The Domestic Game

Our special guest, the OTC Ian Shaw joins the podcast for this special one-off episode!We do our AFI Draft Picks as if we were various NFL franchises (and we could only pick 3 players from each AFI team total). We discuss which games on the AFI calender would sell out a Wrestlemania arena. Finally; drip or not drip? That is the question!

With clubs celebrating 10 years, 30 years and 40 years, we thought we'd also celebrate the 5 season (6 years) anniversary of the last 0-0 scoreline in the SBC. 2019 and what a time to be alive it was! In the current season, we cover some key events and narratives across both conferences and pick out way-too-early key games for the season.

Week 4 and we have made history! In the history of the NFL, and since the creation of the AP Poll for FBS college football, 11-4 has never before been a recorded final score. A momentous occasion and we intend to celebrate fully, by bringing you our GW4 review, our Winners and Losers, and our GW5 predictions.

GW3 certainly had a flair for scoring! Joe and Kelly take a look back at the holiday weekend action, including 2 big wins in the SBC and HBC and a 62 point affair in Newbridge. With the help of our Unofficial Betting Lines set by our Anonymous Football Insiders, the gang also takes a look ahead to the 4 game slate for GW4

Gameweek 2 of the 2025 AFI Senior Kitted season saw a small fixture list create a lot of branching narratives to look out for in the coming weeks. Kelly and Joe sit down to review the Knights battle with UCD and the Vipers pulling off a Giant upset in Armoy, before previewing GW3's slate featuring 1 Shamrock Bowl Conference, 2 Harp Bowl Conference and 1 friendly game through the lens of our Anonymous Football Insider's (hypothetical) Betting Lines*note: trojans @ panthers has been moved to Terenure RFC

A voice you might recognise! Fresh off commentating Rebels @ UCD (and Intervarsities x2), Max Wolpoff joins Joe and Kelly for this week's episode. With a unique perspective on American Football, Max's love and enthusiasm for sports broadcasting is a 100% feel-good vibe guaranteed!Joe and Kelly give their post-game analysis following a 40-0 victory for UCD, and they make their predictions for week 2's games against the A.F.I.'s spread.

We're joined by youth-veteran Dylan Coyle from the NorthWest Vipers. After 5 years of Youth Football, a Youth Bowl appearance & a number of international caps, Dylan is preparing for his Senior American Football debut in Armoy against the Causeway Giants. Kelly & Joe, without Ian, give their way-too-early predictions for the 2025 SZN.

We continue our celebration of high performers during the Autumn football cycle with interviews from Cathal Dunne and Andy QuinnCathal highlights the changes between seasons that saw the Minotaurs flag program become D1 Champions and his goals for 2025, while Boston College's hottest new recruit kicks it back with the guys to discuss his growth as a player during his time with the NFL Academy and Irish Wolfhounds, some key moments in this year's Wolfhounds games, and the possibility of returning to Ireland with BC

In this episode, Kelly & Ian welcome a pair of National Champions. Joe Grey of the South Dublin Panthers joins us after their third Emerald Bowl win in a row, along with Robbie Alexander fresh from coaching the Belfast Knight Youth team to a National Title, and of course adding 2 more national caps to his ever growing football CV.

The Irish Wolfhounds Senior American Football secure their first competitive win in programme history, with a with a nail-biting 2-min drill to finish 18-13 against the Dutch Lions in the IFAF European Championships. Kelly and Joe are joined on the podcast by John Hanbury (H) and Adam Jere (DB) who each played key roles on offence and defence respectively. We also touch on the weekend's flag action as the regular season starts to close, and preview the youth football playoffs upcoming at the NSC 27th October.

Meatloaf says 2 out of 3 ain't bad and - when it comes to Football Codes and Hosts - we think he's right. Kelly & Ian tackle Flag and Youth's ongoing domestic seasons, having a peek at each playoff picture. We demonstrate how tricky it can be airing live scores as they come in, and try and set records in both shout-outs across the league and in Father Ted quotes. Yeah it's that kind of episode.

