The Belfast Bulls were an American football team based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The team closed down operations in 2008 due to financial problems.
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Coached by HC Rod Thompson, the team was founded in 2002. The Belfast Bulls were formed late in 2002 by Chris Mitchell but in 2007 the team is now led by the combined experience of Head Coach Rod Thompson, Defensive Coaches Mark Helferty and Marty McKeever, Offensive Coaches Paul Orr and John Savage.
Momentum was built as the Bulls won their first 4 matches and established the club as a legitimate future contender for the Shamrock Bowl title - the biggest prize in the IAFL. Although playing 8-a-side rules for the first season, it was clear that their talent and drive were a great base to improve on and achieve playing in the 11-a-side league.
The team's rookie season was 2004 where they progressed to the playoffs and were one game away from appearing in the Bowl. 2005 saw the Bulls step up another gear, becoming League Champions and Shamrock Bowl finalists, narrowly missing out in one of the closest fought games in Bowl history, 2006 had a re-build year and narrowly missed the play-offs.
In 2008, after funding difficulties, the team was forced to fold.
They competed well in 2006, despite losing some experienced players to various circumstances. They narrowly lost in Shamrock Bowl final of 2005.
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
| Season | W | L | T | Finish | Playoff results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAFL | |||||
| 2004 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 3rd IAFL | Beaten Semi-Finalists |
| 2005 | 7 | 1 | 0 | IAFL League Champions | Beaten Shamrock Bowl Finalists |
| 2006 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6th IAFL | -- |
| 2007 | 4 | 3 | 1 | IAFL North Champions | Beaten Semi-Finalists |
| Totals | 19 | 12 | 1 | (2004–2007, excluding playoffs) | |
* = Current Standing
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Quarterbacks
Halfbacks
Fullbacks
Receivers
Tight Ends |
Tackles
Guards
Centers
Defensive line
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
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Quarterbacks
Halfbacks
Fullbacks
Receivers
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Tight Ends
Offensive Line
Defensive line
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
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Quarterbacks
Halfbacks
Fullbacks Receivers
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Tight Ends
Offensive Line
Defensive line
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
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| IAFL |
| Belfast Bulls | Carrickfergus Knights | Cork Admirals | Dublin Dragons | Dublin Rebels | Dublin City University Saints | University of Limerick Vikings | North Dublin Marshalls Development teams: Belfast Trojans | Cork Predators | Craigavon Cowboys | Galway Sea Devils | South East Strongbows | Tallaght Outlaws |