Billy Boyd
(Editors Note- Billy declined to put a profile up for personal reasons so I asked his son James if I could put something up as an acknowledgement of his contribution to the team. All that is below is my recollection of Billy during my time at the Spartans).
Position Quarter Back
Dates Active - 1984 – 1990s
Billy lives in Belfast
In my opinion it would be difficult to overstate Billy’s contribution to the early Spartans. As starting quarter back he was the natural leader of the offence and he had a great throwing arm and a great ability to scramble. In the early days before offensive lines got organised his ability to scramble doubtless saved him from getting wrecked on many occasions.
It was off the field that I most clearly remember Billy’s contribution. He was instrumental in us getting our helmets and shoulder pads, he got us the Labatt sponsorship deal and seemed to be central in almost every aspect of taking the team forward. He was also involved in getting us locations were we could practice and train as Musgrave was not always suitable particularly during winter evenings. Billy was a qualified weight training instructor, I remember going through a weight training session with him and not being able to drive the next day due to the pain in my arms. At one point some bad feeling arose between Billy and me after some of us made what now appears with the benefit of hindsight to have been a stupid move to the Blitzers. When we decided to go back to the Spartans I remember walking into the changing rooms at Musgrave and Billy being the first one to say welcome back.
In my opinion Billy was the backbone and leader of the early Spartans and I hope that at some stage in the future he will be willing to give us his profile. DH
Position Quarter Back
Dates Active - 1984 – 1990s
Billy lives in Belfast
In my opinion it would be difficult to overstate Billy’s contribution to the early Spartans. As starting quarter back he was the natural leader of the offence and he had a great throwing arm and a great ability to scramble. In the early days before offensive lines got organised his ability to scramble doubtless saved him from getting wrecked on many occasions.
It was off the field that I most clearly remember Billy’s contribution. He was instrumental in us getting our helmets and shoulder pads, he got us the Labatt sponsorship deal and seemed to be central in almost every aspect of taking the team forward. He was also involved in getting us locations were we could practice and train as Musgrave was not always suitable particularly during winter evenings. Billy was a qualified weight training instructor, I remember going through a weight training session with him and not being able to drive the next day due to the pain in my arms. At one point some bad feeling arose between Billy and me after some of us made what now appears with the benefit of hindsight to have been a stupid move to the Blitzers. When we decided to go back to the Spartans I remember walking into the changing rooms at Musgrave and Billy being the first one to say welcome back.
In my opinion Billy was the backbone and leader of the early Spartans and I hope that at some stage in the future he will be willing to give us his profile. DH
John(Masher)Mulgrave
Positions played: Middle Line Backer, Offensive Guard, Special Teams (both kick off and kick off return).
Other teams I played for Belfast Blitzer’s, Belfast Giants and Antrim Bulldogs.
Shirt number 50 after Dick Butkas. Bears and Lawrence Taylor Giants.
Favourite moments:punch ups and socialising.
Favourite players :unfair question there were so many.
Favourite moment: Captaining Ireland team against US Eagles.
Loved the Labatt Bowl in Oxford.
After leaving the Spartans both Aaron Hynds and I went on to play Rugby for Collegians now Belfast Harlequins, both ended up playing for the 1st XV on many occasions in All Ireland matches.
I now am an age were my sporting adventures are being a member of the Valley Leisure Centre Gym, jogging, and long walks.
Where you are now?:Married with Daughter and living in Glengormley.
Still meet on a regular basis, Aaron Hynds, Lawrence Boskett, and George Jamieson.
Editors Note - John made the position of middle linebacker his own, a big personality both on and off the pitch. I once saw a player from the Bangor team with tears in his eyes after being hit by John Butkas Mulgrave. John notes a lot of positions played because we
couldn't get him off the pitch. Respect :-)
Other teams I played for Belfast Blitzer’s, Belfast Giants and Antrim Bulldogs.
Shirt number 50 after Dick Butkas. Bears and Lawrence Taylor Giants.
Favourite moments:punch ups and socialising.
Favourite players :unfair question there were so many.
Favourite moment: Captaining Ireland team against US Eagles.
Loved the Labatt Bowl in Oxford.
After leaving the Spartans both Aaron Hynds and I went on to play Rugby for Collegians now Belfast Harlequins, both ended up playing for the 1st XV on many occasions in All Ireland matches.
I now am an age were my sporting adventures are being a member of the Valley Leisure Centre Gym, jogging, and long walks.
Where you are now?:Married with Daughter and living in Glengormley.
Still meet on a regular basis, Aaron Hynds, Lawrence Boskett, and George Jamieson.