We've made it to the latter half of the 2024 Youth, 2024 Premier and 2024 Division 1 Flag football calendars, and with competition across all 3 active leagues being stronger than it's ever been, the run-up to late October and early November has never looked more exciting!Kelly, Ian and Joe retrace the steps taken over the past few weeks on the paths to all 3 title games, Acknowledge (

This week our hosts are joined by a Wolfhounds Contingent including Alan Orr (Director of Wolfhounds), Ciaran O'Sullivan (Irish Wolfhounds HC), Brendan Kelleher (Irish Wolfhounds DC) as they discuss the upcoming series against the Netherlands and Turkey. Key talking points include: the pivotal role played by Navan in Wolfhounds history, the makeup and construction of an ever-evolving Wolfhounds squad and what it means to pull on that Green Jersey

This week Ian sits down with Johan Oosterhuis - General Manager of the Dutch Lions National Program. The pair discuss the growth of the game in the Netherlands, the revival and reconstruction of their National Team and, of course, preview the upcoming meeting with the Irish Wolfhounds in Navan. 

In the Premier Division, the top seeds played it out against each other. Division One South and Division One North continue their trifecta of meetings. And Dunboyne WildGoats are still the best team in the country in Division One Central with Minotaurs on their heels in the #2 seed, both 4-0. Youth Football kicked off at the NSC, ongoing as we were recording, we touch on some of the scores with a promise to loop back around in more depth in the next episode.

Everybody's favourite 5-on-5 LA28 sport has returned to Ireland -- it's FFFLLLEEEEGGGGGG SZN BABY!!!! Your Most Honorable Overlord Director, The Original Original Tribal Chief and everybody's favourite PushJover take a look at what was, frankly, about as wild an opening week of action as you can expect off the back of a fascinating World Championship event in Finland. Do the reigning national champion Panthers look like their usual selves? Are the Giants about to double dip in 2024 silverware and solidify themselves as the Team of Destiny? Is Joe actually going to win a game this year?? Find out what the guys think about all the above and more!

Ahead of the highly-anticpated 2024 G.I.F.T. series games, we catch coaches Alan Lomasney and Jahn Dasini for a chat about the U19 Wolfhounds teams' preparations ahead of their battle against U19 Great Britain (23rd August, 7pm). On 25th of Augsut the Mens and Womens Wolfhounds Flag Football teams fly to Finland for the IFAF World Championships (27th - 30th August). We chat through the international flag football landscape, the challenges and opportunities facing both teams in Lahti.

We're joined by the (Buchanan) 'Boys following their Harp Bowl success and we speak to Darragh Farrell, Mark Lawless, Tom Telford and Alex Kusmirek about many things including UCD's 2nd Shamrock Bowl Championship. With six guests, the content from some of the best and brightest in the game is absolutely not to be missed.Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

Say it with us, everybody: TEAM! OF! DESTINYYY!!! With Kelly flagging abroad, the guys take a look at this weekend's results in the 2024 AFI Shield & Plate games, before taking a deeper dive into the 2024 AFI Championship Doubleheader Event at Dubarry Park, Saturday 27th -- Get your tickets now!

The stage is set for Shamrock Bowl, Harp Bowl, Shield and Plate finals. Sans Joseph, who is busy in Kenmare Taekwondo-ing, Kelly and Ian talk about who'll be Taekwon Go-ing to Blanchardstown this coming Sunday, and to AFI's Championship Saturday Double Header at Dubarry Park Athlone on July 27th.We review each of the playoff games. And importantly; answer the tough questions like: How many points is Matty O'Meara worth? Did the Rhinos have 10 Sacks? And does Kelly like the Shield and Plate or doesn't she?

An action-packed weekend concludes the regular season. The gang reviews all games across both divisions, and previews the post season; shamrock bowl, div1 bowl playoffs, and the new shield and plate format!****the content in this episode describes the Div1 tables as they currently stand, though we understand some final rulings and decisions may yet be made by the AFI Commissioner`Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

The gang cover this weekend's action and it's implications on the postseason picture. The race for #4 seed is on across both divisions, the Cowboys clinch #1 seed by showing up to their alumni day, while a 2-point win v for the Rebels opens the race for #1 seed at the Top.Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

For 2hrs+ you'd expect our hosts to cover everything, and they pretty much do. We review Claddagh Bowl Finals Day and speak with the Bowl MVP Jenny Kavanagh. We also have the usual review and preview trimmings as the West Dublin Rhinos clinch a playoff spot

Flying without Kelly this week - who herself is actually flying - Batman and Robin* take on 4 key games, and preview next weeks fixtures & their potential ramifications.*We'll let you work out which is which

