert Popciobobartepelus 47 yd pass from Robert Olwill, John Durrad 2xpt (40-8).
4th Quarter: REB: Brian Dennehy 6yd pass from A.Dennehy (46-8); REB: Conor Ryan 4yd run (52-8).

REPORT:
The Dublin Rebels comprehensively defeated cross town rivals, the Dublin Dragons, in very warm conditions in Lucan, Co. Dublin. Receivers Barry Flinn and Conor Ryan each scored twice and quarterback Andrew Dennehy threw 4 touchdown passes. Linebacker Ross McCooey was the star player on defense for the Rebels, getting two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The Rebels opened the scorning mid way through the first quarter when Barry Flinn caught a 26 yard pass from Andrew Dennehy after the Rebels defense had forced the Dragons to punt. The Rebels got onto the scoreboard again early in the second quarter when linebacker Ross McCooey caught an errant Dragons pass and sprinted to the endzone for a touchdown. In spite of picking up some yards through Diarmuid Noyes, the Dragons were stopped again by the Rebels defense, led by defensive tackle Al Kelly. The Rebels then scored very quickly when Flinn caught a difficult long pass along the sideline and converted it into a 60 yard touchdown reception. The Dragons then tried to move the ball in the air and got into the Rebels half, but were stopped when McCooey picked off another pass – this time on his own 30 yard line. A first down run by Brian Dennehy helped get the Rebels into scoring range again and they then went to the air with Barry Flinn scoring on a 28 yard pass from Andrew Dennehy to give the Rebels a comfortable 32-0 lead at the half.

The Rebels kept up the tempo early in the third quarter, putting together a drive culminating in a 7 yard run by rookie running back Sam Hodgins. Later in the same quarter, the Dragons got on the scoreboard when receiver Robert Popciobobartepelus made a nice catch and broke free of the secondary for a 47 yard touchdown pass from Robert Olwill. There were mixed fortunes for the Rebels in the fourth quarter. They started off well with a 6 yard touchdown by Brian Dennehy on the first play of the quarter after having put together another nice drive. They got the ball back immediately when Tobias Hansson recovered a Dragons fumble on the kick-off inside the Dragons half. This was converted into a touchdown by Conor Ryan – his second of the day. However, the Dragons defense finished well with 2 consecutive interceptions by cornerback Dan Breslin. The Rebels now move into a clear second place in the IAFL standings with a 4-2-1 record. The Dragons drop to 0-6.

REBELS DEFEATED BY KNIGHTS

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:33:29 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Posted 13th June 2005
By IAFL

DUBLIN REBELS 20 – 32 CARRICKFERGUS KNIGHTS
Sunday 12th June 2005
Venue: Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus.
SCORERS:
1st Quarter: CAR: Bobby Murray 3yd run (0-6).
2nd Quarter: CAR: David Wright 1yd run (0-12).
3rd Quarter: DUB: Barry Flinn 21yd pass from Andrew Dennehy, Naylor 2xpt (8-12). CAR: Clinton McDowell 35yd reverse (8-18).
4th Quarter: COR: DUB: Andrew Dennehy 1yd run (14-18); CAR: Bobby Murray 9yd run (14-24); DUB: Barry Flinn 40yd pass from Andrew Dennehy (20-24); CAR: Stephen McDowell 1yd run, Spencer McDowell 2xpt (20-32).

REPORT:
Last years Shamrock Bowl runner-up, the Carrickfergus Knights defeated last years champions, the Dublin Rebels in a very competitive game at Woodburn Road. The Knights opened the first quarter by putting together a long drive, mainly through the running of David Wright which ended with a short yardage touchdown by Bobby Murray. The Rebels attempted to respond on their opening drive, but failed to score. The Knights then put together another good drive, with wide receiver Ian McIlroy making some key receptions, which resulted in a second short yardage touchdown, this time from running back David Wright. The Rebels then started to come back at the Knights. Receiver Barry Flinn caught a first down pass and then drew a pass interference penalty to give the Rebels the ball in good field position. However, a goal line interception by Knights cornerback Mark Pollock prevented a Rebels touchdown. The Rebels had another chance to score before the half, but paid the price for an assisting the runner penalty on the goal line.

