Ireland: UCD overpower Rebels in season opener
By Jimmy English
This past weekend in Belfield saw the return of Irish American football, as the 2025 season officially kicked off with a much anticipated showdown between the reigning champs, UCD, and the Dublin Rebels. And while last year’s iteration of this fixture delivered a nail biting 42-40 victory for the students, this one was decidedly more one sided. It’s still way too early to read into anything, but UCD barely needed to get out of 3rd gear to dispatch a Rebel side that is clearly in a rebuilding year. The question now is, will anyone be able to stop or even slow them down on their quest for a second Shamrock Bowl in a row?
The visitors won the toss and after a quick three and out possession switched to UCD who wasted no time in moving the ball down the field for their opening score – an Arun Mooney dart to Stu Wylie. UCD scoring with relative ease while the Rebels struggled to move the chains would become the theme of the afternoon. The first period of play lasted a total of 20 minutes (which must be a record for this league) while the game itself took less than two and a half hours which was a welcome relief to all involved!
Tom Donovan picked up from where he left off last year in the second quarter, bulldozing his way from 2 yards out for a score and adding the 2 point conversion for good measure. The hosts were relentless in the first half, as Mooney scored twice again – connecting with Pat Duffy and Stu Wylie for a comfortable 26 point cushion at the break. Their defense was no slouch either, getting two sacks on new Rebels QB Sam Doran who found himself without much time to operate as he was under constant pressure. The Rebels offense was limited to short runs and QB scrambles due to the absence of some key weapons ( Dan Johnson primarily) but did eventually manage to move the ball as the first half wound down. Any potential scoring attempt was foiled however when UCD forced a turnover just as the clock expired.
UCD wasted no time in increasing their margin to start the second half on a rushing TD from Tom McEniff, and with the scoreline a lopsided 34 zip and a shoutout looking increasingly likely, it was time to put in the backups for some valuable game time. It must be said that despite being at a disadvantage the Rebels still played with great passion and determination. Doran was key to keeping them competitive with some nice completions and runs to the outside, so hopefully they can find a way to capitalise on his skill set while adding some offensive firepower. A rushing touchdown from rookie Tyler Haughton rounded out the emphatic victory in the fourth quarter, leaving no doubt about the depth and skill of this UCD side.
Next up for the champs is the Belfast Knights at home in a week’s time before the season gets into full swing on March 15th. The Rebels however will have a full month to get it together before hosting the Panthers on April 6th.
Photos: Vlad Vasilescu
Read original Gaelic Gridiron story.