More playoff spots are clinched and some more hopes dashed as our team reviews this weekend's games. Our hosts speak with the only person in AFI who could discuss Coaching Development, Youth Football, Bowl Game arrangements, and not be lost for words: Bill Dougherty

The gang is back together after a brief hiatus to rep the Green jerseys in Denmark! This past gameweek saw 5 kitted games across Premier and Division 1 -- all going into and coming out of the weekend with some fascinating storylines that Kelly, Ian and Joe let you know to watch out for as the end of the season draws ever closer...Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

Joe flies solo this week with Kelly and Ian committed to spreading the gospel of Irish Flag Football at Sportmonda in Copenhagen... what could possibly go wrong??? It's not like there was a gameweek with a last-minute cancellation, a medical abandonment, a mercy rule, a home-team comeback and a heart-stopping Minotaurs game to review or anything...

After a fourth quarter comeback in Deramore Park ties things up at 24-24, we're joined by Trojans HC Phil Gunning. Business as usual with pick ems and AFI fantasy football.Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

The May Bank Holiday weekend provided fascinating weekend of gridiron games, with all but one game being within a touchdown margin. Kelly, Ian and Joe are joined by Panthers chairperson 'Coach' John Romo after their tight win at Deramore, where Jamie Leonard used the Force to score in the Kick of time. The gang then take a look at the rest of the weekend's games and the potential impacts they have on the rest of the season!Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

Coming live from an available conference room in the National Sports Campus! Our first in-person episode of the season and we are joined by Lauren Cavanagh of South Dublin Panthers and Rebecca Egerton of Pheonix Flag Football and the Belfast Knights. We review week one of the Women's Premier Division Flag Football league.Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

Welcome to the Tortured podcast hosts' Department! After Gameweek 5, we're happy, free, confused, and lonely in the best way.We chat with Coaches Brendan Kelleher and Conor Linehan after the Admirals win over the Minotaurs. We review all games and look past the Wolfhounds bye week to Gameweek 6 in a Fortnight, where our teams will make a (Taylor) Swift return to action.Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

Kelly, Ian & Joe take a closer look at a record number of shutouts across the league. This week could have just as many ramifications for the Premier Postseason, as it does for the coveted Div One #4 seed. In a week where he's never been more relevant, we welcome special guest, AFI's Director of Officiating Steve Moles.With previews of next week (including a must-win for Minotaurs and Cork fans) and the usual fantasy nonsense, there was almost too much content to fit in!Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

Kelly and Ian discuss their main takeaways from a tasty Gameweek 4, Joe feeds us some insights from Knights @ Minotaurs, and the crew looks ahead at what's on the menu in next weekend's set of games.Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

Adrenaline! In my soul! Something, something, AFIKelly, Ian and Joe breakdown an intriguing upcoming weekend of on-field action (while 2 of them reference some upcoming in-ring action), with 4 games worth of gridiron and fantasy picks to sort through. How do Joe's Minotaurs look against the Knights? Can the Admirals correct their course? Can the Razorbacks cause an upset at home? And can the Giants begin a miraculous playoff push??Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

With seven total games played and the establishment of a new league, the gang reviews a stacked week of football across AFI. Ian, and by default Joe, are firmly leading the weekly pickems. Can Kelly claw a W out of a tie?We're delighted to be joined by HC David Hosford who gives colour to a tight-scoreline but big-morale win for the Rhinos this weekend.Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

Happy St. Patrick's Weekend everyone! The first Bye Week of the AFI season has already hit, and with no games to review, Kelly, Joe and Ian look towards the upcoming 7-game weekend by reintroducing a fan favourite from last year -- AFI Fantasy Football! Of course, the taxing nature of a Wolfhounds Flag weekend has taken its toll on our hosts, so expect some jabs to be thrown through some tiring guards...Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

Kelly, Joe and Ian break down an action-packed weekend for flag and American football in Ireland, as the trio discuss the recent We Run the World - Dublin event, all the results from AFI Gameweek 2, as well as giving a peek ahead to the post-Paddy's Weekend slate of gamesWith an entire weekend of coaching, pass throwing and worldwide tournament organising, it's safe to say our hosts filters aren't exactly working at full capacity either