Editors Note - John made the position of middle linebacker his own, a big personality both on and off the pitch. I once saw a player from the Bangor team with tears in his eyes after being hit by John Butkas Mulgrave. John notes a lot of positions played because we
couldn't get him off the pitch. Respect :-)
LAWRENCE BOSKETT
Position Played: RUNNING BACK
THIS WAS MY MAIN POSITION WHICH I LOVED TO PLAY THERE WHERE TIMES WHEN ALOT OF THE PLAYERS DOUBLED UP AND PLAYED BOTH OFFENCE/DEFENCE ESPECIALLY IN THE EARLY YEARS. I ALSO WAS A RECEIVER ON SPECIAL TEAMS AND USUALLY STARTED THE DAY OFF GETTING THE TEAM TO DO THEIR WARM UP EXERCISES, PRE-TRAINING OR MATCH DAY. I USUALLY WORE THE NUMBER 32 BUT THAT CHANGED A FEW TIMES OVER THE YEARS I.E 20 FOR THE LABBATT SPARTANS.
Dates when active:
IF MY MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT I PLAYED FOR NINE SEASONS, JOINING THE TEAM IN THE EARLY STAGES OF SUMMER 1884, I WAS INTRODUCED BY A FRIEND OF MINE GARY WALLACE (WALDO), I NEW LITTLE OF AMERICA FOOTBALL, AFTER THAT FIRST DAY AT MUSGRAVE AND NEW FRIENDSHIPS MADE THERE WAS NO TURNING BACK.
PLAYED 1984 TO 1993
THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE FOR FITNESS, SPORT AND FRIENDSHIP.
Where you are now?:
I AM HAPPLY MARRIED TO MY GORGEOUS WIFE JOANNE, WHOM YOU WILL ALL KNOW FROM MY DAYS WITH THE SPARTANS,WE HAVE TWO BOYS KEL 13 AND LEWIS 6. WE LIVE IN NEWTOWNABBEY AND I HAVE BEEN WORKING IN THE MOTOR TR.ADE FOR 30 YEARS NOW.
Most memorable moment?
WELL I HONESTLY HAVE TO SAY THERE WHERE SO MANY GREAT MOMENTS DURING THE DAYS WITH THE SPARTANS -
THE FRIENDSHIPS THAT WHERE MADE FROM PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER BELFAST AND FURTHER AFIELD WAS SPECIAL. WE TRAVELLED TO THE LIKES OF JERSEY WITH ONLY 12 MEN TEAMED UP WITH THE BOYS FROM GUERNSEY TO PLAY A MATCH AGAINST JERSEY WHERE ALL HONOURS WHERE EQUAL AT 12 A PIECE, THEN THERE WAS OXFORD WHERE I NEARLY FROZE TO DEATH ON THE FREEZING COLD BUS UNTIL JERRY MULHOLLAND GAVE ME HIS COAT (A LIFE SAVER) THEN THERE WAS THE GAME AT MILTON KEYNES WHERE THEY HAMMERED US ABOUT 40 NIL AND THEY SHOT A REAL CANNON EVERY TIME THEY SCORED I THINK I WAS HIT BUY THAT CANNON BALL SO MANY TIMES I HAD CONCUSION AFTER THE GAME AND HAD TO GO TO BED. PLAYING THE SPORT WAS HARD AND TOUGH BUT THOSE WHO PLAYED LOVED EVERY BIT OF THE HARDSHIP OF DANGER THAT CAME ALONG.
MY WIFE JOANNE USE TO MASSAGE ME EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT AS I COULD'NT MOVE A MUSCLE AFTER A DAYS TRAINING AT MUSGRAVE,THOSE WHERE THE DAYS...
A SPECIAL TIME FOR ME WAS TRAINING AND GETTING PICKED TO PLAY FOR THE IRELAND TEAM AS WE KNEW IT THE 'JACK DANIELS TORNAMENT'.
Closest mates in the team?
JOHN MULGRAVE IS MY ALL TIME BEST FRIEND IN LIFE AND HE WAS ALSO MY BEST MAN AT MY WEDDING, OUR FRIENDSHIP WAS BORN FROM THE SPARTANS AS THAT'S WHERE WE FIRST MET, EVERYTHING THATS BEEN SAID IN OTHER PROFILES IS TRUE ABOUT JOHN AND IN MY OPINION THE BEST PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE LET ALONE THE TEAM.
Anything else you would like to add about your time with the Spartans?
I LIKE TO THINK THAT EVERYONE WHO EVERY PLAYED FOR THE SPARTANS WAS A FRIEND THEY WHERE A GREAT BUNCH OF GUYS.
