League: Irish American Football League Playoffs

Craigavon Cowboys American Football

Craigavon Cowboys season Report 1986

The Craigavon Cowboys played their first ever fully kitted game with pads and helmets in Shane Park, Lurgan, on May 19 1986 in the first ever fully kitted games in Northern Ireland between two Irish teams. Craigavon Cowboys lost that match 0-46 in what was an inauspicious start for a season that ended in triumph.

Another defeat in the American Independence Day Summer Bowl Festival in Dublin on August 6 followed, where they lost to Dublin Celts in the Semi-Finals of a four team Tournament played with a rolling clock and 20 minute quarters.

They again lost heavily to Belfast Blitzers in the Final Week on September 1, 0-40 but on September 27 they defeated Coleraine Chieftains 33-0 which enabled them to advance to the Shamrock Bowl, which was arranged after the season had ended. There they won 6-2 versus the Dublin Celts with a Touchdown by Nigel Trimble with only four minutes remaining, having gone 2-0 down in the first half having conceded a safety.

The Cowboys thus went down in history as the first winners of the Shamrock Bowl, Ireland’s Super Bowl. The turnaround was largely attributed to Chuck Ebron, a new Coach brought in from USA for the second half of the season.

Note: For the Standings (as is currently known by Eirball) for the 1986 season please see below the References Section.

Craigavon cowboys IAFL Season Results 1986

Note: Please Click on the relevant matches to be brought to a page detailing the Scores, scorers, and players lists as well as a Match Reports.

Note: Non-Regular season 4th of July American Independence Day Tournament

Standings 1986

Pos	Team
1	Laois Tractor FC
2	Aer Lingus
2	Aer Lingus PM
2	Aldergrove Hawks
2	Ashbourne Giants B
2	Ashbourne Giants
2	Ashbourne Stags
2	Ashbourne Titans
2	Ashbourne Titans
2	Athlone RSC
2	Ayr Burners (Sco)
2	BI Academy
2	Bailey Joe Allen Hall
2	Balbriggan VC
2	Ballina
2	Ballymun Patriots VC
2	Ballynahinch
2	Bandits
2	Bangor Barracudas WPC
2	Bangor Buccaneers
2	Barrack St.
2	Barrack St.
2	Beat Around Debuchy
2	Belfast
2	Belfast Blitzers
2	Belfast Buccaneers
2	Belfast Giants
2	Belfast NorthStars
2	Belfast Spartans
2	Belgium
2	Blazers
2	Bruckless
2	Campbell College Belfast
2	Campbell College Belfast
2	Canada
2	Carrick Crows 1
2	Carrick Crows 2
2	Carrickfergus Cougars
2	Cathal Brugha
2	Cathal Brugha
2	Cathal Brugha
2	Cathal Brugha B
2	Claremorris
2	Clashmore
2	Clonard
2	Clonard WPC
2	Clonard WPC B
2	Clontarf
2	Clontarf SC
2	Coleraine Chieftains
2	Comets Baseball
2	Connacht Rugby
2	Cork
2	Cork Constitution
2	Cork Cosmos
2	Corrib
2	Corrib WPC
2	Corrib WPC B
2	Corrib WPC Barbarians
2	Cory in the House FC
2	Craigavon Aztecs U21
2	Craigavon Aztecs U21
2	Craigavon Cowboys
2	Cuchulainn Hurling Club
2	Céide Lámh Dhearg
2	Cú Chulainn WPC