The second half was a high scoring affair as both offenses clicked into gear. Both teams moved the ball freely with the Rebels having success in the air with passes to Flinn and Conor Ryan, but also picking up some yardage through half back Marcus Naylor. The Knights were also able to move the ball through the air to receivers McIlroy and Paul McKillop as well as on the ground with the one-two combination of halfback Wright and fullback Murray. The Rebels scored early in the third quarter with a pass from Dennehy to Flinn to bring them within 4 points of the Knights. The Knights then responded with 35 yard reverse touchdown run by Clinton McDowell. The Rebels responded on their next drive by picking up some first downs before scoring on a 1 yard quarterback sneak by Dennehy. The Knights then responded to this touchdown by increasing their lead through a 9 yard run by Bobby Murray after picking up some yardage through Spencer McDowell to restore their 10 point lead. However, the Rebels were still in the game and scored again with a long pass from Dennehy to Flinn.

The Knights sealed the game inside the two minute warning when, after receiving the Rebels on-side kick, they scored on a quarterback sneak by Stephen McDowell.

REBELS WIN DUBLIN DERBY

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:34:37 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Posted 30th May 2005
By IAFL

DUBLIN DRAGONS 00 – 50 DUBLIN REBELS
Sunday 29th May 2005
Venue: Greystones Rugby Club, Co Wicklow

SCORERS:
1st Quarter: DUB: Conor Ryan, 50yd pass from Dennehy (0-6); Defensive Safety (0-8); Sam Hodgins 2yd run + 2xpt (0-16).
2nd Quarter: DUB: No scoring.
3rd Quarter: Myles Majid 10yd pass from Dennehy (0-22); Fearghal O’Donnchu 12yd pass from Dennehy + Archibald 2xpt (0-30).
4th Quarter: COR: Fearghal O’Donnchu 12yd pass from Dennehy + Naylor 2xpt (0-38); Steve Archibald 43yd pass from Dennehy (0-44); Marcus Naylor 3yd pass from Dennehy (0-50).

REPORT:
Dublin Rebels quarterback Andrew Dennehy threw five touchdown passes in a very good-natured Dublin derby game played at Greystones. Both teams punted on their first possessions of the first quarter, but the Rebels got on the scoreboard on the first play of their second possession after Dennehy threw a long pass down the sideline to Conor Ryan who sprinted in for a 50 yard touchdown. The Dragons spluttered on their next possession when they conceded a safety on a fumble in their own endzone. The Dragons recovered the ball shortly afterwards when defensive tackle Neil Holland recovered a Rebels fumble, but the Dragons were forced to punt by the Rebels defense led by defensive linemen Paul Smyth and Simon Connellan. On their next possession, the Rebels got into scoring range again, partially due to a first down catch by Marcus Naylor. Rookie running back Sam Hodgins then punched the ball in from two yards out on the final play of the quarter. The Dragons defense had their best spell in the second quarter , with cornerback John Rochford and linebacker Nick Newby making some good stops. Neither team scored during the quarter to give the Rebels a 16-0 lead at halftime.

The Rebels passing game stepped up a gear in the second half with Dennehy having a particularly good game. After the Dragons failed to move the ball, the Rebels moved downfield with a series of passing plays which ended with a 10 yard touchdown pass from Dennehy to receiver Myles Majid. On the Dragons next drive, quarterback John Durrad was intercepted and the Rebels capitalised with Dennehy throwing another touchdown pass, this time to tight end Fearghal O’Donnchu. The Dragons picked up some yards through running back Dave Wheeler and a couple passes to Robert Popciobotartepelus, but were stopped when safety Darragh Farrell recovered a fumble at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Rebels then dominated the remainder of the game with Dennehy throwing 3 touchdown passes – a 12 yarder to Fearghal O’Donnchu, a 43 yarder to Steve Archibald and a 3 yarder to Marcus Naylor to press home their offensive dominance. Defensive lineman Paul Smyth had a couple of sacks in the quarter as the Dragons tried to chase the game by going to the air. The Dragons did manage to get into scoring range late in the game, but an interception by Darragh Farrell in the final minute stopped them.

