Belfast Bulls

The Belfast Bulls were an American football team based in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Overview

Gareth Millar and Mark Helferty close in for a tackle.

Coached by HC Buttermilk Thompson, the team was founded in 2002. The Belfast Bulls were formed late in 2002 by Chris Mitchell but in 2007 the team was led by the combined experience of Head Coach Rod Thompson, Defensive Coaches Mark Helferty and Marty McKeever, Offensive Coaches Paul Orr and John Savage.

Momentum was built as the Bulls won their first four matches and established the club as a legitimate future contender for the Shamrock Bowl title - the biggest prize in the IAFL. Although playing 8-a-side rules for the first season, it was clear that their talent and drive were a great base to improve on and achieve playing in the 11-a-side league.

The team's rookie season was 2004 where they progressed to the play-offs and were one game away from appearing in the Bowl. 2005 saw the Bulls step up another gear.

In 2008, after funding difficulties, the team was forced to fold.

2006

They competed well in 2006, despite losing some experienced players to various circumstances. They narrowly lost in the Shamrock Bowl final of 2005.

2006 Player Awards

• Most Valuable Player - Mike Calo
• Offensive Player Of The Year - Charlie Campalani
• Defensive Player Of The Year - Mark Helferty
• Rookie Of The Year - Tim Jebb, Connor Leckey
• Most Improved Player - Andy Black

Season-by-season records

Season records

Season	W	L	T	Finish	Playoff results
IAFL
2004	5	3	0	3rd IAFL	Beaten Semi-Finalists
2005	7	1	0	IAFL League Champions	Beaten Shamrock Bowl Finalists
2006	3	5	0	6th IAFL	--
2007	4	3	1	IAFL North Champions	Beaten Semi-Finalists
Totals	19	12	1	(2004–2007, excluding playoffs)

* = Current Standing

Coaching staff

Current Staff

• Head Coach - Rod Thompson
• Offensive Coordinator - Rod Thompson
• Defensive Coordinator - Chris Millar
• Offensive Line- Paul Orr
• Defensive Backs- Mike Scott
• Wide Receivers- Mark Helferty

Players

2006 Roster

Quarterbacks Mike Calo TJ Reynolds Running Backs Chris Carson Niall McHugh Gareth Millar Phil Gunning (R) Tom Fraser Receivers Gary McIlkerney Bjorn Blythe Nick Crawford Tight Ends Scott Allcock John Savage

Tackles Andy Black Conor Leckey (R) Adam Cantley Chris Cantley Guards Alva Blanton Marty Corrigan Paddy Begley Centers Niall Barr Defensive line William Hart DT Matt McGrath DT Niall Barr DT Daniel Moon DE Craig McClintock DE

Linebackers Stephen Coulter Willy Hart Niall McHugh Chris Carson Defensive backs Duncan CB Tim Jebb CB John Ross CB Chris McWilliams S Mike Scott S Dee Lorimer S Chris Annette CB

2007 Roster

Quarterbacks Mike Calo Colm Davis Adam McMaster Halfbacks Garth Tucker Charlie Campalani Fullbacks Gary Boyle Richard Smith Receivers Gary McIlkerney Ed McDonnell Phil Annette Bjorn Blythe John Ross Conor Clarke

Tight Ends John Savage Phil Gunning Offensive Line Andy Black T Conor Leckey T Marty Corrigan T / G Niall Barr G Aiden McKeegan G Gareth Millar C Defensive line Matt McGrath DT David Orr DT Rab Newman DE Willy Hart DE Daniel Moon DE

Linebackers Mark Helferty Craig McClintock Alva Blanton Timo Oates Chris McCaughan Duncan McCaughan Chris McWilliams Defensive backs Tim Jebb CB Chris Annette CB Neil McDonnell CB Barry Blakely CB Paul White S Mike Scott S Dee Lorimer S Gary Faulkner S

2008 Roster

Quarterbacks Mike Calo T.J. Reynolds Halfbacks Tom Fraser Chris Carson Nail McHugh Fullbacks Tom Fraser Receivers Gary McIlkerney Ed McDonnell JB Bjorn Blythe Chris Muir

Tight Ends John Savage Declan Kidd Offensive Line Andy Black T Conor Leckey T Paddy Begley G Niall Barr C Chris Cantely G Adam Cantley G/T Defensive line Matt McGrath DT Phil Gunning DE Daniel Moon DE Aaron McNaughton DE George Brand DE

Linebackers Craig McClintock Damien McCaul Chris McCaughan Duncan McCaughan Chris McWilliams Martin O'Neill Defensive backs Tim Jebb CB John Ross CB Killian Poland CB Mike Scott S Dee Lorimer S Ryan Deehan S

External links

• IAFL official website