2	Cú Chulainn WPC B
2	DCU
2	DCU / Vikings
2	DVC Abu
2	DVC Bravo
2	Dalkey Devils
2	Derrynoose
2	Diamonds WPC
2	Drogheda WPC
2	Drogheda WPC
2	Dublin Celts
2	Dublin City Hurricanes
2	Dublin City Hurricanes B
2	Dublin City University
2	Dublin Spartans
2	Dublin Spartans B
2	Dublin Tornadoes
2	Dublin University
2	Dublin Volleyball Club
2	Dundalk IT Fireballs
2	Dynamo L Apero
2	East Side Jets
2	Enniskillen Blockbusters U21
2	Enniskillen Blockbusters U21
2	Exeter Softly FC
2	Fanatical Dodgers
2	Fiji
2	France
2	Galway
2	Galway PM
2	Gardians
2	Gardians
2	Garryowen
2	Glenalbyn
2	Grads
2	Great Britain
2	Green Isle All-Stars
2	Green Swifts Rockhill
2	Guinness
2	Half Moon
2	IT Carlow
2	IT Carlow PM
2	IT Sligo
2	Inchicore College
2	Inter Bens Bike
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland Women
2	Iremany
2	Is Your Motherwell
2	It's about to get Messi
2	Jordanstown Jaguars
2	KADCA (Badminton)
2	Kamikazee
2	Kilkenny Spartans VC
2	Kinsalebeg
2	Kinsalebeg
2	Landsdowne
2	Larne Grammar School
2	Leinster Rugby
2	Letterkenny
2	Letterkenny
2	Lifford
2	Lithuania
2	Loco Polo
2	Longford Smashers VC
2	Malta
2	Marian
2	Marian
2	Mariners Baseball
2	Mariners Baseball
2	Mariners Baseball B
2	Marlboro Shamrocks (Mass)
2	Maynooth University
2	Middletown Na Fianna
2	Milford A
2	Milford A
2	Milford B
2	Milford B
2	Moleicester City
2	Munster Rugby
2	Naas Cobras
2	Naomh Moninne
2	Nauru
2	Net Force Cork
2	New Collection
2	New St.
2	New Zealand
2	Newcastle Senators (Eng)
2	North Dublin
2	North Dublin
2	North Dublin
2	North Dublin Bones
2	North Dublin Skulls
2	Northern Ireland
2	Northern Ireland Men
2	Obi 1 Kenobi 0
2	Otters
2	Papua New Guinea
2	Pintmen FC
2	Red Rox Baseball
2	Red Rox Baseball
2	Republic of Ireland
2	Republic of Ireland
2	Republic of Ireland
2	Romania
2	Sandycove SC
2	Santry Calypso
2	Santry Prem
2	Sean Treacy’s Hurling Club
2	Setanta
2	Skinny Jeans & thongs
2	Sligo City BC
2	Smack my Bilic Up
2	Snorting Lisbon
2	Sombrero Gaels
2	South Africa
2	Spastic Hawks
2	Spirish Wildcats
2	St. Vincent's
2	St. Vincent's WPC
2	St. Vincent's WPC
2	St. Vincent's WPC B
2	Straight to Town
2	Taking the Mkhitaryan
2	Tallaght Rockets VC
2	Tallaght rockets VC
2	Terenure College
2	The All Blacks
2	The Tribe 2.0
2	The Warriors
2	Timova FC
2	Touraneena
2	Tribes WPC
2	Trinity College Dublin
2	Trinity College Dublin
2	Tristar A Castlederg
2	Tristar B Castlederg
2	Tristar Castlederg
2	Twin Towns
2	Twin Towns A
2	Twin Towns B
2	UCC
2	UCD
2	UCD PM
2	UCDOFB & GKC
2	UL Cubs
2	UL Wolves
2	Ulster Rugby
2	United States of America
2	University College Cork
2	University College Cork (IRFU Rugby Union)
2	University College Dublin
2	University College Dublin
2	University College Dublin (IRFU Rugby Union)
2	University of Limerick
2	West Bondage Albion
2	West St.
2	Wirral Wolves
2	Wolves of university street
2	Woolly Jumpers Carrick
2	Young Munster
242	Offaly Tractor FC