REBELS DEFEAT ADMIRALS

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:44:58 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Posted 23rd May 2005
By IAFL

CORK ADMIRALS 20 – 34 DUBLIN REBELS
Sunday 22nd May 2005
Venue: Greystones RFC
SCORERS:
1st Quarter: DUB: Simon Mackey, 15yd pass from Andy Dennehy (0-6); DUB: Sam Hodgins 20yd pass from Andy Dennehy (0-12).
2nd Quarter: DUB: Conor Ryan 30yd pass from Andy Dennehy + 2xpt (0-20).
3rd Quarter: COR: MacHale, 10yd pass from David Lomasney + 2xpt (8-20); DUB: Andy Dennehy 1yd run (8-26).
4th Quarter: COR: Lomasney 5yd run (14-26); COR: Keith O’Callaghan 35yd pass from David Lomasney (20-26); DUB: Sam Hodgins 50yd run + 2xpt (20-34).

REPORT:
The Rebels opened the scoring with a 15 yard TD pass from Andy Dennehy to Simon Mackey, which wasn’t converted. The Admirals’ Offense came straight back with a long drive into the Dublin redzone, with WR Dominic MacHale plucking a succession of QB David Lomasney’s passes out of the air in traffic. Unfortunately, the drive ended on a fumbled snap recovered by the Rebels. On the ensuing possession, RB Sam Hodgins racked up good yardage through the middle before turning a short pass into a 20-yard TD, which was not converted. 12-0. The Lomasney to MacHale connection worked all day, but didn’t yield any points for Cork in the first half. Rebels QB Dennehy hit WR Conor Ryan in the endzone for a 30-yard TD midway through the 2nd, which Ryan converted, and the Rebels were on the Cork 15-yard line as time expired at the end of the half.

The Admirals approached the 2nd half with a different attitude. Fumbles plagued the Rebels backfield. Two Dublin players were ejected, giving up penalties of 30 and 40 yards. The Cork side capitalised on the field position, with the defense stifling the Rebels’ solid rushing attack and the offense getting into position for Lomasney to find MacHale in the endzone. The score was converted. 20-8. After converting a crucial 4th Down, and fumbling it away on the next play, the Rebels stuffed the Admirals and forced a 3-and-out. RB Marcus Naylor picked up a 25-yard reception to bring Dublin deep into Cork territory. Two plays later, WR Barry McBarrystein held onto a deep pass in double coverage to come down at the 1-yard line. QB Dennehy sneaked it in for the score. 26-8. After recovering a fumble on the Rebels 5-yard line.

Admirals bounced back at the start of the 4th, with QB Lomasney running it in for six points. 26-14. The Cork defense held strong once again, forcing a punt. QB Lomasney hit RB Keith O’Callaghan on a short pass, which he took up the sideline for a 35-yard TD. 26-20. On the Rebels next drive, RB Hodgins cut back on a Sweep to slice through the Cork D for a 50-yard score, which he converted. 34-20. After making solid yards on the ground, including a Draw play from No. 18 (I think) to convert a 3rd and long, the Admirals produced a neat trick play – a sweep reverse pass, with the WR hitting fellow WR MacHale in the endzone to make it 34-26. The Admirals recovered the onside kick with 2 mins to play. However, the Rebels D piled on the pressure, with DE Paul Smyth and LB Paul Weldon chasing Lomasney out of the pocket on four consecutive plays to shut down the Cork passing attack. The Rebels got the ball back and kneeled out the clock to win.

REBELS AND KNIGHTS TIE 2005 MUD BOWL

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:46:08 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Posted 24th April 2005
By IAFL

CARRICKFERGUS KNIGHTS 08 – 08 DUBLIN REBELS
Sunday 17th April 2005
Venue: Greystones Rugby Club, Co Wicklow

SCORERS:
1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: DUB: Mark Kelly 6yd run, Brian Dennehy 2xpt (0-8).
3rd Quarter: No scoring.
4th Quarter: CAR: Bobby Murray 2yd run, David Wright 2xpt (8-8).

