Greenlanes National School Team to Represent Ireland at International Flag Football Championship in Orlando

28 Jan 2025
Greenlane NS

The team from Greenlanes National School in Clontarf made history by winning the inaugural NFL Flag Football Championship in Dublin last December. Later this month, they will travel to Orlando, Florida, to compete in the 2025 Youth Flag Football World Championships.

Three girls and seven boys from fifth and sixth class in Greenlanes NS, Dublin 3, will take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, proudly representing Ireland on the world stage.

This marks the first time Ireland has participated in the youth competition, which runs from 30 January to 3 February as part of the 2025 International Pro Bowl Championship.

The Irish team will face off against competitors from countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, South Korea, Spain and the USA.

The Greenlanes team is made up of Aifric, Andrew, Arnie, Aydin, Caitlyn, Conor, Evie, Huw, Ignas and Robyn, who are all thrilled to take part in this prestigious championship.

The team was formed after sixth class teacher, Ciaran Donnelly, noticed his students’ enthusiasm for the NFL and attended coach training last October. Since then, the pupils have shown incredible dedication by committing to a rigorous weekly training schedule, culminating in their victory at the NFL Flag Football Championship held in Dublin on 6 December 2024.

Their achievement has sparked excitement throughout the Greenlanes school community, with students, parents and teachers all celebrating this fantastic opportunity.

Head coach Ciaran Donnelly shared: “Their commitment to training, teamwork and positive spirit has been truly inspiring. We are thrilled to see them compete at such a prestigious event.”

Principal Aidan O’Shea added: “This is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our pupils and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and dedication.”

The team, along with their coaches, will travel to Florida on Wednesday, 29 January and return on Wednesday, 5 February.

To celebrate their achievement, Greenlanes NS will host a homecoming event for the team on Wednesday, 5 February at 10:30 am at the school, located on Seafield Avenue.

For attendance or additional information, please contact Aidan O’Shea at 085 141 0952.

For more information on NFL Flag Football, visit: www.nflflag.com.