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Records |
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|---|---|
| All-time Record: | 0–16 |
| Current Coach: | Christopher Gisty Cullen |
| Shamrock Bowl Record: | 0–0 |
| Awards | |
| Pageantry | |
| Nickname: | Outlaws |
| Colors: | Teal and Black and Gold |
| Mascot: | Outlaw |
| Home Field: | Tymon Park Sports Fields |
| Rivals: | Dublin Dragons
Dublin Rhinos |
| Storied Outlaws | |
| Ireland National Team Players: | 0 |
| Retired Jerseys: | William Wagner (#77) (Dedicated in memory of William who plays football in Claremont California.) |
The Tallaght Outlaws were a team in Irish American Football League. The team was set up in 2006. The team played mostly flag football until early 2007 when they joined the IAFL. The team played two seasons in the IAFL before folding after the 2008 season.
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The preseason started with optimism with the hiring of American coach Ryan Andersen. His arrival in November of 2006 was to signify a change in direction for the Outlaws, but soon after the first of many problems arose. It was clear from the beginning that the Outlaws suffered from "too many Chiefs, not enough Indians". Leadership was called into question at first, but by the new year the team started to come together.
Morale was at an all time high with the additions of import players Henrik Olindersson from Sweden, and Jon Henie from Norway. Henrik had previous experience playing for Coach Andersen with the Goteborg Mustangs and Carinthian Cowboys. Jon came in with EuroBowl experience playing for perennial Norwegian Champions, the Eidsvoll 1814s. The addition of these two players added legitimacy to the Outlaws, and propelled them to "darkhorse" status for the 2007 IAFL season.
24 Outlaws made the trip north to face 2005 IAFL runners up, the Belfast Bulls. On film the teams looked evenly matched. Training leading up to the match the Outlaws gave the young squad confidence leading to their first game experience of the season, and for many of them their careers. But the optimism disappeared as soon as the team arrived.
The field was 3 inches of mud, and caused serious problems for the Outlaws shotgun attack. Several bad snaps lead to a safety and poor field position. The Bulls were able to move the ball effectively on the ground as the young Outlaws inexperience became obvious with poor tackling. Highlights for the Outlaws include a 90 yard+ kickoff return by phenom Ritchie Whelon which set up a short touchdown pass from Olindersson to star WR Dave O'Neill. Henrik also provided the play of the day defensively as he signal handedly shut down a Bulls option attempt by forcing the QB to pitch and tackling the pitchman.
When the last whistle blew the final score showed 24–6 in favor of the home team.
Limerick went into the season as the IAFL Southern Division favorites having lost the Shamrock Bowl the year before. They showed this power early and often as they completely ran over the young Outlaws. Snap problems again lead to another safety, followed up by a return on the ensuing kickoff the Vikings were out to an early lead. At times the Outlaws were able to move the ball through the air, but it was not enough as turn overs and poor tackling lead to a 56–0 outcome.
Game 2 saw the debut of the newest Outlaw, Canadian Joe Sullivan. Joe brought in much needed experience and spark. Spirits were high for the first home game of the year against a Knights team that did not travel with their full complement of players. The Outlaws were able to move the ball on the ground effectively, but red zone difficults kept the 0 on the score board. The Knights combined a solid run game behind a veteran offensive line with an opportunistic passing game to put 19 points on the board. Again the Outlaws were credited with their spirit and attitude, but with the final score of 19–0 they fell to 0–2 in the league.
The Trojans came into their homegame with one of the most talented teams in the IAFL. Behind the arm of an American QB, and the legs of IAFL legend "Voodoo" the young defense was going to have their hands full. There were pluses for the Outlaws however as they had their best offensive output of the season thus far. Joe Sullivan's relentless running combined with an improved passing game saw the Outlaws move the ball downfield and score their first touchdown of the season. The special teams got into the scoring act as well by blocking a punt followed by a scoop and recovery by rookie LB Mike Stankard. While the total of 12 points was an improvement, the inability to contain "Voodoo" lead to a final score of 60–12 in favor of the Trojans.
This game was a tale of 2 halves. The first half the Outlaws came out on fire. They were able to move the ball downfield against the heavily favored Vikings, and for the first time took the lead in a game. The bend but don't break defense held off early Viking scoring attempts, and gave the young team a new sense of confidence. As the half wore on the Vikings were able to finally found the endzone, twice in fact, and they entered the half with a 12–6 lead. Having been down 30–0 at the half in the previous match the mood in the Outlaws lockerroom was high. However low numbers and high temperatures lead to the Outlaws running out of gas shortly into the 2nd half. Powerful runs, and long drives finally broke the young team and the Vikings were able to leave Tallaght with a hard fought 54–6 victory.
The final score was 67–0 in favor of the American college team, but the score was not the important outcome of this match. The undermanned Outlaws were able to organize a quality match for their visitors when no one else in the IAFL was up to the task. The team and their coaches were able to take the match as a chance to see how the sport was supposed to be played. Both teams had fun, and the fans in attendance were entertained.
The Outlaws went 0–8. It was a learning season for a rookie team. They gained a lot of experience over the season.
2007 was a good season for the team and they picked up some very talented rookies.
With a few already confirmed additions to the squad for 2008 and some hot friendlies in the offseason including a trip to a tournament in the US, the Outlaws hoped to enter their next season on a high note.
Tallaght went 0–8 for the second year in a row, scoring no points throughout the year whilst also conceding close to 500. The worst loss was to division rivals, the Cork Admirals, who beat Tallaght 98–0. The team shut down operations after the season. The 2008 Outlaws went down in the records as undoubtedly the worst team in the history of the IAFL to actually complete a full season.
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties
| Year | W | L | T | Finish | Playoff Results | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 3rd IAFL Southern Division | 3rd |
| Year | Winner | Class | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | David O'Connor | Freshman | Linebacker/Running Back/Kick Returner |
| Year | Winner | Class | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Oisin Russell Conway | Freshman | Offensive Line |
| Year | Winner | Class | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | TBA | TBA | Inside Linebacker |
| Year | Winner | Class | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Lewis O'Connor | Freshman | Offensive Line/Defensive Line/Linebacker/Special Teams |