MY DAYS AT THE SPARTANS WHERE VERY SPECIAL TO ME I LOVED TO BE PART OF THAT TEAM AND TO GET OUT THERE AND PLAY THE GAME AS WE TRAVELLED AROUND IRELAND AND BEYOND TO DO SO. THERE WHERE MANY GREAT GUYS OVER YEARS PEOPLE LIKE BILLY BODY ROBERT McCORMACK, DOUGIE AND BLAIR WHO WHERE THERE FROM THE START, FIGE, GERRY MULHOLLAND, DAVEY SMITH, IAN McWILLIAMS THEY WHERE THE REGULARS IN THE EARLY DAYS, THEN WE HAD THE LIKES OF AARON HYNDS, DAVEY HALLOWELL, BRENDAN FAULKNER AND COLIN GREEN ,GEORGE JAMIESON, WHO ADDED BACKBONE TO THE TEAM. THEN THERE WAS VERNER BAIRD WHOM JUST CLICKED WITH BILLY BODY ONE SEASON WHERE ALMOST EVERY PLAY WAS A PASS FOR VERNER TO RUN 60 YARDS TO COME AWAY WITH A CATCH ,THAT WAS A PARTNERSHIP THAT GAVE US RESULTS AND GREAT BELIEF IN THE TEAM NOT FORGETTING THE LIKES OF ANDY AND JOHN MCKNIGHT AND PAUL DEVENNY WHO ALREADY HAVE PROFILES ALL THESE GUYS GAVE THERE BEST AND ENJOYED THE DRINK AFTERWARDS.
Thanks to Davy Hallowell for the website, it's a great opportunity to get in touch with people I haven't seen in over 20 years and nice to know they are doing well.
Editors Note - Lawrences profile says it all really, a total team player and one of the rocks on which the early team was built. He just showed up each week and got on with it. He was typical of the type of player who made the Spartans what they were which is the reason I wanted to build the site. Cheers
THIS WAS MY MAIN POSITION WHICH I LOVED TO PLAY THERE WHERE TIMES WHEN ALOT OF THE PLAYERS DOUBLED UP AND PLAYED BOTH OFFENCE/DEFENCE ESPECIALLY IN THE EARLY YEARS. I ALSO WAS A RECEIVER ON SPECIAL TEAMS AND USUALLY STARTED THE DAY OFF GETTING THE TEAM TO DO THEIR WARM UP EXERCISES, PRE-TRAINING OR MATCH DAY. I USUALLY WORE THE NUMBER 32 BUT THAT CHANGED A FEW TIMES OVER THE YEARS I.E 20 FOR THE LABBATT SPARTANS.
Dates when active:
IF MY MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT I PLAYED FOR NINE SEASONS, JOINING THE TEAM IN THE EARLY STAGES OF SUMMER 1884, I WAS INTRODUCED BY A FRIEND OF MINE GARY WALLACE (WALDO), I NEW LITTLE OF AMERICA FOOTBALL, AFTER THAT FIRST DAY AT MUSGRAVE AND NEW FRIENDSHIPS MADE THERE WAS NO TURNING BACK.
PLAYED 1984 TO 1993
THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE FOR FITNESS, SPORT AND FRIENDSHIP.
Where you are now?:
I AM HAPPLY MARRIED TO MY GORGEOUS WIFE JOANNE, WHOM YOU WILL ALL KNOW FROM MY DAYS WITH THE SPARTANS,WE HAVE TWO BOYS KEL 13 AND LEWIS 6. WE LIVE IN NEWTOWNABBEY AND I HAVE BEEN WORKING IN THE MOTOR TR.ADE FOR 30 YEARS NOW.
Most memorable moment?
WELL I HONESTLY HAVE TO SAY THERE WHERE SO MANY GREAT MOMENTS DURING THE DAYS WITH THE SPARTANS -
THE FRIENDSHIPS THAT WHERE MADE FROM PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER BELFAST AND FURTHER AFIELD WAS SPECIAL. WE TRAVELLED TO THE LIKES OF JERSEY WITH ONLY 12 MEN TEAMED UP WITH THE BOYS FROM GUERNSEY TO PLAY A MATCH AGAINST JERSEY WHERE ALL HONOURS WHERE EQUAL AT 12 A PIECE, THEN THERE WAS OXFORD WHERE I NEARLY FROZE TO DEATH ON THE FREEZING COLD BUS UNTIL JERRY MULHOLLAND GAVE ME HIS COAT (A LIFE SAVER) THEN THERE WAS THE GAME AT MILTON KEYNES WHERE THEY HAMMERED US ABOUT 40 NIL AND THEY SHOT A REAL CANNON EVERY TIME THEY SCORED I THINK I WAS HIT BUY THAT CANNON BALL SO MANY TIMES I HAD CONCUSION AFTER THE GAME AND HAD TO GO TO BED. PLAYING THE SPORT WAS HARD AND TOUGH BUT THOSE WHO PLAYED LOVED EVERY BIT OF THE HARDSHIP OF DANGER THAT CAME ALONG.
MY WIFE JOANNE USE TO MASSAGE ME EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT AS I COULD'NT MOVE A MUSCLE AFTER A DAYS TRAINING AT MUSGRAVE,THOSE WHERE THE DAYS...
