LIVESTREAM Shamrock Bowl: Dublin Rebels vs UCD, Aug. 7, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10 am ET)

| American Football | 08/07/2022

This Sunday, fans will gather in Belfast to watch the highest-powered offenses Ireland has to offer in a highly anticipated Shamrock Bowl XXXIV. The undefeated Dublin Rebels will look to complete their perfect season and add to their coveted trophy collection whereas UCD will be focused on avenging their only loss of the season while earning their first ever title. 

Dublin enters the game without a loss after they trounced the South Dublin Panthers 46-6 in the semifinals. Meanwhile, UCD, who finished second in the regular season standings were equally merciless in their semifinal, whipping the Cork Admirals 44-6.

The first matchup between these teams saw the Rebels come out on top thanks to a last minute touchdown, but UCD will be looking to swing the momentum in their favor today. After drawing their last regular season game to the Admirals, many fans questioned if they would crack under the pressure of the playoffs. Quarterback Arun Mooney, who led the league in passing touchdowns with 21, had different plans however, leading his team past the Admirals in the semifinals with a smooth 44-6 victory. Wide receiver Sean Douglas topped the Irish league with seven receiving touchdowns while Sean McVeigh scored eight on ground, good for second spot. 

Dublin Rebels vs UCD, Aug. 7, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 3 pm Ireland, 10 am ET)

Although the Rebels offense has had much of the spotlight this season, make no mistake in underestimating the explosiveness of UCD’s offensive playmakers. They have averaged roughly 36 points a game this season while only allowing 14.5 per game to their opponents. UCD will be focused on amending their mistakes from the first time these teams met and proving that they are the best team in Ireland. 

Behind quarterback Ty Henry, who has thrown 17 scoring passes and the ground game led by Wello Omorodion, who has a league-best 12 rushing touchdowns, Dublin has boasted the highest scoring offense in the league this season. Henry’s favorite end zone targets were receivers Greg Johnson and David King who each caught seven touchdown passes. Pair that with their impenetrable defense and it’s easy to see how they were able to dominate their competitors. After coasting to a statement win in the semifinals that saw them down the Panthers 46-6, the Rebels are eager to cement their place at the top of the league. 

These teams have been the top two in the country all season but after Sunday’s matchup, only one will remain at the top of the Irish American football mountain.

Be sure to tune into the livestream of the game for what is certain to be a tightly contested, high scoring affair with a chance to lift the Shamrock Bowl trophy on the line. 

Watch the game live here. Dublin Rebels vs UCD, Aug. 7, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 3 pm Ireland, 10 am ET)

Will is a student at the University of Michigan where he is pursuing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sport Management. He also has experience in professional scouting and hopes to pursue this field after graduation.