6th May 2000 - International Flag Football Challenge Match - Ireland
vs. EnglandIreland 27 England 7
Scorers:
Ireland: Dennehy(2),Reddington, Farrell.
England
: Tallon.
Ireland's first ever international match was played in Dublin last Saturday. The game
was a lot more even than the score suggests and both teams put in good performances.
Ireland opened the scoring early in the first half with a 25yard run by Brian Dennehy. The
English hit back almost immediately with a 65 yard touchdown pass to Tallon, of the Fen
Harriers, who outsprinted the Irish defence to level the scores.
Mid way through the first half, Ireland took the lead with a 10 yard touchdown pass
from Aiden Kelly to Padraig Reddington. The first half scoring concluded with a 20 yard
catch and run by Brian Dennehy to give the Irish a 20-7 lead at the half. The English
pressed hard early in the second half, but failed to capitalise on several possessions
which ended deep in the Irish half. Ireland took control of the game late in the half with
Liam Farrell scoring a 20 yard touchdown to make the final score 27-7. The Irish Coach Ian
McGuinness was pleased with the win, considering that it was the Irish teams first ever
match. It is hoped that the game will become an annual affair with the Irish travelling to
England in 2001.