A SPECIAL TIME FOR ME WAS TRAINING AND GETTING PICKED TO PLAY FOR THE IRELAND TEAM AS WE KNEW IT THE 'JACK DANIELS TORNAMENT'.
Closest mates in the team?
JOHN MULGRAVE IS MY ALL TIME BEST FRIEND IN LIFE AND HE WAS ALSO MY BEST MAN AT MY WEDDING, OUR FRIENDSHIP WAS BORN FROM THE SPARTANS AS THAT'S WHERE WE FIRST MET, EVERYTHING THATS BEEN SAID IN OTHER PROFILES IS TRUE ABOUT JOHN AND IN MY OPINION THE BEST PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE LET ALONE THE TEAM.
Anything else you would like to add about your time with the Spartans?
I LIKE TO THINK THAT EVERYONE WHO EVERY PLAYED FOR THE SPARTANS WAS A FRIEND THEY WHERE A GREAT BUNCH OF GUYS.
MY DAYS AT THE SPARTANS WHERE VERY SPECIAL TO ME I LOVED TO BE PART OF THAT TEAM AND TO GET OUT THERE AND PLAY THE GAME AS WE TRAVELLED AROUND IRELAND AND BEYOND TO DO SO. THERE WHERE MANY GREAT GUYS OVER YEARS PEOPLE LIKE BILLY BODY ROBERT McCORMACK, DOUGIE AND BLAIR WHO WHERE THERE FROM THE START, FIGE, GERRY MULHOLLAND, DAVEY SMITH, IAN McWILLIAMS THEY WHERE THE REGULARS IN THE EARLY DAYS, THEN WE HAD THE LIKES OF AARON HYNDS, DAVEY HALLOWELL, BRENDAN FAULKNER AND COLIN GREEN ,GEORGE JAMIESON, WHO ADDED BACKBONE TO THE TEAM. THEN THERE WAS VERNER BAIRD WHOM JUST CLICKED WITH BILLY BODY ONE SEASON WHERE ALMOST EVERY PLAY WAS A PASS FOR VERNER TO RUN 60 YARDS TO COME AWAY WITH A CATCH ,THAT WAS A PARTNERSHIP THAT GAVE US RESULTS AND GREAT BELIEF IN THE TEAM NOT FORGETTING THE LIKES OF ANDY AND JOHN MCKNIGHT AND PAUL DEVENNY WHO ALREADY HAVE PROFILES ALL THESE GUYS GAVE THERE BEST AND ENJOYED THE DRINK AFTERWARDS.
Thanks to Davy Hallowell for the website, it's a great opportunity to get in touch with people I haven't seen in over 20 years and nice to know they are doing well.
Editors Note - Lawrences profile says it all really, a total team player and one of the rocks on which the early team was built. He just showed up each week and got on with it. He was typical of the type of player who made the Spartans what they were which is the reason I wanted to build the site. Cheers
George Jamieson
Age 44
Height 5ft 7.5
Playing Weight: 12 stone 7
Position played: Half Back / Quarter Back / Safety / Special Teams Kick off & return
Dates when active: First started at the tender age of 19 (1986 – 1991? not so sure when I hung up my helmet )
Where you are now? I live between Carryduff & Saintfield overlooking Rockmount Golf Club
(currently single – I have a fantastic 9 year old son Philip – who lives part time with me )
Unfortunately I succumb to a knee injury in 1996 (probably life’s little payback for damaging opponents knees during my playing days) – and this ended my participation in any future competitive sports
My time now is spent either trying to get a game of Golf , P90x when I can be bothered or Bikram Yoga – now that’s a story in itself
Most memorable moment?
Scoring the first ever touchdown for the Belfast Spartans against the Dublin Tornadoes ( we lost 6 -7 )
Davey Hallowell came on as QB to give Billy Boyd a rest – we were getting severely hammered ( thanks to ALL the ‘ OLD’ LINEMEN playing that day .)
Davey saw I wasn’t getting out of the backfield - so he told me in the huddle to run a sweep left – ‘I want you to run like **** - just run don’t worry I will get the ball to you’
So we did – I ran – I got the ball and was half way down the pitch before they knew what hit them – I just remember running for my life
And when I finally realised I was over the line ( my Forest Gump moment ) the huge cheer I could hear erupting from our team – It was a proud moment for me – Thanks to Davey Hallowell for the assist and those who made their blocks - You know who you are ???
Closest mates in the team? Would be unfair to select – but as in any team there are always personalities that you are drawn to than others
What do you remember about your time with the Spartans?
Where do you start – What a team of misfits –BUT what a team – such great memories and I want to thank each and everyone of them who made up the team for these special memories – a special time in my life – we were the Belfast Spartans and no one can ever take that away
My introduction to the Spartans came from J Mulgrave who is my full cousin & Aaron Hynds.
The first days where funny – having no kit – I remember John in his sports gear lining up against all these Big guys who were all kitted up and knocking them on their asses and eyebrows where raised – ‘glad he is on our team!’
