Ireland: South Dublin Panthers overcome Causeway Giants in defensive road battle

We only have one game to report on from week 2 of the 2026  Irish American Football season, as the Causeway Giants hosted the South Dublin Panthers in Lime Park, with the visitors ultimately emerging victorious in an exciting, back and forth game.

The Panthers were on the road up north again after a long trip to Derry last weekend, but to their credit they have risen to the unenviable task of back to back away games and are now sitting pretty with a two game winning streak to start their campaign.

It was the Giants who got on the board first in this battle thanks to a special teams score, as a Tyler Thompson blocked punt was recovered and returned for touchdown  by Tony McCloskey. Ben Smith converted the two point attempt on a pass from Kristyn White, and the home team took an early 8 point advantage. These would be the only points scored by the Giants however, and their lead was narrowed to just six before halftime as Conor Hoskins forced an excellent safety by downing the Giants ball carrier.

Hoskins would strike again in the second half, but this time on offense – finding his way into the endzone for six and extending the Panthers lead, after Ray Burke also hit paydirt to open proceedings to begin the third period. Mick Duncan tacked on 2 points for good measure, sealing the win for the away side.

Sean Mullen was the star on defense for the Panthers, nabbing two interceptions on jumped routes with perfect, ball hawking instincts. Mullen was part of a young secondary that caused problems for Kristyn White all game long. And while the loss is not an outcome the Giants were hoping for, there are plenty of positives that they can take from this game and into the rest of the season!