REPORT:
The Carrickfergus Knights and Dublin Rebels tied a close game in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. This was the first meeting of the two teams since last Augusts Shamrock Bowl when the Rebels beat the Knights by 2 points to win the title.

The game was played in very wet and stormy weather which made passing the ball almost impossible thus reducing the game to a running affair. As expected given the weather conditions, both defenses dominated as the offensive backs struggled with their footing and with ball handling. In spite of both teams fumbling the ball on a number of occasions, there were no key turnovers.

After a slow first quarter in which neither team moved the ball effectively, the Rebels put together a number of first downs on the ground, mostly through running back Brian Dennehy. Fullback Mark Kelly then scored on a 6 yard touchdown run which was converted by Dennehy to give the Rebels a 8-0 lead at half time. The third quarter followed a similar pattern to the first, but as the second half progressed, the Knights began to move the ball more effectively and scored on a short yardage run by veteran fullback Bobby Murray in the final quarter. Running back David Wright got the 2 point conversion to tie the game. Neither team got into scoring range again before the final whistle.

As expected, the best performances for both teams were on defense. Alan Kelly, Kenny Hudson and Steve Archibald were the Rebels best defenders and Spencer McDowell, Scott Robinson and new signing Alan O’Carroll played well for the Knights.

REBELS SEASON GETS A SETBACK

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:48:04 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Posted 15th March 2005
By Andy D

DUBLIN REBELS 14 – 22 BELFAST BULLS
Sunday 13th March 2005
Venue: Cherryvale Playing Fields, Belfast
SCORERS:
1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: BEL: Mark Helferty 25yd pass from Kevin Downs (0-6); BEL: Mark Helferty 20 yd pass from Downs, Wagner 2xpt (0-14).
3rd Quarter: No scoring.
4th Quarter: DUB: Hodgins 2yd run (6-14); BEL: Erin Wagner 6yd run, Downs 2xpt (6-22); DUB: Brian Dennehy 23yd pass from Andrew Dennehy, Simon Mackey 2xpt (14-22).

REPORT:
Defending champions the Dublin Rebels traveled to Belfast to take on last year’s dark horse, the Belfast Bulls. The two teams met in the final game of the regular season in 2004, with the Rebels coming out on top, 28-14.

This time the tables were turned on the defending champs, as the Bulls came out firing, with their swarming defense stifling the Rebels throughout the first half. A close call came against the grain in the 1st quarter, as a Rebels receiver didn’t manage to pull in a pass on the goalline. Mark Helferty of the Bulls stopped the drive on the next play with the first of his two interceptions of QB Andy Dennehy. The Dublin defense held strong despite the misgivings of the offense, as the Belfast side were getting good field position. Strong running by RB Erin Wagner wore down the defenders and the game-changing magic of QB Kevin Downs turned many a big loss into a big gain. Twice in the first half, he used his mobility to buy enough time for Mark Helferty, playing in WR, to find his way to the back of the endzone unnoticed. The Bulls converted the second TD to make the score 14-0 at halftime.

Belfast continued to break up the Rebels’ offense in the 3rd quarter, but huge plays by TB Brian Dennehy and Mark Kelly helped Dublin move the ball from their own goalline into the Belfast redzone. Just as the Rebels got into scoring range, another interception killed the drive when a pass bounced off TE Fearghal O’Donnchu’s hands and into the arms of a Belfast safety.

But the Bulls had their share of bad breaks, as fumbles plagued them all day. Late in the 3rd quarter, Rebels LB Ross McCooey knocked the rock free from RB Wagner on the Dublin 2-yard line after a long, trundling drive by the Bulls.

Dublin failed to capitalize on any of these mistakes, with Belfast D-Linemen Jeroen Egge, Wagner and Marty Devlin deftly plugging up running lanes and generating terrific pressure on QB Dennehy.

Midway through the 4th, the Rebels finally broke the duck after a couple of key receptions by Brian Dennehy brought them into scoring range. QB Andy Dennehy found rookie WR Sam Hodgins in the back of the endzone from 10 yards out. The 2pt conversion failed. 14-6.