Musgrave Park Hospital – playing on pitches with no markings – running for your life with a posse after you – and having to literally throw the ball away
to get them to stop chasing you , having run across maybe three pitches – Someone was always wanting to get the big hit – ball or no ball!
The Spartans had a reputation for big hits and they sure did hit – I was always at my sorest on a Monday after Sunday practice –no match compared to the
pain of a Spartans practice session
I remember the American coach we acquired Denny (aka John Wayne )(- a great inspiration – would love to meet him again)
Here was a man who played US Football in the Army and a Vietnam War Veteran and when he saw how hard we hit and the manner in which we did he actually cringed with the impact - maybe it was because we hit with our heads and not our shoulders are you were supposed too!!!!
Playing our first match – v - Dublin Tornadoes – maybe I would say this was the biggest beating I took along with a Spartans training ( but the match lasted longer)
I was so beat up afterwards I couldn’t talk – they truly knocked the s—t out of me
The list of memories goes on and on and on –work in progress - to be continued …….
Who is this mad dog ?
Editors Note- How come the rest of us got ugly a George is a good looking as ever. I always hated the way if I leant George a shirt to go out he looked better in it than I ever had. What a pity you squeezed the tomato sauce bottle. D
Height 5ft 7.5
Playing Weight: 12 stone 7
Position played: Half Back / Quarter Back / Safety / Special Teams Kick off & return
Dates when active: First started at the tender age of 19 (1986 – 1991? not so sure when I hung up my helmet )
Where you are now? I live between Carryduff & Saintfield overlooking Rockmount Golf Club
(currently single – I have a fantastic 9 year old son Philip – who lives part time with me )
Unfortunately I succumb to a knee injury in 1996 (probably life’s little payback for damaging opponents knees during my playing days) – and this ended my participation in any future competitive sports
My time now is spent either trying to get a game of Golf , P90x when I can be bothered or Bikram Yoga – now that’s a story in itself
Most memorable moment?
Scoring the first ever touchdown for the Belfast Spartans against the Dublin Tornadoes ( we lost 6 -7 )
Davey Hallowell came on as QB to give Billy Boyd a rest – we were getting severely hammered ( thanks to ALL the ‘ OLD’ LINEMEN playing that day .)
Davey saw I wasn’t getting out of the backfield - so he told me in the huddle to run a sweep left – ‘I want you to run like **** - just run don’t worry I will get the ball to you’
So we did – I ran – I got the ball and was half way down the pitch before they knew what hit them – I just remember running for my life
And when I finally realised I was over the line ( my Forest Gump moment ) the huge cheer I could hear erupting from our team – It was a proud moment for me – Thanks to Davey Hallowell for the assist and those who made their blocks - You know who you are ???
Closest mates in the team? Would be unfair to select – but as in any team there are always personalities that you are drawn to than others
What do you remember about your time with the Spartans?
Where do you start – What a team of misfits –BUT what a team – such great memories and I want to thank each and everyone of them who made up the team for these special memories – a special time in my life – we were the Belfast Spartans and no one can ever take that away
My introduction to the Spartans came from J Mulgrave who is my full cousin & Aaron Hynds.
The first days where funny – having no kit – I remember John in his sports gear lining up against all these Big guys who were all kitted up and knocking them on their asses and eyebrows where raised – ‘glad he is on our team!’
Musgrave Park Hospital – playing on pitches with no markings – running for your life with a posse after you – and having to literally throw the ball away
to get them to stop chasing you , having run across maybe three pitches – Someone was always wanting to get the big hit – ball or no ball!
The Spartans had a reputation for big hits and they sure did hit – I was always at my sorest on a Monday after Sunday practice –no match compared to the
pain of a Spartans practice session
I remember the American coach we acquired Denny (aka John Wayne )(- a great inspiration – would love to meet him again)
Here was a man who played US Football in the Army and a Vietnam War Veteran and when he saw how hard we hit and the manner in which we did he actually cringed with the impact - maybe it was because we hit with our heads and not our shoulders are you were supposed too!!!!
Playing our first match – v - Dublin Tornadoes – maybe I would say this was the biggest beating I took along with a Spartans training ( but the match lasted longer)
I was so beat up afterwards I couldn’t talk – they truly knocked the s—t out of me
The list of memories goes on and on and on –work in progress - to be continued …….
Who is this mad dog ?
Editors Note- How come the rest of us got ugly a George is a good looking as ever. I always hated the way if I leant George a shirt to go out he looked better in it than I ever had. What a pity you squeezed the tomato sauce bottle. D
David Hallowell Snuffy
Position: 2nd string Quarter back, half back, and Corner back
Height: 5ft 9in
Weight :10St ( wish I still was)
Dates when active:Years 1984-1988 -89
Closest mates on the team : If I had to pick, George Jamieson, John Mulgrave, Brendan Faulkner, Aaron Red shirt Hynds, Jerry Mulholland and Colin Green. I still love the way if you meet an old Spartan it’s instant crack. Although I had a name for getting up peoples noses (Snuffy), I liked all of the lads. I was only 10 Stone so used to take Pro-Plus and coffee before every session to get myself wound up. So I was bound to piss someone off.