Pos	Team
1	Laois Tractor FC
2	Aer Lingus
2	Aer Lingus PM
2	Aldergrove Hawks
2	Ashbourne Giants B
2	Ashbourne Giants
2	Ashbourne Stags
2	Ashbourne Titans
2	Ashbourne Titans
2	Athlone RSC
2	Ayr Burners (Sco)
2	BI Academy
2	Bailey Joe Allen Hall
2	Balbriggan VC
2	Ballina
2	Ballymun Patriots VC
2	Ballynahinch
2	Bandits
2	Bangor Barracudas WPC
2	Bangor Buccaneers
2	Barrack St.
2	Barrack St.
2	Beat Around Debuchy
2	Belfast
2	Belfast Blitzers
2	Belfast Buccaneers
2	Belfast Giants
2	Belfast NorthStars
2	Belfast Spartans
2	Belgium
2	Blazers
2	Bruckless
2	Campbell College Belfast
2	Campbell College Belfast
2	Canada
2	Carrick Crows 1
2	Carrick Crows 2
2	Carrickfergus Cougars
2	Cathal Brugha
2	Cathal Brugha
2	Cathal Brugha
2	Cathal Brugha B
2	Claremorris
2	Clashmore
2	Clonard
2	Clonard WPC
2	Clonard WPC B
2	Clontarf
2	Clontarf SC
2	Coleraine Chieftains
2	Comets Baseball
2	Connacht Rugby
2	Cork
2	Cork Constitution
2	Cork Cosmos
2	Corrib
2	Corrib WPC
2	Corrib WPC B
2	Corrib WPC Barbarians
2	Cory in the House FC
2	Craigavon Aztecs U21
2	Craigavon Aztecs U21
2	Craigavon Cowboys
2	Cuchulainn Hurling Club
2	Céide Lámh Dhearg
2	Cú Chulainn WPC
2	Cú Chulainn WPC B
2	DCU
2	DCU / Vikings
2	DVC Abu
2	DVC Bravo
2	Dalkey Devils
2	Derrynoose
2	Diamonds WPC
2	Drogheda WPC
2	Drogheda WPC
2	Dublin Celts
2	Dublin City Hurricanes
2	Dublin City Hurricanes B
2	Dublin City University
2	Dublin Spartans
2	Dublin Spartans B
2	Dublin Tornadoes
2	Dublin University
2	Dublin Volleyball Club
2	Dundalk IT Fireballs
2	Dynamo L Apero
2	East Side Jets
2	Enniskillen Blockbusters U21
2	Enniskillen Blockbusters U21
2	Exeter Softly FC
2	Fanatical Dodgers
2	Fiji
2	France
2	Galway
2	Galway PM
2	Gardians
2	Gardians
2	Garryowen
2	Glenalbyn
2	Grads
2	Great Britain
2	Green Isle All-Stars
2	Green Swifts Rockhill
2	Guinness
2	Half Moon
2	IT Carlow
2	IT Carlow PM
2	IT Sligo
2	Inchicore College
2	Inter Bens Bike
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland Women
2	Iremany
2	Is Your Motherwell
2	It's about to get Messi
2	Jordanstown Jaguars
2	KADCA (Badminton)
2	Kamikazee
2	Kilkenny Spartans VC
2	Kinsalebeg
2	Kinsalebeg
2	Landsdowne
2	Larne Grammar School
2	Leinster Rugby
2	Letterkenny
2	Letterkenny
2	Lifford
2	Lithuania
2	Loco Polo
2	Longford Smashers VC
2	Malta
2	Marian
2	Marian
2	Mariners Baseball
2	Mariners Baseball
2	Mariners Baseball B
2	Marlboro Shamrocks (Mass)
2	Maynooth University
2	Middletown Na Fianna
2	Milford A
2	Milford A
2	Milford B
2	Milford B
2	Moleicester City
2	Munster Rugby
2	Naas Cobras
2	Naomh Moninne
2	Nauru
2	Net Force Cork
2	New Collection
2	New St.
2	New Zealand
2	Newcastle Senators (Eng)
2	North Dublin
2	North Dublin
2	North Dublin
2	North Dublin Bones
2	North Dublin Skulls
2	Northern Ireland
2	Northern Ireland Men
2	Obi 1 Kenobi 0
2	Otters
2	Papua New Guinea
2	Pintmen FC
2	Red Rox Baseball
2	Red Rox Baseball
2	Republic of Ireland
2	Republic of Ireland
2	Republic of Ireland
2	Romania
2	Sandycove SC
2	Santry Calypso
2	Santry Prem
2	Sean Treacy’s Hurling Club
2	Setanta
2	Skinny Jeans & thongs
2	Sligo City BC
2	Smack my Bilic Up
2	Snorting Lisbon
2	Sombrero Gaels
2	South Africa
2	Spastic Hawks
2	Spirish Wildcats
2	St. Vincent's
2	St. Vincent's WPC
2	St. Vincent's WPC
2	St. Vincent's WPC B
2	Straight to Town
2	Taking the Mkhitaryan
2	Tallaght Rockets VC
2	Tallaght rockets VC
2	Terenure College
2	The All Blacks
2	The Tribe 2.0
2	The Warriors
2	Timova FC
2	Touraneena
2	Tribes WPC
2	Trinity College Dublin
2	Trinity College Dublin
2	Tristar A Castlederg
2	Tristar B Castlederg
2	Tristar Castlederg
2	Twin Towns
2	Twin Towns A
2	Twin Towns B
2	UCC
2	UCD
2	UCD PM
2	UCDOFB & GKC
2	UL Cubs
2	UL Wolves
2	Ulster Rugby
2	United States of America
2	University College Cork
2	University College Cork (IRFU Rugby Union)
2	University College Dublin
2	University College Dublin
2	University College Dublin (IRFU Rugby Union)
2	University of Limerick
2	West Bondage Albion
2	West St.
2	Wirral Wolves
2	Wolves of university street
2	Woolly Jumpers Carrick
2	Young Munster
242	Offaly Tractor FC