Joe is still stranded and missing in action, so Kelly and Ian are joined by "Avatar Joe."After reviewing the Week 1 action, including an all-important tied game, the team sit down with Cowboys President and DC Jason Duddy to discuss their rebrand, recruitment drive and season outlook.DISCLAIMER:  Ian said that a team hadn't won at home in 670 days - whereas in fact they'd only won one game at home in that time period. Sorry!Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland' 

With Joe apparently still stranded on the M4, and week 1 fast approaching,  Kelly and Ian run through their preseason premier division power rankings.  We're delighted to be joined by Coach Shane Campbell, newly appointed HC of the Dublin Rebels.Please note; The views and opinions expressed on this podcast do not represent those held by American Football Ireland [AFI]. This is a podcast guys, it's just a bit of craic - so no giving out!You can follow Pro Football Ireland on social media at 'nflireland'

In this episode, we check in with our wolfhounds athletes after an August full of events. From the Senior Men's Wolfhounds American Football, Matty O'Meara, Finn Kearns and Sean McVeigh discuss the recent match up against Turkey in MTU Stadium. Next to join us is Dylan Coyle and Aaliyah Macken who faced Community School of Naples in the Friday Night Lights game with Wolfhounds Youth American Football.  Last but not least, Jordan Clinton and Megan Howe from the Men and Women's Wolfhounds Flag Football post-European Championships which were hosted in Limerick.

Following on from Episode 37, where all things Wolfhounds in 2023 were promoted (back in March), we check back in across all codes ahead of a calendar full to the brim of events! Leading the way, our Senior Kitted Irish Wolfhounds will kick off the wolfhounds calendar tomorrow. We host Turkey in the first competitive IFAF European Championship game ever hosted in the country. We host the European Flag Football Continental Championships soon after, in Limerick on the 18th-20th of August. For the first time, Ireland will enter into both codes with a Men's and Women's flag team.Up next will be our Irish Wolfhounds Youths who take on Naples Community School as part of the GIFT programme on the 25th of August!  In this episode, Joe chats with captains Mark Davidson and Marty Mulrey of the Irish Wolfhounds Senior Kitted team. In Flag, Men's team captains Ray Burke and Jean-Luc Tubritt  and Women's Irish Wolfhounds Flag captains Helen Smyth and Jenny Kavanagh chat all things ECs, and welcome back Alan Lomasney, Head Coach of the Irish Wolfhounds Youth team.Special thank you to all of our guests. Wishing the very best of luck to all our Irish Wolfhounds from The Domestic Game; Official Podcast of the Irish Wolfhounds.

On Saturday 8th July, underdog Causeway Giants look to thwart the mighty Wexford Eagles. On Sunday 9th July, in Limerick, the Vikings make a second appearance in the Div1 Bowl, but this time the Louth Mavericks stand between them and the championship title. The last regular season matchup between these two Div1 titans came down to the wire, so this Bowl isn't to be missed.MTU Stadium, Cork, will host our XXXV Shamrock Bowl on 16th July. In a story that's eerily like the 2022 season, the reigning national champions UCD look to run it back, while the undefeated Dublin Rebels take a pop at their 10th Shamrock Bowl title.We're joined by Fionn Molloy from the North Dublin Pirates, Craig Dooley from the Cilldara Crusaders, Phil Gunning from Belfast Trojans and Ayo Mumuni from Cork Admirals. They cover their own season, give us their insights to their respective divisions and deliver some bold bowl predictions!

We're joined by Liam Ryan offensive coordinator of the UL Vikings and Paddy Sweeney Defensive Tackle Coach at UCD, we look at the business end of the season across all divisions, and the discuss how playoffs are shaping and early bowl predictions.Special thanks to Liam Ryan and Paddy Sweeney

Joe sits down with Coach Dan Shaw, Head Coach of the Irish Wolfhounds National Flag Football team, to discuss everything AFI -- from the Wolfhounds clinic over the Easter break and the European Championships this coming August, to new appointments in the flag football department and how the kitted season has shaped up so far!

Joining Joe and Kelly as a special guest for this episode is Finn Kearns.Finn was DB for the historic Irish Wolfhounds win against the Belgium Barbarians in Navan, having previously played WR for the UL Vikings. He went on to establish himself as one of the top WRs in the Maple League in Finland, and the GFL1 with the IFM Razorbacks. Finn is currently WR for the Irish Wolfhounds and QB for the South Dublin Panthers.Collectively, we recap the season so far, each picking key games which were either  “according to the script” or “an upset” by the full time whistle.With special thanks to Finn Kearns.