I live in Lisburn with my wife and two great boys. I went back and studied in the 90’s and became a Podiatrist
Most memorable moment : That’s probably the most difficult question. In one of our matches we were playing Carrickfergus and Colin Greens brother inlaw played for them. He knew I liked to play against the run and at the first sign of a sweep I left my receiver and moved forward. As a consequence the Carrick QB burnt me a few times faking the run to get me moving up and then throwing to my receiver. I’d been burnt several times and the coach was going nuts. I was feeling crap because I had a name for being able to do my job. It was shit! Anyway we got backed up to our line with our backs to the wall and the coach wants me off to ***k out of there. Big John Mulgrave in front of everyone says to the coach “I want him on!!” It felt brilliant to hear that from a player like John as he was someone we all looked up to. Anyway sure enough what do Carrick do? Yes they fake the run and pass to my guy. But this time determined not to let masher Mulgrave down I stayed at home and made the play, I don’t remember if I knocked the ball down or intercepted it. Can’t tell you how I felt, and big John just smiled at me and nodded. One play and I remember it 25 years later. Great times!
I was one of the f**king idiots who used to chase George across the pitches. If you kept going he'd have to stop for laughing.
There are two pictures on my profile does anyone know what the trophy is for?
Height: 5ft 9in
Weight :10St ( wish I still was)
Dates when active:Years 1984-1988 -89
Closest mates on the team : If I had to pick, George Jamieson, John Mulgrave, Brendan Faulkner, Aaron Red shirt Hynds, Jerry Mulholland and Colin Green. I still love the way if you meet an old Spartan it’s instant crack. Although I had a name for getting up peoples noses (Snuffy), I liked all of the lads. I was only 10 Stone so used to take Pro-Plus and coffee before every session to get myself wound up. So I was bound to piss someone off.
I live in Lisburn with my wife and two great boys. I went back and studied in the 90’s and became a Podiatrist
Most memorable moment : That’s probably the most difficult question. In one of our matches we were playing Carrickfergus and Colin Greens brother inlaw played for them. He knew I liked to play against the run and at the first sign of a sweep I left my receiver and moved forward. As a consequence the Carrick QB burnt me a few times faking the run to get me moving up and then throwing to my receiver. I’d been burnt several times and the coach was going nuts. I was feeling crap because I had a name for being able to do my job. It was shit! Anyway we got backed up to our line with our backs to the wall and the coach wants me off to ***k out of there. Big John Mulgrave in front of everyone says to the coach “I want him on!!” It felt brilliant to hear that from a player like John as he was someone we all looked up to. Anyway sure enough what do Carrick do? Yes they fake the run and pass to my guy. But this time determined not to let masher Mulgrave down I stayed at home and made the play, I don’t remember if I knocked the ball down or intercepted it. Can’t tell you how I felt, and big John just smiled at me and nodded. One play and I remember it 25 years later. Great times!
I was one of the f**king idiots who used to chase George across the pitches. If you kept going he'd have to stop for laughing.
There are two pictures on my profile does anyone know what the trophy is for?
Blair Taylor
Played from 1984 to 1989
POSITIONS PLAYED: Numbers 83 and 20. Defensive Free Safety, Wide Receiver, Special Teams (Both Kick Off and Kick Return)
MEMORABLE MOMENT: MOre than one, but if I had to pick it would be the time against Craigavon Cowboys when a perfectly timed run from deep defence saw me dive over my my line as ball was snapped to sack Quarterback and our line men retrieved the ball. The Cowboy Quarterback didn't know what had hit him. Denny our coach got it on video (wish I had a copy).
CLOSEST MATES ON TEAM: Such a great bunch of guys I couldn't pick individuals although, the Defensive fellas were special and partied hard.
My time spent at Spartans holds a very special memories of a great era. Everyone treated each training session as if it was their last and each hit left it's mark. At a time when I was transcending from teenager to young adult I could not have socialised and befriended a better bunch of fellas. The diversity of various colours, creeds religious and social backgrounds within the team made these misfits undoubtedly the great team it was.
I remember fondly the trip to Oxford sponsored with 16 crates of Labatts and the Lorry pull from Lisburn to Belfast when we raised £2000 for Cystic Fibrosis. All the guys turned out for my 21st birthday bash at the Elbow rooms and I have never drank Benedictine since.
I was very proud to have been drafted to play for an All Ireland Team to play against a visiting American squad brought over by American tycoon Pat Fidela earning an Irish Cap. This was great experience playing against the big boys.