Note: The NIAFA was a League on Paper only that included only Regular Season Matches played by Northern Ireland teams amongst themselves – no extra matches were played. It is like a “Northern Conference” Table.

Pos	Team
1	Laois Tractor FC
2	Aer Lingus
2	Aer Lingus PM
2	Aldergrove Hawks
2	Ashbourne Giants B
2	Ashbourne Giants
2	Ashbourne Stags
2	Ashbourne Titans
2	Ashbourne Titans
2	Athlone RSC
2	Ayr Burners (Sco)
2	BI Academy
2	Bailey Joe Allen Hall
2	Balbriggan VC
2	Ballina
2	Ballymun Patriots VC
2	Ballynahinch
2	Bandits
2	Bangor Barracudas WPC
2	Bangor Buccaneers
2	Barrack St.
2	Barrack St.
2	Beat Around Debuchy
2	Belfast
2	Belfast Blitzers
2	Belfast Buccaneers
2	Belfast Giants
2	Belfast NorthStars
2	Belfast Spartans
2	Belgium
2	Blazers
2	Bruckless
2	Campbell College Belfast
2	Campbell College Belfast
2	Canada
2	Carrick Crows 1
2	Carrick Crows 2
2	Carrickfergus Cougars
2	Cathal Brugha
2	Cathal Brugha
2	Cathal Brugha
2	Cathal Brugha B
2	Claremorris
2	Clashmore
2	Clonard
2	Clonard WPC
2	Clonard WPC B
2	Clontarf
2	Clontarf SC
2	Coleraine Chieftains
2	Comets Baseball
2	Connacht Rugby
2	Cork
2	Cork Constitution
2	Cork Cosmos
2	Corrib
2	Corrib WPC
2	Corrib WPC B
2	Corrib WPC Barbarians
2	Cory in the House FC
2	Craigavon Aztecs U21
2	Craigavon Aztecs U21
2	Craigavon Cowboys
2	Cuchulainn Hurling Club
2	Céide Lámh Dhearg
2	Cú Chulainn WPC
2	Cú Chulainn WPC B
2	DCU
2	DCU / Vikings
2	DVC Abu
2	DVC Bravo
2	Dalkey Devils
2	Derrynoose
2	Diamonds WPC
2	Drogheda WPC
2	Drogheda WPC
2	Dublin Celts
2	Dublin City Hurricanes
2	Dublin City Hurricanes B
2	Dublin City University
2	Dublin Spartans
2	Dublin Spartans B
2	Dublin Tornadoes
2	Dublin University
2	Dublin Volleyball Club
2	Dundalk IT Fireballs
2	Dynamo L Apero
2	East Side Jets
2	Enniskillen Blockbusters U21
2	Enniskillen Blockbusters U21
2	Exeter Softly FC
2	Fanatical Dodgers
2	Fiji
2	France
2	Galway
2	Galway PM
2	Gardians
2	Gardians
2	Garryowen
2	Glenalbyn
2	Grads
2	Great Britain
2	Green Isle All-Stars
2	Green Swifts Rockhill
2	Guinness
2	Half Moon
2	IT Carlow
2	IT Carlow PM
2	IT Sligo
2	Inchicore College
2	Inter Bens Bike
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland
2	Ireland Women
2	Iremany
2	Is Your Motherwell
2	It's about to get Messi
2	Jordanstown Jaguars
2	KADCA (Badminton)
2	Kamikazee
2	Kilkenny Spartans VC
2	Kinsalebeg
2	Kinsalebeg
2	Landsdowne
2	Larne Grammar School
2	Leinster Rugby
2	Letterkenny
2	Letterkenny
2	Lifford
2	Lithuania
2	Loco Polo
2	Longford Smashers VC
2	Malta
2	Marian
2	Marian
2	Mariners Baseball
2	Mariners Baseball
2	Mariners Baseball B
2	Marlboro Shamrocks (Mass)
2	Maynooth University
2	Middletown Na Fianna
2	Milford A
2	Milford A
2	Milford B
2	Milford B
2	Moleicester City
2	Munster Rugby
2	Naas Cobras
2	Naomh Moninne
2	Nauru
2	Net Force Cork
2	New Collection
2	New St.
2	New Zealand
2	Newcastle Senators (Eng)
2	North Dublin
2	North Dublin
2	North Dublin
2	North Dublin Bones
2	North Dublin Skulls
2	Northern Ireland
2	Northern Ireland Men
2	Obi 1 Kenobi 0
2	Otters
2	Papua New Guinea
2	Pintmen FC
2	Red Rox Baseball
2	Red Rox Baseball
2	Republic of Ireland
2	Republic of Ireland
2	Republic of Ireland
2	Romania
2	Sandycove SC
2	Santry Calypso
2	Santry Prem
2	Sean Treacy’s Hurling Club
2	Setanta
2	Skinny Jeans & thongs
2	Sligo City BC
2	Smack my Bilic Up
2	Snorting Lisbon
2	Sombrero Gaels
2	South Africa
2	Spastic Hawks
2	Spirish Wildcats
2	St. Vincent's
2	St. Vincent's WPC
2	St. Vincent's WPC
2	St. Vincent's WPC B
2	Straight to Town
2	Taking the Mkhitaryan
2	Tallaght Rockets VC
2	Tallaght rockets VC
2	Terenure College
2	The All Blacks
2	The Tribe 2.0
2	The Warriors
2	Timova FC
2	Touraneena
2	Tribes WPC
2	Trinity College Dublin
2	Trinity College Dublin
2	Tristar A Castlederg
2	Tristar B Castlederg
2	Tristar Castlederg
2	Twin Towns
2	Twin Towns A
2	Twin Towns B
2	UCC
2	UCD
2	UCD PM
2	UCDOFB & GKC
2	UL Cubs
2	UL Wolves
2	Ulster Rugby
2	United States of America
2	University College Cork
2	University College Cork (IRFU Rugby Union)
2	University College Dublin
2	University College Dublin
2	University College Dublin (IRFU Rugby Union)
2	University of Limerick
2	West Bondage Albion
2	West St.
2	Wirral Wolves
2	Wolves of university street
2	Woolly Jumpers Carrick
2	Young Munster
242	Offaly Tractor FC

Note: No Official Standings were kept for all games played over the course of the 7 different competitions or stages of the 1986 IAFA season, this is a Composite Table calculated automatically by Eirball.

Roster 1986

Rank	Player	Team
1	E. Byrne	Kinsalebeg
2	G. Keogh	Kinsalebeg
3	G. Power	Kinsalebeg
4	A. North	Kinsalebeg
5	M. North	Kinsalebeg
6	Fergal Kirby	Ireland
7	Adrian Hanna	Ireland
8	S. Flynn	Kinsalebeg
9	M. Foley	Kinsalebeg
10	E. Allen	Kinsalebeg
11	M. Barron	Kinsalebeg
12	T. Power	Touraneena
13	T. O’Meara	Touraneena
14	M. Quinlan	Touraneena
15	B. Keane	Touraneena
16	Rev. Fr. B. Crowley	Touraneena
17	J. Fraher	Touraneena
18	N. Butler	Touraneena
19	J. Dalton	Touraneena
20	M. Gleeson	Touraneena
21	K. O’Rourke	Clashmore
22	C. O’Rourke	Clashmore
23	T. Guiry	Clashmore
24	B. Roche	Clashmore
25	J. O’Keeffe	Clashmore
26	M. Sheehan	Clashmore
27	Cian Smith	North Dublin
28	Luka Vuksic	North Dublin
29	Eoin Doyle	Ireland
30	Barry Murphy	Ireland
31	Ciaran Walshe	Ireland
32	Christopher Devlin	Ireland
33	Matthew Hynes	Ireland
34	Adam Caulfield	Ireland
35	Stiofan McMahon	Ireland
36	Maximus Connolly	Ireland
37	Eoin Bridgeman	Ireland
38	Mark Fitzgerald	Ireland
39	Aidan Mullaney	Ireland
40	Cillian Colvin	Ireland
41	Shane Gaffney O’Brien	Ireland

Logo References

[1] Craigavon Cowboys – Twitter Account (2018) Profile Picture [Internet] Available from: https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/864100166680424448/TCauLbnj_400x400.jpg [Accessed 22 July 2018]

REFERENCES

[1] Miriam Lord (1986) “Crunch: but could they handle Moss Keane?” Irish Independent. Monday, March 17, 1986. pg. 7

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

[3] James Mulcahy (1986) “Savage Celts” Irish Independent. Thursday, March 27, 1986. pg. 9.

[4] BritballNow (2017) Newcastle Senators [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Britball%20Teams/NEWCASTLESENATORS.htm [Internet] [Accessed 25 June 2021]

[5] Irish American Football League (2002) Other Events [Internet] Available from: http://americanfootball.ie/iafl/otherevents02.htm [Accessed 20 March 2018]

[6] Anon. (1986) “Cowboys into Shamrock Bowl” Belfast Telegraph. Monday, September 29, 1986. Pg. 18.

Past Copies of the Belfast Telegraph are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/

[7] Anon. (1986) “American Football comes to Dublin” Irish Press. Wednesday, November 12, 1986. Pg. 11. [Past Copies of the Irish Press are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ ]

[8] Anon. (1986) “Today’s sport” Irish Press. Wednesday, Friday, November 28, 1986. pg. 22 [Past Copies of the Irish Press are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ ]

[9] Anon. (1986) “Marlboro on the march” Irish Press. Wednesday, Friday, November 28, 1986. pg. 17 [Past Copies of the Irish Press are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ ]

[10] Sean Moloney (1986) “Shamrocks from USA are playing to win” Evening Herald. Saturday, November 29, 1986. pg. 6.

WEBSITES

[11] Britball Now (2016) History of the Game in Ireland [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/ireland/history-of-the-game-in.html [Accessed 02 October 2016]

[12] Britball Now (2008) UK Clubs Against Foreign Opposition [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/UKClubsForeignOppo.html [Accessed 16 November 2008]

[13] Semi-Pro Football (2017) Eastern Football League Champions [Internet] Available from: http://www.semiprofootball.org/minor/champs/eastfl.htm [Accessed 16 November 2017]

SOURCES

[14] Kevin Sharkey (2020) “The Dublin Celts” Word Document shared by John Gunning on Facebook Messenger with permission.

