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UCD becomes two-time American football champions with Shamrock Bowl XXXVI victory

Posted 30 July, 2024

The American football team from UCD celebrating their win in Athlone Credit: Jimmy English

UCD American Football has captured their second Shamrock Bowl in three years, rolling over title rivals the Dublin Rebels to claim the top prize in American football on the island of Ireland.

The university squad delivered an impressive display, taking the championship game with a 36 to 14 scoreline against the Rebels, the most successful team in the history of the Irish American Football League.

Starting well, UCD controlled the opening play of the game in Athlone and (opens in a new window)established a 36 to zero lead by halftime.

The Rebels mounted a comeback attempt on returning to the field but the defending champions could not muster up enough to overcome UCD’s early dominance. They had to make do with holding the university squad to a scoreless second half.

The Shamrock Bowl is the championship game of the American Football Ireland, the national governing body for American football for the island of Ireland. 

Founded in 1984 the AFI is entirely volunteer run and all American football played in Ireland is played at an amateur level.

By:  David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie