🏆 FLAG FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!! 🏆
St. Marnock’s Crowned All-Ireland Champions – San Francisco, Here We Come!
What an absolutely unbelievable day for St. Marnock’s Flag Football Team, who have been crowned National Champions at Sports Campus Ireland! To say today was extraordinary would be a massive understatement.
The excitement began the moment the team arrived—some a little seasick from the M50 traffic!—and stepped into the indoor astro pitch, greeted immediately by a wall of cold air sweeping through the arena. But even the chill couldn’t dampen the atmosphere. The event, run flawlessly by the NFL, was a spectacular experience from start to finish.
Game 1 – St. Marnock’s vs Scoil Íde
A few nerves were floating around for the opener, but once the whistle went, the team settled brilliantly. They grew into the game and delivered an excellent performance to kick off their campaign.
Game 2 – St. Marnock’s vs St. Joseph’s, Belfast
With confidence growing, the team pushed on with another superb display. They identified their opponents’ strengths early, adjusted their game plan, and came out dominant victors once again.
Regrouping & Planning
While the children grabbed their lunches, Mr. Spellacy and Mr. Barnes stayed behind to scout the crucial decider for the semi-final. Armed with fresh insights, the group gathered beside the IRFU astro—where, much to everyone’s delight, there was underfloor heating! Hands pressed to the warm surface, spirits lifted, plans made, and focus sharpened.
And the plan worked. Defensively, St. Marnock’s were unstoppable, powering their way into the National Final.
⭐ The Final – A Rematch with Greenlanes ⭐
The tension was electric. A huge prize at stake: a place in the World Finals and an all-expenses-paid trip to San Francisco!
The players ran onto the pitch in true NFL style, bursting through the banner to roaring applause. Captains faced off in a double round of rock–paper–scissors—first for bibs (which we won!), then for possession (which they won). But starting in defence turned out to be just the advantage we needed. Our team locked in immediately.
Then came the magic.
St. Marnock’s delivered the performance of a lifetime—disciplined, determined, and dazzling. They took control early and never looked back.
🎉 National Champions! World Finalists! 🎉
With pride and joy, our incredible players lifted the trophy and officially secured their dream journey to San Francisco for the World Finals. What an achievement!
The celebrations were capped off with a well-earned visit to McDonald’s—smiles all around!
🌟 Special Congratulations 🌟
A huge shout-out to Dylan Leavy, who was awarded MVP of the entire tournament!
And massive congratulations to every single player who represented St. Marnock’s with heart, skill, and pride:
Rhys, Evelyn, Dylan, Beth, Robyn, Max C., Max G., Matthew C., Oscar, and Emmit
You’ve made history for our school!
🙌 Thank You
A massive thank you to all parents and guardians for your support, encouragement, and lifts on the day. This victory belongs to you as much as to the players.
St. Marnock’s – National Champions. World Finalists. A day we will never, ever forget! 🏈💚
