UCD to host battle between American Football greats

UNIVERSITY College Dublin (UCD) is to play host to a classic clash between two of the fiercest rivals in American Football this summer.

The Southside college will be the venue for the Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT 2014) on Friday, August 29, when Penn Manor and Cedar Cliffs high schools from Pennsylvania travel overseas to battle each other in a long-awaited grudge match.

The American Football spectacular is returning to Ireland in partnership with the Croke Park Classic and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in a headline match that promises to be hugely popular with Irish sports fans.

The Penn Manor Comets will take on the Cedar Cliff Colts at the UCD Bowl having last met in the first round of the 2013 Pennsylvania State High School playoffs.

“We could not wish for a more exciting matchup than two teams from a true hotbed of high school American football,

? said Global Football President, Patrick Steenberge.

“Fans from Dublin and beyond will be treated to a hard-fought and competitive clash between two in-state rivals.

?

During a week of preparation in Ireland ahead of the match both teams will use the university’s practice facilities before facing each other in what is certain to be a highly competitive atmosphere.

Penn Manor enjoyed a 10-2 season in 2013 under head coach Todd Mealy, who said:

“This trip is so much more than simply playing a football game.

“For every player involved, the trip to Ireland will definitely be the most memorable experience of their high school career, and perhaps their college career.

“For many it will be the only time that they’ve left the country. For most, it will be their first time on an airplane.

?

Cedar Cliffs head coach Colin Gillen is in his first season in charge of the Colts, having spent six seasons as the team’s offensive live coach.

“We have had some hard fought games with Penn Manor the last two years in district playoffs and came up on the short end each time,

? said Gillen.

“Penn Manor will provide a great challenge physically for us on the line of scrimmage both sides of the football,

? he said.

“We are very excited for the opportunity to face them again on a big stage in Ireland.

?

GIFT 2014 will be a smaller version of the 2012 event that saw more than 13,000 spectators flock to three venues to enjoy the spectacle of high school and college American Football teams, bands, cheerleaders and dancers in action.