Irish American Football’s Road to the Shamrock Bowl Comes through Belfast THIS Sunday 

#shamrockbowl29

The Irish American Football season moves into its final stages this Sunday (26 July) as the four best teams on the island of Ireland face off in Belfast to determine who will compete in the Shamrock Bowl XXIX, Ireland’s ‘Superbowl’, in Dalymount Park, Dublin, on August 9th.

This will be the first time since 2009 that a major Irish American Football event will be held outside of Dublin.  The Shamrock Bowl Conference Semi-Finals will take place at Belfast Harlequins Club in South Belfast, the home grounds of three-time defending National Champions – Belfast Trojans, sponsored by Budweiser.

The Belfast Trojans will take on University of Limerick Vikings in this weekend’s semi-finals; while the Dublin Rebels will face Trinity College.

With the sport enjoying a boom period in both participation and support across the island of Ireland, the Belfast Trojans are thrilled to give local sports fans an opportunity to witness this hard hitting game up close on their home turf.

Belfast Trojans Chairman, Barry Keil, was keen to highlight the attraction of watching the sport live; “I think that once people hear the crack of those helmets and pads coming together on a big hit they’ll really understand what this game is all about.  These are the playoffs and for these four teams, everything is on the line.  You can be sure that this will be no holds barred, high collision football.  We also want the public to really get involved in the atmosphere on the day in person as well as via social media using the hashtag #shamrockbowl29.”

In addition to the on field action there will be plenty of other entertainment on offer throughout the afternoon.  IAFA board member Matt Craig explained why that is as much a part of these events as the sport itself:  “American sports are not just about the action on the field; the fan engagement and party atmosphere contribute to a great day out for the whole family.  A free event with live music, live commentary, competitions, giveaways, NFL merchandise stand and great live American Football, will make The Belfast Harlequins Club the place to be this Sunday.’

The event gets underway at Belfast Harlequins Club this Sunday at 12:00 midday with Dublin Rebels Vs Trinity College Dublin kicking off at 1pm and University of Limerick Vikings Vs Belfast Trojans starting at4pm.  Entry is free and everyone’s invited.