The Bulls returned fire immediately, with QB Downs mystifying the Rebels defense and eating up huge chunks of yards. RB Wagner continued his rushing onslaught, and finally reached paydirt with a 5-yard TD. The 2pt was converted by Downs, reaching the ball inside the pylon as he fell out of bounds. 22-6.

Brian Dennehy returned the kickoff into the Bulls half and created a spark of hope with less than 2 minutes remaining. QB Dennehy connected with Kelly and Brian Dennehy for a couple of first downs, before finding his brother wide open in the endzone with 50 seconds on the clock. Simon Mackey pulled in the 2pt conversion. 22-14.

The ensuing onside kick bounced sweetly over the Bulls’ heads to be collected by Marcus Naylor of the Rebels.
The Bulls tightened up and pressure from DE Wagner and DT Egge prevented QB Dennehy from finding his receivers downfield. The Bulls secondary continued to dominate, making great plays to augment a day that included 4 interceptions. A dumpoff to Simon Mackey on 4th down, with 30 seconds left only gained 4 yards and the Bulls got the ball back.

However, on the very next play QB Downs fumbled and it was recovered by Rebels’ safety Darragh Farrell. Dublin had the ball with 20 seconds on the clock and one timeout. QB Dennehy completed a short pass to Mark Kelly, but he was tackled immediately for a gain of 4. The next two passes fell incomplete and on 4th Down and 6, on the Bulls 30, with 8 seconds remaining, DE Wagner shot through the line and hit QB Dennehy as he threw. The ball fell harmlessly to the ground, 10 yards past the line of scrimmage.

Downs knelt out the clock on his last play on Irish soil before he leaves the country. 22-14, the champions dethroned.

REBELS DEFEAT VIKINGS IN SEASON OPENER

Last modified on 2009-07-25 11:49:25 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Posted 24th February 2005
By IAFL

DUBLIN REBELS 30 – 00 UL VIKINGS
Sunday 20th February 2005
Venue: University Of Limerick
SCORERS (all Rebels):
1st Quarter: DUB: Carl Faichney 11 yd pass from Andrew Dennehy, Mark Kelly 2xpt (8-0).
2nd Quarter: DUB: Carl Faichney 18 yd pass from A.Dennehy, Mark Kelly 2xpt (16-0).
3rd Quarter: No scoring.
4th Quarter: DUB: Fearghal O’Donnchu 14 yd pass from A.Dennehy(22-0); DUB: Sam Hodgins, 7 yd run, Brian Dennehy 2xpt (30-0).

REPORT:
Defending Shamrock Bowl Champions, Dublin Rebels won the opening game of the 2005 IAFL season with a comfortable 30-0 victory over the UL Vikings in Limerick. Rebels quarterback, Andrew Dennehy threw 3 touchdown passes including 2 to Carl Faichney. The Rebels scored early in the first quarter – veteran running back, Brian Dennehy carried the ball a number of times on the drive which finished with an 11 yard pass from Andrew Dennehy to Carl Faichney which was converted by Mark Kelly. The Vikings failed to move the ball on their next drive and were forced to punt. Later in the quarter, Rebels cornerback Darragh Farrell picked intercepted a UL pass on his own 14 yard line. Then in the second quarter, the Rebels put together another solid drive and scored an almost identical touchdown to their earlier score – this time Andrew Dennehy hit Faichney from 18 yards out and Mark Kelly got his second 2 point conversion to make it 20-0.

The Vikings defense improved in the third quarter with some good plays from Kieran Coen and Conor Rooney. Running backs Erik Butzek and Daniel Levy picked up some yardage on the ground and receiver Liam Ryan had a couple of receptions, however they Vikings offense was unable to get into scoring range for the remainder of the game. The Rebels defense had an excellent second half, helped by a fumble recovery by defensive lineman Steve Wilson and some good defensive stops by Steve Archibald and Alan Kelly. The Rebels offense finished the game on a high with a 14 yard touchdown pass from Andrew Dennehy to tight end Fearghal O’Donnchu and a 7 yard run by rookie Sam Hodgins which was set up by a catch and run by Brian Dennehy who also got the 2 point conversion.

The Rebels victory in Limerick extends their IAFL winning streak to 8 consecutive games stretching back to early May last year and 17 of their last 18 going back to March 2003.