Rochestown are going to the USA after success in the All-Ireland NFL Flag Championship

St Francis College Rochestown are going to the USA in 2026 to play American Football after success in the All-Ireland NFL Flag Championship at the Indoor Sports Arena in Dublin.

The school represented Munster and had to navigate a group stage and two knock-out rounds before booking their flights.

Rochestown faced the Connacht champions in the decider and won 13–12 victory, which secured the national title in memorable fashion.

The school used their entire panel throughout the tournament, to ensure energy levels remained high. That meant that every member of the team contributed to the overall success.

NFL Flag was introduced during PE classes earlier this year at St Francis College, and the enthusiasm shown by pupils quickly encouraged the school to pursue competition at a national level.

In preparation for the tournament, the players demonstrated remarkable commitment. Over recent weeks, they trained diligently during lunchtimes and after school under the guidance of teachers Stephen Bermingham, Tadhg Linehan and Adam Cantwell. Their development was further strengthened by guest coaching sessions from the players of the Cork Admirals, whose expertise played an invaluable role in refining skills and game understanding.

Notably, the majority of the team had never played NFL Flag prior to this year. Beginning with the fundamentals, they showed continuous improvement every session. Their rapid progression is a testament to their dedication and willingness to learn.

Sport holds a central place in the culture of St Francis College, complementing the school’s strong academic focus. With longstanding success in soccer, GAA, basketball, golf, and athletics, the school is no stranger to national achievement—yet this title marks its first in NFL Flag. The sport’s emphasis on tactical awareness, teamwork, communication, and responsibility aligns closely with the school’s holistic approach to student development.

The pride felt across the school community was evident in the celebrations following the final whistle. The players’ joy reflected not only the victory itself but the hard work and collective effort that had brought them to that moment.

St Francis College will now have the honour of representing Ireland on an unforgettable trip to the United States next summer, as part of an NFL-run international programme. The experience promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the team and a proud chapter in the school’s sporting history.

American football is growing every year in Ireland and it was taken to the next level last September when the first ever regular season game was held at Croke Park between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings.

St Francis College Rochestown: Cillian McClafferty (centre); Captain Pádraig O'Flynn (Linebacker), Captain Isaac Lynch (quarterback), Liam Burre (running back), Ben Senga (wide receiver), Sam Bruton (wide receiver), Fionn O Flaherty (blitzer), Dylan Hourihane (safety), Thomas Mulconry (centre), Alfie O'Leary (running back).