The Spartans had a fluid membership but there always remained a strong core few to carry on playing and partying hard. I still possess my kit which my eldest son dust off on occasion for fancy dress. Would you believe it still fits me! Honest!! Although I have stayed trim my pace has reduced (What do you expect I am 46).
Many Thanks to Davy for taking on the task of launching this site. An even bigger thanks for old friendships of the Guys from The Belfast Labatts Spartans and hope that other will venture to the site.
P.S. Yes Davy I agree George (Don Johnson) Jamison hasn't changed a bit (his teeth have even got whiter while mine are falling out). Jealous or what!!
Editors Note- Blair was one of the best players on the team, the number of times he saved are bacon with a last second tackle. How strange I end up living round the corner from him. Don't go to anymore hypnosis Blair you never know whos lap you'll end up sitting on. D
POSITIONS PLAYED: Numbers 83 and 20. Defensive Free Safety, Wide Receiver, Special Teams (Both Kick Off and Kick Return)
MEMORABLE MOMENT: MOre than one, but if I had to pick it would be the time against Craigavon Cowboys when a perfectly timed run from deep defence saw me dive over my my line as ball was snapped to sack Quarterback and our line men retrieved the ball. The Cowboy Quarterback didn't know what had hit him. Denny our coach got it on video (wish I had a copy).
CLOSEST MATES ON TEAM: Such a great bunch of guys I couldn't pick individuals although, the Defensive fellas were special and partied hard.
My time spent at Spartans holds a very special memories of a great era. Everyone treated each training session as if it was their last and each hit left it's mark. At a time when I was transcending from teenager to young adult I could not have socialised and befriended a better bunch of fellas. The diversity of various colours, creeds religious and social backgrounds within the team made these misfits undoubtedly the great team it was.
I remember fondly the trip to Oxford sponsored with 16 crates of Labatts and the Lorry pull from Lisburn to Belfast when we raised £2000 for Cystic Fibrosis. All the guys turned out for my 21st birthday bash at the Elbow rooms and I have never drank Benedictine since.
I was very proud to have been drafted to play for an All Ireland Team to play against a visiting American squad brought over by American tycoon Pat Fidela earning an Irish Cap. This was great experience playing against the big boys.
The Spartans had a fluid membership but there always remained a strong core few to carry on playing and partying hard. I still possess my kit which my eldest son dust off on occasion for fancy dress. Would you believe it still fits me! Honest!! Although I have stayed trim my pace has reduced (What do you expect I am 46).
Many Thanks to Davy for taking on the task of launching this site. An even bigger thanks for old friendships of the Guys from The Belfast Labatts Spartans and hope that other will venture to the site.
P.S. Yes Davy I agree George (Don Johnson) Jamison hasn't changed a bit (his teeth have even got whiter while mine are falling out). Jealous or what!!
Editors Note- Blair was one of the best players on the team, the number of times he saved are bacon with a last second tackle. How strange I end up living round the corner from him. Don't go to anymore hypnosis Blair you never know whos lap you'll end up sitting on. D
Jerry Mulholland
Position played Outside Linebacker (#56), Tight End (#84), all Special Teams, anywhere else as required.
Dates when active Belfast Spartan 1986-1989, Head Coach Belfast Junior Spartans 1987-1992, Head Coach Belfast Bulls 2000-2001.
Where you are now? Still living in Belfast, after working in England and France for a few years. I got Married (yes lads, it's true), to Tatiana, in 2010. Work for the Civil Service in Lisburn.
Most memorable moment? Too many to choose from, but here goes; when the team beat Craigavon Cowboys for the first time at Newtownards Rugby club in the summer of 1989 (I was injured by then and no longer able to play), I was so proud. Colliding with Blair in mid-air when we both went for the same interception and Trevor caught the ball, LOL. Ian Smith running into the oppositions huddle in the first ever 'All-Star' game where some of us were playing with the Carrick Team on a grey Musgrave day, any 'Break Out' run by George, Lawrence, Verner etc (Beautiful thing..Y'know), watching Big Steve Williams downfield block (sweetness). witnessing the courage of John McKnight, Collin and Davy H taking on big guys and canning them. Davy Anderson 'growling' at Eric Hanvey and coming off worse. Every hit I ever made (evil grin). Trying to run as fast as Blair and George (never did get closer than a few steps behind). The look on Verners' face when a Firework nearly blew off his 'Wedding Vegetables' in the changing rooms at Musgrave. Lining up on my own against the other teams whole offense, when the rest of the 'D' was suffering one of Berts huddle 'sermons'..and still nailing their ball carrier for a loss. The 'O' and 'D' lines...THE most important people on the Senior and Junior teams. Getting picked for the 'Ireland' team on a few occasions. Every game I played or coached.
Closest mates in the team? All the participants in the 'John and Jerry' show, we thank you for watching...:)
What do you remember about your time with the Spartans? (Put as much info here as you like).