REFERENCES

[1] Anon (1986) “Crunch: but could they handle Moss Keane?” Irish Independent. Monday, March 17, 1986. pg. 7

Past copies of the Irish Independent are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/

REFERENCES

WEBSITES

[1] Britball Now (2016) Results Section [1986] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 23 March 2017]

[2] Britball Now (2016) Bangor Buccaneers [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Britball%20Teams/BangorBuccaneers.htm [Accessed 23 March 2018]

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

[4] Britballnow.co.uk (2019) 1986 Results [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 17 August 2019]

INTERNET ARCHIVES

[5] Craigavon Cowboys | Wayback Machine (2017) Charles ‘Chuck’ Ebron Interview [Internet] Available from: http://web.archive.org/web/20170514064407/http://www,craigavoncowboys.co.uk:80/news [Accessed 10 October 2018]

SOCIAL MEDIA

[6] Belfast Blitzers | Facebook (2019) Comments on Post by David Turner, August 12-17, 2019 [Internet] Available from: https://www.facebook.com/belfastblitzers/posts/2244208692356940 [Accessed 17 August 2019]

[7] Belfast Blitzers | Facebook (2019) Comments on Post by David Turner, September 7, 2019 [Internet] Available from: https://www.facebook.com/belfastblitzers/posts/2286790341432108?comment_id=2287705898007219&reply_comment_id=2292185984225877&notif_id=1568031304420635&notif_t=feed_comment [Accessed 9 September 2019]

NEWSPAPERS

[8] Anon. (1986) “A cracking good show for grid-iron fans” Belfast Telegraph. Tuesday, September 23, 1986. pg. 24 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

[9] Anon. (1986) “American flavour” Belfast Telegraph. Friday, August 8, 1986. pg. 26 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

[10] Anon. (1986) “Cowboys into ‘Shamrock Bowl’” Belfast Telegraph. Monday, September 29, 1986. pg. 18 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

[11] Anon. (1986) “Cowboys triumph’” Belfast Telegraph. Monday, October 6, 1986. pg. 19 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

[12] Anon. (1986) “Picture caption’” Belfast Telegraph. Monday, August 11, 1986. pg. 30 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

IMAGES

[13] Anon. (1986) “Picture by Rick Hewitt’” Belfast Telegraph. Monday, August 11, 1986. pg. 30 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

[14] Anon. (1986) “Cowboys to meet Celts’”Belfast Telegraph. Saturday September 27, 1986. pg. 24 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

[15] Anon. (1986) “Blitzers turn the tables”Belfast Telegraph. Tuesday June 24, 1986. pg. 28 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

[16] Anon. (1986) “Cowboys into Shamrock Bowl’”Belfast Telegraph. Saturday September 29, 1986. pg. 18 [Internet] Available online at the Irish Newspaper Archive at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ which is a subscription service.

[17] Anon. (1986) “Sport in Brief: American Football” Sunday Press. August 17th, 1986. pg. 25.

[18] Anon. (1986) “Dublin Celts are Blitzed” Sunday Press. August 17th, 1986. pg. 25.

MEDIA

[19] BBC Sport NI Facebook (2020) Video, May 20, 2020 [Comment by player at 1:00-1:10] [Internet] Available from: https://www.facebook.com/BBCSPORTNI/videos/693338128160962 [Accessed 30 August 2020]

SOCIAL MEDIA

[1] Belfast Blitzers Facebook Page (2019) Post, August 12, 2019 at 1:31 PM [Internet] Available from: https://www.facebook.com/belfastblitzers/posts/2244208692356940?notif_id=1565921781157641&notif_t=comment_mention [Accessed 17 August 2019]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Jo Buchanan (Craigavon Cowboys)

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 17 July 2021

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved. The Logos and Photos used in this article remain the property of the organisations and individuals which own the copyright and are used here for educational and information purposes only.

Belfast Blitzers

Belfast Blitzers Season Report 1986

Belfast Blitzers played the first ever fully-kitted game of American Football between two Irish teams in Northern Ireland on May 19th 1986 when they won 46-0 versus Craigavon Cowboys at Shane Park in Lurgan.

On the 1st of June they played Dublin Celts in Dublin in the 1st Leg of the Capitol Bowl, losing 7-46, and despite losing the tie overall 31-66 on aggregate they did become the first ever team to defeat the Dublin Celts, when on June 22nd they won 24-20 in the 2nd Leg in Belfast.

They again played the Dublin Celts on July 6th in Dublin as part of the Summer Bowl American Independence Day Tournament, losing to their rivals in the Final after defeating the Coleraine Chieftains in the Semi-Finals.

In the penultimate week of the season in Carrickfergus as part of the Carrick Festival, they defeated the hometown Cougars 55-6. This set them up nicely for their match against the Dublin Celts for the All-Ireland Championship the following week which they won 7-0, evening the score 2-2 on head-to-head with the Dublin team.

