| 08/07/2010 -
Irish Times - It's up, its noooo good. That was the delightful commentary as yet again the young Nebraska kicker, Ling, of the Adirondack Avalanche missed another kick to win the game, this time in over time. But the moment was ready for O'Driscoll to take the game by the scruff of the neck and drive IRISH down the field and connect Fionn Mac Cumhaill in 66th minute of the game with a 7 yard pass down the middle. IRISH WIN, IRISH WIN! Capping a remarkable season that has seen Coach O'Farrell's team achieve their ambition and secure the Coastal Championship from the grasp of the previous dominant BarbAlanche hydra. Yet again in this remarkable season, the IRISH defence was the star of the show, not the offence, superbly lead by ProBowl bound, Cuscraid dominating behind Hicksville's line, as time and again Prall was contained, so a career low 79 yards from 26 carries, Interestingly enough, IRISH out ran Avalanche, whilst been out passed by them, nobody would have predicted that before the start of the season. But whilst Hicksville took the Championship game MVP award, it was left to team captain O'Driscoll to announce to the masses inside Cloudspitter stadium, that the season was not over yet!
[10/14]
|
| 29/06/2010 -
Friday:BBC: 22:00 PM Season 10 Postseason Irish Warriors @ Adirondack Avalanche CFC Championship Game
[10/13]
|
| 29/06/2010 -
For every generation comes the time to make a stand, to step up and make this time their own.That time has come for IRISH Warriors as immortality beckons.
[10/13]
|
| 29/06/2010 -
Its Prall vs Hicksville. its Steamroller vs Lamfada, and O'Driscoll ready to take on the world and deliver for his team.
[10/13]
|
| 04/06/2010 -
IRISH Times article formatted, http://bit.ly/9KOZ89
[10/8]
|
| 04/06/2010 -
IRISH Times - Massacre on the Taiga. IRISH Warriors unbeaten season came to a shuddering end last weekend in a comprehensive and humbling defeat at Bratsk Snow Bears. Although Bratsk's defence was expected to apply intense pressure, their complete domination overwhelmed IRISH and shattered the resolve of the team as a whole. The IRISH defence did well to defend the run but were burned badly by the pass several times as Chui brokeaway to inflate the scoreboard and possibly detonate IRISH's drive for Home Field Advantage. Coach O'Farrell looked shaken but was humble in defeat, "Hats off to Bratsk, they showed today why they are one of the best teams in football. We were looking to step up this season and after today we have to realise that that step is big. It is a very humbling defeat we have taken today and we have to regroup and come out fighting next week. Thankfully it is a big rivalry game, visiting Glenbrook is always a game that IRISH players and staff are up for. But that is next week, and this week we have to recognise the sheer beating we took today. And I personally have to accept, I erred in bringing up Jamie against the run because we were exposed downfield as a result, and the consequence of that decision is I owe Coach Hill dinner at the draft." Coach O'Farrell in sombre mood looking ahead to the battle with the Kings, and their pass rush. "Yes, another tough battle ahead with an experienced powerful pass rush, but thankfully they are not in Bratsk's league, but nobody are, it is not every week that you face pass pressure like that, and thank good for that."
[10/8]
|
| 20/05/2010 -
IRISH Times - The season continues for the Warriors of Croke Park, as they see off Tigers in a attritional battle that moves IRISH two games clear at the top of CFC South. Elsewhere in the division, the Stringrays were rocked by Kings right end Satan who weighed in with 9 sacks to destabilise Ontario's offence. This prospect is next up for Coach O'Farrell's team as his charges welcome long term rivals Glenbrook Kings to Croke Park. "Delighted with the result last week, it was a tough game and we gave up more yards and plays then we anticipated but the team fought together and came out on top. We even were able to give the bench a run out late in the game". Asked about the coming week, his thoughts were more sombre, "Its always a big game hosting Glenbrook, even though they have dropped off in the past two seasons, they were the team we battled for dominance of the division and we've built up an intense on pitch rivalry. Add to the mix, the controversial trade of Miroslav Satan to the Kings this offseason when we had hotly pursued him, it really adds some extra spice to an already hot environment. We saw what he did to Stringrays last week, and we're determined to give O'Driscoll more space this week, but equally, we feel we have the overall team to mitigate some of his talents, giving O'Driscoll better field position to ensure the team isn't being out field goaled 6 3. We're delighted that we squared the series with Tigers last week and we're not about to let the Kings back into the mix. So we're focused and we're at home, so expect usual dose of hard hitting tackles that define IRISH determination."
[10/6]
|
| 07/05/2010 -
IRISH Times - After a disappointing sports weekend with both Irish rugby teams European ambitions ending at the semi final stage only the native American Football team, IRISH Warriors were the only team flying the flag, in a hugely impressive road win against (the highly ranked) Madison Generals. Now tonight sees IRISH still on the road and this time flying to Ontario to take on Coach Williams Stringrays. So what are our teams chances of staying undefeated? We asked Coach O'Farrell ahead of this crucial divisional game, "We're ready, yes we're confident and expectant but we are not taking anything for granted, Williams has a good team over there & we're at their ground. Their OFF is highly fancied, whilst the D is reasonable too, but we have upped our game this season on the defensive side of the ball, the Hicksville trade is having a huge impact in games, when you consider also the impact Cook is having from the blindslide you really get a picture of the trading intent to beef up our D. And this game is a key one in the calendar, so we beefed up the secondary as well, bringing in Graham & Lake who will both improve our deep zone defence, key against Swift. So yes, we're ready, our D is for real this season and O'Driscoll will do enough to keep our season running." So a press conference that focused on IRISH defence, whilst elsewhere Coach O'Farrell has focused on bringing the pressure on Swift. A fascinating game indeed, we here firmly believe IRISH will comfortably best the spread.
[10/4]
|
| 30/04/2010 -
IRISH Times - Ahead of this weeks crunch match for IRISH on the road to Madison Generals, we talked to Head Coach O'Farrell about the team. "Its a tough ask, the Generals are highly rated and will be looking for revenge after last season but we're focused and ready to prove we're for real this season. Of course we're not worried about the offence performance last week, there aren't many secondaries like Tayside's and we certainly aren't expecting to be played that hard by Madison. Also look at the performances our D has put in this season, stuffing the run and taking Tigers pass apart, we recognise that Horn is a step above and frankly this is the step we're looking to take to prove we're ready."
[10/3]
|
| 13/04/2010 -
Irish Times - Dominant performance at Croke Park this past weekend against Fort Worth Stampede. The game saw the 2nd return of former IRISH running back, Kearney, but unlike in the season 6 playoffs he was not able to dominate IRISH with SS Laég instead shutting down the only offensive threat Stampede had. On the other side of the ball, O'Driscoll is back in a big way, and looks determined with his receiver core to prove critics wrong. With 369 yards & 3 TDs passing all 3 TDs to MacCumhaill who also ratcheting up 295 yards. The game was so complete that fans started leaving during the second half, and the ground was more than half empty when Medb took the field in the 4th quarter, as Coach O'Farrell benched most of his starters both sides of the ball. Around the conference, there were other positives for IRISH, with perennial Conference finalists Bucks & Avalanche both losign week 1. Coach O'Farrell was asked what this meant for IRISH, "Very little so far, it is only week 1, we were expected to beat Fort Worth, and we did, yes it was comprehensive which is pleasing, but it is only week 1. True, Bucks & Avalanche both slipped up this week, but Islanders are no mugs & we'll see just how good the Tigers are this coming week." So not getting carried away, we do see a lot of positives, but like Coach O'Farrell said, week 2 sees IRISH travel to the 1-0 Tigers who disposed of Avalanche last week.
[10/2]
|
| 18/03/2010 -
Irish Times - Controversy in the Coastal Sourh, as Ontario Head Coach has claimed to have the best receiving core in not just CFC South but the league. This paper unsurprisingly disagrees, Williams is over rated and has not performed on the big stage or when it matters, to put him in the same class as Cooper let alone Himmelsbach. So Coach Williams thinks that the signing of Fockewolf put his partnership with Williams ahead of the rest, well we here don't think Ontario's attack is stronger than our local teams and fully expect to see Fionn & co performing again on the big stage in the post season.
[10/0]
|
| 09/03/2010 -
Irish Times - Exuberant scenes today at Dublin airport, when experienced DT, Hicksville, arrived from Stirling. He was unveiled at an official launch of the new IRISH Front 7 campaign, alongside established Manannán (DT) & Cúscraid (IB). There has been much speculation about what the signing means for IRISH & CFC South, with some believing IRISH are disrespecting their division. IRISH Head Coach, O'Farrell, "We have not sacrificed anything to bring in Hicksville, 3 picks, two from season 12, if you look at the series of trades, we have brought in several 11 picks as well as players to improve our team, before the recent draft we traded in a probowl cornerback, how is that disrespecting our division, first thing we did was improve the DZ defence to secure the division, Graham plus the Lake trade does that. Then we improved our pass rush with Cook, but we really wanted Satan, but he's gone to Kings, not a problem, so in Hicksville you are seeing what is signing of intent, we are stepping up, we are right to look to improve our team and aim high, our ambition is to at least make the Championship game."
