Founded 2002 Stadium Dolphin RFC President Stuart Donaldson | Based in Cork, Ireland Colors Red and White | |
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League Irish American Football League | ||
The Cork Admirals are an American Football team that play in the Irish American Football League (IAFL). The team is based in Dolphin RFC, Cork in the newly renovated Irish Independent Park.
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The team was formed in 2002, playing along with 4 other teams that year. The Admirals became one of the best teams in the IAFL, appearing in the playoffs semifinals numerous times. The teams also held a reputation for a lot of records in the IAFL mostly in points in a game and rushing.
History
The Admirals first game was in December 2002. In a rain soaked game the Admirals lost 28-18 to the Dublin Rebels in an 8-a-side challenge match. Despite the loss the performance held encouraging signs for the team, and increased enthusiasm in the club. The team stepped up to 11-a-side for the next two friendly matches. Unfortunately both games resulted in defeat for the Admirals, going down 26-12 to the Dublin Rebels and 8-0 to the Dublin Dragons. In the 2003 season, the club's first season of IAFL league play, the team managed only a 1-5 record. The first victory came in the spring of 2003, defeating the UL Vikings in an 8-a-side contest. The club would get its first 11-a-side victories against the same side that winter in two challenge games. The following year saw the Cork Admirals improve to a 3-5 record in the expanded IAFL. Despite this the Dublin Dragons, with a similar 3-5 record beat the Admirals to the final playoff spot. The final game of that season was the Admirals best performance, beating the Dublin Dragons 68-20 at Pfizer Sports Grounds. The Admirals held a recruitment drive in the Autumn of 2004, adding starting players and depth alike. Many of the current Admirals players were found in this recruitment drive. A victory against Limerick in a November challenge game introduced the rookies to Admirals football and prepared them for the season ahead. The Admirals season got off to a poor start when the U.L. Vikings recorded their first ever win over the Cork side. This started a four game losing spell for the Admirals, despite some encouraging performances and close losses, as injuries and low squad numbers took their toll. The Summer brought about improved play from the Admirals and the results followed. The Admirals won three of their final four contests of the season, including two home wins to clinch a playoff spot, and return the Admirals to playoff contender status. The Belfast Bulls, league winners in 2005, proved too strong for the Admirals, however, ending the Admirals hopes for a Shamrock Bowl berth that season. In May 2013, the Admirals encountered financial problems and briefly halted playing operations. However, they have now made a return guided by a core nucleus of young players, and are currently competing in IAFL-1, the second tier of American Football in Ireland.
Shamrock Bowl XXI
In 2007, the Admirals made their first Shamrock Bowl with a victory over the Dublin Rebels 8-6 in the Semi finals. The team faced IAFL South division rivals, the UL Vikings. In a very tight contest, the Admirals were unable to beat the Vikings. The game finished 22-14. Good individual efforts by players gave the Admirals high hopes going into the 2008 IAFL season.
Alain Pezeron and Keith O'Callaghan runningback duo
The Admirals are known to have one of the most punishing ground attacks in the IAFL. Pezeron and O'Callaghan have broken numerous records in the league. Alain Pezeron has broken records for most points scored by a single player at 34 points and rushing touchdowns in a single game at 5.
Keith O'Callaghan has been named Offensive Player of the Year for the Admirals the past six years in a row. O'Callaghan is the starting runningback most games and gets most of the hand offs. He is one of the leagues highest scoring players.