This was the last match they played in 1986 as they declined to take part in the Shamrock Bowl, which was arranged following the season, as the considered themselves already Champions having won both the All-Ireland Championship and League titles.

Belfast blitzers Irish American Football League Results 1986

Note: Please Click on the relevant matches to be brought to a page detailing the Scores, scorers, and players lists as well as a Match Report.

Note: To view Players Lists, Management and Season Standings please navigate to below the References Section.

References

REFERENCES

[1] Miriam Lord (1986) “Crunch: but could they handle Moss Keane?” Irish Independent. Monday, March 17, 1986. pg. 7

[3] James Mulcahy (1986) “Savage Celts” Irish Independent. Thursday, March 27, 1986. pg. 9.

[4] BritballNow (2017) Newcastle Senators [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Britball%20Teams/NEWCASTLESENATORS.htm [Internet] [Accessed 25 June 2021]

[5] Irish American Football League (2002) Other Events [Internet] Available from: http://americanfootball.ie/iafl/otherevents02.htm [Accessed 20 March 2018]

[6] Anon. (1986) “Cowboys into Shamrock Bowl” Belfast Telegraph. Monday, September 29, 1986. Pg. 18.

Past Copies of the Belfast Telegraph are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/

[8] Anon. (1986) “Today’s sport” Irish Press. Wednesday, Friday, November 28, 1986. pg. 22 [Past Copies of the Irish Press are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ ]

[10] Sean Moloney (1986) “Shamrocks from USA are playing to win” Evening Herald. Saturday, November 29, 1986. pg. 6.

WEBSITES

[11] Britball Now (2016) History of the Game in Ireland [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/ireland/history-of-the-game-in.html [Accessed 02 October 2016]

[12] Britball Now (2008) UK Clubs Against Foreign Opposition [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/UKClubsForeignOppo.html [Accessed 16 November 2008]

[13] Semi-Pro Football (2017) Eastern Football League Champions [Internet] Available from: http://www.semiprofootball.org/minor/champs/eastfl.htm [Accessed 16 November 2017]

SOURCES

[14] Kevin Sharkey (2020) “The Dublin Celts” Word Document shared by John Gunning on Facebook Messenger with permission.

REFERENCES

[1] Anon (1986) “Crunch: but could they handle Moss Keane?” Irish Independent. Monday, March 17, 1986. pg. 7

Past copies of the Irish Independent are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/

REFERENCES

WEBSITES

[1] Britball Now (2016) Results Section [1986] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 23 March 2017]

[2] Britball Now (2016) Bangor Buccaneers [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Britball%20Teams/BangorBuccaneers.htm [Accessed 23 March 2018]

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

[4] Britballnow.co.uk (2019) 1986 Results [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 17 August 2019]

INTERNET ARCHIVES

SOCIAL MEDIA

NEWSPAPERS

IMAGES

[17] Anon. (1986) “Sport in Brief: American Football” Sunday Press. August 17th, 1986. pg. 25.

[18] Anon. (1986) “Dublin Celts are Blitzed” Sunday Press. August 17th, 1986. pg. 25.

MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to David Turner (Belfast Blitzers)

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

REirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 19 November 2020

Dublin Celts

Season report 1986

Dublin Celts won their first two friendly preseason games 14-0 versus Wirral Wolves and 16-14 versus Newcastle Senators, two highly-ranked teams in the British American Football League.

They then proceeded to defeat Belfast Blitzers 46-7 in the first leg of the Capitol Bowl before losing the second leg 20-24 in Belfast. This was Dublin Celts first ever defeat, although they did take home the Capitol Bowl on aggregate (66-31).

On the 6th of July, in celebration of American Independence Day (4th of July), the Celts won the Jack Daniels Summer Bowl in Dublin, a four team Tournament played with a rolling clock and four 20 minute quarters. The Celts defeated Coleraine Chieftains in the Semi-Finals and Belfast Blitzers in the Final.

The Celts played the Belfast Blitzers in the All-Ireland Championship Final on August 16th 1986, losing 0-7, and the Blitzers won the League also but a post-season Bowl game was arranged for the first week in October which the Blitzers declined to take part in as they considered themselves already Champions.

The Dublin Celts lost this game, the first ever Shamrock Bowl, 2-6 to the Craigavon Cowboys.

Note: For the Standings (as is currently known by Eirball) for the 1986 season please see below the References Section.

Dublin Celts International Season 1986

Note: Please Click on the relevant matches to be brought to a page detailing the Scores, scorers, and players lists as well as a Match Report.

Dublin Celts IAFL season 1986

Note: Please Click on the relevant matches to be brought to a page detailing the Scores, scorers, and players lists as well as a Match Report.

