In the first ever full contact kitted American Football match ever held in Northern Ireland and also between two Irish teams, Belfast Blitzers defeated Craigavon Cowboys 46-0 at Shane Park in Lurgan thanks to three touchdowns from Derek McCord and two touchdowns from Ivan Smith.
[1] Anon. (1986) “It’s Blitzers v Cowboys” Belfast Telegraph. Friday, May 16, 1986. pg. 22.
[2] Anon. (1986) “Neill set for Capital Cup Blitz” Belfast Telegraph. Wednesday, June 18, 1986, Pg. 23.
Dublin Celts won the 1st Leg of the Capital Cup 46-7 in Dublin in the first ever fully kitted match between two Irish teams. it formed part of the preseason preparations for the first ever season in 1986. Dublin Celts were known as Captain West Celts for the occasion for sponsorship reasons.
[1] Britball Now (2016) Results Section [1986] [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/results-section.html [Accessed 23 March 2017]
[2] Anon. (1986) Evening Herald Advertisement. Friday, May 9, 1986, pg. 58
Two weeks after defeating Wirral Wolves of Liverpool in a Friendly match at Stradbrook, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, the Dublin Celts narrowly defeated Newcastle Senators 16-14 at Wanderers FC Rugby Club in Ballsbridge, Dublin. to continue their winning streak versus English American Football Teams.
[1] James Mulcahy (1986) “Savage Celts” Irish Independent. Thursday, March 27, 1986. pg. 9.
[2] BritballNow (2017) British and Irish sides Friendly results against foreign opposition [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/UKClubsForeignOppo.html [Accessed 16 November 2017]
[3] BritballNow (2017) Newcastle Senators [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Britball%20Teams/NEWCASTLESENATORS.htm [Internet] [Accessed 25 June 2021]
[4] Irish American Football League (2002) Other Events [Internet] Available from: http://americanfootball.ie/iafl/otherevents02.htm [Accessed 20 March 2018]
Past copies of the Irish Independent are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com
Glen Webster had the honour of scoring the first ever touchdown in an Irish International American Football match played in Ireland when he scored against Wirral Wolves from Liverpool in a 14-0 victory at Stradbrook Rugby Grounds, Blackrock, Co. Dublin on the day before St. Patrick’s Day in 1986
[1] Miriam Lord (1986) “Crunch: but could they handle Moss Keane?” Irish Independent. Monday, March 17, 1986. pg. 7
[2] BritballNow (2017) British and Irish sides Friendly results against foreign opposition [Internet] Available from: http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/UKClubsForeignOppo.html [Accessed 16 November 2017]
[3] James Mulcahy (1986) “Savage Celts” Irish Independent. Thursday, March 27, 1986. pg. 9.
[4] Irish American Football League (2002) Other Events [Internet] Available from: http://americanfootball.ie/iafl/otherevents02.htm [Accessed 20 March 2018]
Past copies of the Irish Independent are available to view online at: https://www.irishnewsarchive.com/
Belgium opened their 1986 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Europe Group 1 campaign with a 3-1 win at home to Albania.
[1] Anon. (1986) “World Cup Update” World Soccer January 1986. pg. 8-9. Webster’s Publications, London.
[2] Anon. (1986) “Mexico 86 Sticker Album” Panini. Panini Stickers, London.