South Dublin Panthers
The South Dublin Panthers are an American Football team formed in 2014 from the former Dublin Dragons. It was established in 2001. They compete in the American Football Ireland, Premier Division, the top tier of American Football in Ireland. The team is based in Tymon Park in Dublin and is one of the largest American Football organizations in Ireland. The Panthers field teams up in all competitions such as: youth football, adult football, the non-contact version and flag football. They play their home matches at the Kings Hospital, Palmerstown. History The South Dublin Panthers came into being as the Dublin Dragons in 2001 and, following the close of the 2014 season, were rebranded and reconstituted by the members. Coach John Romanoski remained as Head Coach after guiding the Dragons to promotion to the Shamrock Bowl Conference in 2014. . 2015 The Panthers began their inaugural season in the SBC North, finishing the season in 4th place in the division ahead of the Belfast Knights. Shamrock Bowl Conference North Division Results 2016 The Panthers struggled to build on some of the promise shown in their opening season. With a reduced squad, they failed to register a win in 2016; they again finished 4th in the SBC North Division by virtue of the Craigavon Cowboys being deducted points and relegated. The close of the 2016 season saw the departure of John Romanoski as head coach, along with most of the coaching staff. The offensive coordinator, Stephen McDonnell, was promoted to the position of head coach. Shamrock Bowl Conference North Division Results 2017 The Panthers opened 2017 with their new head coach and an increased squad size. Results Shamrock Bowl Conference North Division 2018 The Panthers moved into the Shamrock Bowl Conference South Division for the 2018 season and reached the playoffs for the first time. The season ended after a double overtime loss to the Cork Admirals in the playoffs. One of the most tense and dramatic games of the year saw the Panthers recover a 17-point deficit in the second half, levelling the game with a field goal as the clock hit zero. Results Shamrock Bowl Conference South Division Shamrock Bowl Playoffs 2018 Wild Card Round 2019 The Panthers competed in the new restructured Shamrock Bowl Conference vying to improve on their 2018 performance and playoff position. 2019 was a record setting year, with the Panthers eclipsing their best ever offensive points scored (160), points allowed (138), rushing touchdowns (10) and passing touchdowns (11). It was also the first ever time the Panthers had qualified for the SBC Semi-Final as part of the 4 best teams in the country. The Panthers first ever youth team made it to the playoffs in their inaugural season. Adult Team Regular season Shamrock Bowl Conference Playoffs Semi-final The Panthers beat the previously unbeaten Cork Admirals in the SBC Semi Finals. It was a comprehensive victory with two scores on the ground courtesy of running back Ben Arulogun and one through the air as QB Ian