Note: Capitol Bowl Leg 1 doubled as Preseason match and Leg 2 as Regular Season Match

Note: Non-Regular season 4th of July American Independence Day Tournament

Note: Separate All Ireland Championship (also known as Knockout Cup)

REFERENCES

[1] Miriam Lord (1986) “Crunch: but could they handle Moss Keane?” Irish Independent. Monday, March 17, 1986. pg. 7

[3] James Mulcahy (1986) “Savage Celts” Irish Independent. Thursday, March 27, 1986. pg. 9.

[4] BritballNow (2017) Newcastle Senators [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Britball%20Teams/NEWCASTLESENATORS.htm [Internet] [Accessed 25 June 2021]

[5] Irish American Football League (2002) Other Events [Internet] Available from: http://americanfootball.ie/iafl/otherevents02.htm [Accessed 20 March 2018]

[6] Anon. (1986) “Cowboys into Shamrock Bowl” Belfast Telegraph. Monday, September 29, 1986. Pg. 18.

Past Copies of the Belfast Telegraph are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/

[8] Anon. (1986) “Today’s sport” Irish Press. Wednesday, Friday, November 28, 1986. pg. 22 [Past Copies of the Irish Press are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/ ]

[10] Sean Moloney (1986) “Shamrocks from USA are playing to win” Evening Herald. Saturday, November 29, 1986. pg. 6.

WEBSITES

[11] Britball Now (2016) History of the Game in Ireland [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/ireland/history-of-the-game-in.html [Accessed 02 October 2016]

[12] Britball Now (2008) UK Clubs Against Foreign Opposition [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/UKClubsForeignOppo.html [Accessed 16 November 2008]

[13] Semi-Pro Football (2017) Eastern Football League Champions [Internet] Available from: http://www.semiprofootball.org/minor/champs/eastfl.htm [Accessed 16 November 2017]

SOURCES

[14] Kevin Sharkey (2020) “The Dublin Celts” Word Document shared by John Gunning on Facebook Messenger with permission.

References

[1] Anon (1986) “Crunch: but could they handle Moss Keane?” Irish Independent. Monday, March 17, 1986. pg. 7

Past copies of the Irish Independent are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/

REFERENCES

WEBSITES

[1] Britball Now (2016) Results Section [1986] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 23 March 2017]

[2] Britball Now (2016) Bangor Buccaneers [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Britball%20Teams/BangorBuccaneers.htm [Accessed 23 March 2018]

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

[4] Britballnow.co.uk (2019) 1986 Results [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 17 August 2019]

INTERNET ARCHIVES

SOCIAL MEDIA

NEWSPAPERS

IMAGES

[17] Anon. (1986) “Sport in Brief: American Football” Sunday Press. August 17th, 1986. pg. 25.

[18] Anon. (1986) “Dublin Celts are Blitzed” Sunday Press. August 17th, 1986. pg. 25.

MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Kevin Sharkey (Dublin Celts, Dublin Lightning and North Kildare Reapers)

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 17 July 2021

Craigavon Cowboys season Report 1986

Craigavon cowboys IAFL Season Results 1986

Craigavon Cowboys IAFL Preseason Results 1986

Craigavon Cowboys IAFL Festival Results 1986

Craigavon Cowboys IAFL Regular Season Results 1986

Craigavon Cowboys IAFL Playoffs 1986

Standings 1986

Roster 1986

Logo References

REFERENCES

WEBSITES

SOURCES

REFERENCES

REFERENCES

WEBSITES

INTERNET ARCHIVES

SOCIAL MEDIA

NEWSPAPERS

IMAGES

MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Belfast Blitzers Season Report 1986

Belfast blitzers Irish American Football League Results 1986

Belfast Blitzers Irish American Football League Results 1986

References

REFERENCES

WEBSITES

SOURCES

REFERENCES

REFERENCES

WEBSITES

INTERNET ARCHIVES

SOCIAL MEDIA

NEWSPAPERS

IMAGES

MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Season report 1986

Dublin Celts International Season 1986

Dublin Celts International Matches 1986

Dublin Celts IAFL season 1986

Dublin Celts IAFL Preseason 1986

Dublub Celts Capitol Bowl 1986

Dublin Celts Jack Daniels Summer Bowl 1986

Dublin Celts IAFL All Ireland Championship 1986

Dublin Celts IAFL Regular Season 1986

Dublin Celts IAFL Playoffs 1986

REFERENCES

WEBSITES

SOURCES

References

REFERENCES

WEBSITES

INTERNET ARCHIVES

SOCIAL MEDIA

NEWSPAPERS

IMAGES

MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Eirball Websites - Sports Leagues in Ireland Archives

A. Elite Gaelic Games

B. National Premier Leagues

C. American Major Organisations

D. Trans-World Sports

E. Global Football Codes

F. Popular International Pastimes

G. Tailteann Games & Olympic Disciplines

H. Top Irish Powersports

I. Other World Leagues