[10/0]
|
| 04/03/2010 -
Irish Times - Coach O'Farrell confirmed that returner/runner Slanaigh has signed for the Clacton Comets, also leaving for Clacton is young DE, Young with a compensatory s12 5th pick for the experienced rusher, Cook (DE). Irish have received compensation for Slanaigh's signature in the form of Clacton's s11 2nd round pick. Coach O'Farrell confirmed that IRISH fans didn't have to worry, this wasn't the end of IRISH trading.
[10/0]
|
| 04/03/2010 -
Irish Times - Coach O'Farrell confirmed that IRISH have been active in the early trade market, completing two trades today. One sees, recently drafted Kicker, Beckett, head to the Mountains of Royston for a Season 11 3rd round pick, whilst the other see's Irish's established Free Safety, Lí Ban swapped for Islander's Lake, in a possible reversal of strategy in the IRISH secondary, since Reddan left 3 seasons ago. Additional rumours, circulate that wide out Caoilte is not pleased to be used as trade bait, All Time Interception Leader, cornerback, Hickey, may have played his final game for IRISH whilst young quarterback Medb has seriously impressed in the off season.
[10/0]
|
| 21/02/2010 -
Irish are proud to announce that recently drafted Centre & Defensive Ends have signed long term contracts with the franchise. Head Coach O'Farrell was pictured with new Centre, Conchobar, earlier today, whilst Tuatha Dé Danann attended this evenings press conference. Conchobar (C) is the legendary King of Ulster during the Ulster Cylce, whilst Dé Danann (DE) is the Sea Goddess so is expected to fit in very well with established defensive tackle Manannán. For more reading, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conchobar_mac_Nessa & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuatha_D%C3%A9_Danann
[10/0]
|
| 24/01/2010 -
Irish Times - Season X's schedule has been realised the CFC South Champions open their season hosting Fort Worth before three road games that will test Irish's creditionals this season. Week three sees Irish visiting Madison who will be looking for revenge after last year's wildcard win. Other out of division games are visit to Bratsk in week 7 & hosting Chickerell week 9, both games are stronger on the D than O and O'Driscoll will be required to drive Irish to a win in the face of fierce pass rush. Key games this year will be games against Stringrays, the new rivals for Irish. Firstly away at the end of the road trip series in week 4 before back inside the dome at season's end. Irish who achieved so much last season will be expected to repeat this season.
[10/0]
|
| 25/12/2009 -
Merry Christmas from Irish Warriors. An excellent season which didn't auger well during pre season but ended with perfection achieved at home and a stunning divisional crown and a CFC South first win in the post season. Before the season came crashing down in Adirondack, all the best to Chris in the Championship game and wishing all fans of Irish a merry & wonderful Christmas and we will see you in the new year to defend the Coastal Football Conference South crown.
[9/13]
|
| 21/12/2009 -
Irish Times - After a stunning victory at home to the Madison Generals, IRISH Warriors now travel to Adirondack in the Divisional Playoffs round. In a stunning underdog win, Irish exceeded their coaches & this papers expectations and confounded the franchise (& divisions) critics by not just beating but dominating the famed Generals on both sides of the ball. Again the victory was one of territory and hunger and it is no surprise that Coach O'Farrell singled out Heaney as his teams MVP for Season Nine.
[9/12]
|
| 15/12/2009 -
Irish Times - Congratulations to the IRISH WARRIORS on winning the Coastal South for the second time in the franchise's history. Victory sends Irish back to the playoffs and a wildcard match up against the 6th ranked Madison Generals, but the highest ranked team in the Power Rankings in the Wildcard Weekend. It will be difficult for IRISH to make it to the Divisional weekend.
[9/11]
|
| 10/12/2009 -
Irish Times - Coach O'Farrell expressed delight in reversing the defeat to the Tigers that has secured the CFC South for IRISH for the 2nd time in the franchise's history. It was another performance that had more do with defence & special teams than an all consuming OFF, but O'Driscoll got it done when it mattered, and importantly his backfield scrambled better to prevent huge turnover scores being conceded like against Tigers previously & the Kings. O'Driscoll suffered a concussion in the game and will now miss the visit of the Islanders, who will also be without their starting Qb Xin. So it is expected that this weekends dead rubber will be a game for the future franchise players, though IRISH have very few who aren't already playing, so less experimentation can be expected. But Medb will definitely start in the place of O'Driscoll, so expect to see more carries for Heaslip than receptions for Fionn & McFly.
[9/10]
|
| 30/11/2009 -
Irish Times - Reports from training at Lansdowne Road facility are that IRISH Qb O'Driscoll is confident, and is hitting passes he's not hit all season. Whilst Dave Rimington O-Line coach believes O'Driscoll will see improved Protection this week, and the good news is not just confined to the Offence with the believe growing that IRISH can and will defend first phase control passing better. It is shaping up to be an exciting weekend at Croke Park.
[9/9]
|
©2010 Richard John & Richard Egan