Tallaght Outlaws
| Tallaght Outlaws | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| First season | 2007 |
| Head coach | Ryan Anderson 1st year, 0–8–0 (.000) |
| Stadium | Tymon Park |
| Seating capacity | n/a |
| Field surface | Grass |
| Location | Dublin, Ireland |
| League | IAFL |
| Conference | IAFL South |
| All-time record | 0–18–0 (.000) |
| Colors | Teal and Black |
The Tallaght Outlaws were an American football located in Tallaght, Ireland. The club was initially established in 2006 as a flag football team, before joining the Irish American Football League (IAFL) in 2007 where it competed for two seasons. The club folded following the conclusion of the 2008 season, as one of the only IAFL teams in history not to win a single game.
The preseason started with optimism with the hiring of American coach Ryan Andersen. His arrival in November 2006 was to signify a change in direction for the Outlaws. Morale was at an all-time high with the additions of import players Henrik Olindersson from Sweden. Henrik had previous experience playing for Coach Andersen with the Goteborg Mustangs and Carinthian Cowboys.
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 led 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 led 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 turnovers and poor tackling led 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 difficulties 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.
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