2023; what a year to be a Wolfhound!With a calendar full to the brim of events, amongst the most notable are the Senior Kitted's home and away fixtures against Turkey as part of their European Championship campaign; the Flag Football European Championships in Limerick; and the Youth fixture against Naples Community School as part of the GIFT programe. Not to mention; the recent announcement (which coincided with International Women's Day) of 3 6v6 strict-mixed Flag Football tournaments; meet and greets with Notre Dame Players and Wolfhounds Tailgates pre-College Football Classics; and potentially another youth fixture..Kelly chats with National Programe Director Alan Orr, Wolfhounds Senior Kitted Head Coach Ciaran O' Sullivan, Flag Football Head Coach Dan Shaw and Wolfhounds Youth Head Coach Alan Lomasney as they each prepare for a year which is arguably the most exciting year in Irish Wolfhounds history.

The second installment of our 2-part Season Preview covers the Premier Division.  With special thanks to Liam Ryan.

We reach the final installment of our 2022 season coverage with all things Flag Football Bowls! Recorded ahead of his departure from the role, Director of Flag Football, Coach Guillaume "GP" Poznanski (got it right that time!) chats with Kelly about where Irish Flag Football started, how it's grown and where it's going into the future.  Joe and Kelly chat with Conor "Brenno" Brennan, Niall "Kinger" King and Jack Lynch of the Westmeath Minotaurs. They they chat about the road to the Bowl and going from a slow drive that resulted in playing man-down football, to a winning drive in becoming your Glas Bowl Champions of 2022. And to cap it off,  Kelly chats with Joe "The Unsackable Giant" Grey and Ryan "Reccles" Eccles from the Emerald Bowl-winning South Dublin Panthers as they describe the ethos and work ethic in their club, and the emotions on gameday which brought them to an undefeated season in 2022.  With special thanks to Guillaume Poznanski, Conor Brennan, Niall King, Jack Lynch, Joe Grey and Ryan Eccles. Up Next: Season Preview; Winners and Losers, Part II If you're interested in continuing GP's good work as Director of Football, then get in contact with American Football Ireland today at recruitment@americanfootball.ie

Joining The Domestic Game as a special host is Liam Ryan from the UL Vikings. Liam has worn many hats in AFI over his 20 years in Irish American Football. Depending on what generation AFI you are, you'll either know him as a player, coach, AFI management staff or the 2022 Shamrock Bowl and Flag Football finals commentator.  In this episode (the "winners and losers" episode), Kelly, Joe and Liam cover the teams across divisions 1 and 2 of American Football Ireland and give their predictions ahead of the 2023 season.  Join us during the week for our Flag Bowl 2022 Episode, and again next the weekend for 2023 Season Preview; Winners and Losers, Part II where we'll cover the Premier Division teams. With special thanks to Liam Ryan.

Covering one end of the island to the other, Alan Lomasney, HC of the Cork Admirals Youth, and Niall Lyons, HC of the Donegal/Derry Vipers Youth, join The Domestic Game to discuss the next generation of athletes in AFI. We chat recruitment, reward, future superstars and why your club should have a Youth team. With special thanks to Alan Lomasney and Niall Lyons.

As Rob leaves the team, he has left this much-anticipated jewel of an episode.  Covering the past season, he catches up with Division 1 and Division 2 Bowl winners.  He chats Tony Rogers about the Antrim Jets' meteoric rise over the 2022 season which finished with a shut-out win (22-0) against the hot-favorites Louth Mavericks in Newforge Sports Complex on the 31st July 2022. On the same day, the Westmeath Minotaurs came victorious in a tight game against the UL Vikings, finishing 16-13, to achieve what they had left on the pitch in the 2019. Rob chats with Bill Dougherty & Andrew Paton from the Westmeath Minotaurs as they give us the inside scoop as to what lead their teams to success this year, and what they plan to do to keep the club growing from strength-to-strength into 2023. Congratulations to the Antrim Jets and Westmeath Minotaurs. Commiserations to Louth Mavericks and the UL Vikings. With special thanks to Tony Rogers, Bill Dougherty and Andrew Paton, and extra special thanks to Rob Caldwell. Peace!