Irish American Football Hall of Fame
The inaugural class of the Irish American Football Hall of Fame has been named!
The class of 2021 features some absolute legends of the domestic game.
Each inductee has contributed to American football in Ireland and has had a meaningful and lasting impact on the sport here.
The Hall of Fame will continue to grow each year, with some of the most recognizable names in Irish American football poised for enshrinement once they become eligible!
Without further ado, please be upstanding for the class of 2021!
John Durrad
John “JD” Durrad is a name that one automatically associates with the proliferation of Irish American football. Without Johnny D, the erstwhile Dublin Dragons and all the teams and players that came to be as a result of the club would not exist. Known for his long locks and his tendency to jump the snap, there will never be another quite like this man.
Sam Monson
Sam loves football so much that he made a career of it, and is now a leading analyst at Pro Football Focus! Back in his playing days, he was a standout Wide Receiver and Defensive back for the DCU Saints and Dublin Rhinos respectively. A fierce competitor on the field and a true gent off it, there is no one more deserving of this award.
Fu Fa’apito
No list of the greatest Irish American football players would be complete without the phenomenal FUUU!!! The California native changed the landscape of Irish American football with his arrival to the league over ten years ago. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a block or tackle from this man, then you’ll know the importance of always being on the same side of the ball as him. Don’t mess with the Fu!
Liam Ryan
Long standing members of the Irish American football community will know the name Liam Ryan as a stalwart of the game. Ryan was a driving force behind the success of the UL Vikings during the 2000’s, and came out of retirement in recent years when his club needed him. He is truly a legend of the game. Welcome to the Hall of Fame Liam!
Congratulations to all players selected to this year’s Hall of Fame. We thank you for your contributions to the sport of American Football here in Ireland.
Unfortunately, due to restrictions on gatherings we cannot induct you into the Hall of Fame in person, but we look forward to being able to do so at next year’s ceremony!
The ballot for the 2022 class will open in the new year, and fans will have the chance to vote for who they think should be selected!
I remember all these guys bar Fu, and they were all terrific players, people and standard-bearers for Irish gridiron. Sam’s articles are great too.
Johnny D,one of the best team mates could you ever have,done so much for every team he was on and should be proud of his achievements especially with dragons as done all the off field work as well as playing.proud to call him a friend and is definitely a LEGEND who belongs in hof👊