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Irish American Football: Road to Shamrock Bowl XXVIII – Part 4: Dublin Rebels

7 time champions, Dublin Rebels in action against the Craigavon Cowboys. Photo by Media 401 Productions

The breakdown series has reached the last chapter of the semi final previews, but it is by no means the least. The fourth and final team competing for the Shamrock Bowl this year is none other, than the Dublin Rebels.

As the most dominant and prestigious side in Irish Football history, the Rebels have won the Bowl a record 7 times, to become the iconic face of the Irish game. With 2 European trophies to their name and being one of the longest running clubs in Ireland, the Rebels have stayed competitive in the league for more than a decade. Their most recent appearance in the final came last year, as they were defeated 48-18 by the Belfast Trojans. Can they go one step further this season and win the Bowl for an impressive 8th time?

REGULAR SEASON

The Rebels started their campaign with a difficult game against the UL Vikings, when a touchdown in the last 7 seconds of the game helped the Dubs to a 14-13 victory. Since the opening game, the Rebels continued to win putting in strong performances against the Waterford Wolves and fellow North Division rivals, the Carrickfergus Knights and Craigavon Cowboys. Although they weren’t performing to their own high standards, they were still able to put teams away. Their first defeat of the season came against Shamrock Bowl Champions, the Belfast Trojans when a hard-hitting battle culminated in a close 34-19 victory for Belfast. Despite this, the Rebels would close out their regular season with an impressive 7-1 record and set up a wildcard tie with the Knights once again.

KEY PLAYERS

POST SEASON

The Rebels have been to this stage of the playoffs countless times through their illustrious history, so they will know what it takes to win. They faced off against an equally experienced Knights side in the wildcard round, prevailing with a hard earned 24-0 victory. This sets up a nicely poised game, as the Rebels will take on their opponents, Trinity College in a replay of last years semi final. Billed as the MackDowell Bowl, pitting two of the best running-backs of this era against one another, this game will be one to watch!

The Rebels beat the students at this stage last season, but will it be the same outcome this time? To find out, head down to Garda RFC in Westmanstown, Dublin for an action packed day of Irish American Football. July 27th, kickoff 3pm.

See part 1 on the Belfast Trojans herepart 2 on the University of Limerick Vikings here and part 3 on Trinity College Dublin here

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