The best, and worst of times. The taste of Musgrave mud. Blood, sweat and tears. Watching the young lads faces when they won the All Ireland Junior Championship in 91' and 92. Partying..lots of partying. Mr Mulgrave.....(not a bad hitter) ..."I feel the need".."The Need?".."The NEED for Speed, John"..lol. 3rd and 5 on our own goal line with the 'D' for the umpteenth time in a game.
Any other info.
I would like to thank Billy and 'Bert'. Robert recruited me at Cooke in May 1986,when I was about to join the 'Blitzers' ..with the Spartans, he always kept the faith. Billy, whose passes showed me that Tight End was best left to Brendy. Without Bert and Billy , we would probably STILL be playing touch football across from Bert's house in the park. Finally, all of you bunch of reprobates, scoundrels and rogues...it was an honour to play with you all. Some of the best days I have ever had (winks).
Editors Note - In many ways Jerry was a typical Spartan, a great hitter a great character and just a little bit totally crazy. One of the leaders of the team Jerry was another of those 100% commitment players that left it all on the pitch. He also gave a lot back by coaching the juniors to success and I know from my work on the site that many of the Junior team are very grateful for his efforts. He took a lot of finding (see anecdotes page)
Dates when active Belfast Spartan 1986-1989, Head Coach Belfast Junior Spartans 1987-1992, Head Coach Belfast Bulls 2000-2001.
Where you are now? Still living in Belfast, after working in England and France for a few years. I got Married (yes lads, it's true), to Tatiana, in 2010. Work for the Civil Service in Lisburn.
Most memorable moment? Too many to choose from, but here goes; when the team beat Craigavon Cowboys for the first time at Newtownards Rugby club in the summer of 1989 (I was injured by then and no longer able to play), I was so proud. Colliding with Blair in mid-air when we both went for the same interception and Trevor caught the ball, LOL. Ian Smith running into the oppositions huddle in the first ever 'All-Star' game where some of us were playing with the Carrick Team on a grey Musgrave day, any 'Break Out' run by George, Lawrence, Verner etc (Beautiful thing..Y'know), watching Big Steve Williams downfield block (sweetness). witnessing the courage of John McKnight, Collin and Davy H taking on big guys and canning them. Davy Anderson 'growling' at Eric Hanvey and coming off worse. Every hit I ever made (evil grin). Trying to run as fast as Blair and George (never did get closer than a few steps behind). The look on Verners' face when a Firework nearly blew off his 'Wedding Vegetables' in the changing rooms at Musgrave. Lining up on my own against the other teams whole offense, when the rest of the 'D' was suffering one of Berts huddle 'sermons'..and still nailing their ball carrier for a loss. The 'O' and 'D' lines...THE most important people on the Senior and Junior teams. Getting picked for the 'Ireland' team on a few occasions. Every game I played or coached.
Closest mates in the team? All the participants in the 'John and Jerry' show, we thank you for watching...:)
What do you remember about your time with the Spartans? (Put as much info here as you like).
The best, and worst of times. The taste of Musgrave mud. Blood, sweat and tears. Watching the young lads faces when they won the All Ireland Junior Championship in 91' and 92. Partying..lots of partying. Mr Mulgrave.....(not a bad hitter) ..."I feel the need".."The Need?".."The NEED for Speed, John"..lol. 3rd and 5 on our own goal line with the 'D' for the umpteenth time in a game.
Any other info.
I would like to thank Billy and 'Bert'. Robert recruited me at Cooke in May 1986,when I was about to join the 'Blitzers' ..with the Spartans, he always kept the faith. Billy, whose passes showed me that Tight End was best left to Brendy. Without Bert and Billy , we would probably STILL be playing touch football across from Bert's house in the park. Finally, all of you bunch of reprobates, scoundrels and rogues...it was an honour to play with you all. Some of the best days I have ever had (winks).
Editors Note - In many ways Jerry was a typical Spartan, a great hitter a great character and just a little bit totally crazy. One of the leaders of the team Jerry was another of those 100% commitment players that left it all on the pitch. He also gave a lot back by coaching the juniors to success and I know from my work on the site that many of the Junior team are very grateful for his efforts. He took a lot of finding (see anecdotes page)
Robert McCormack(Bert)
Name – Robert “Bert” McCormackPosition – Defensive End / Linebacker / Offensive Guard / Special Teams
When – 1984 to 1999
Best Friends on Team – Billy Boyd, Ernie Milford, Greg Brown
Fav. Moments – There are so many it’s easier just to say 1984-1999!
Greatest Achievement – 14 Spartans selected to play for Ireland in a single game, by far the most from any one team!
More than anyone, the Spartans was “my” team! I founded it and recruited all the players back in the early days and although I “allowed” others to be Head Coach and Chairman etc I considered myself the “team owner” and made sure things were done my way! I know at times that caused a bit of resentment, but it was the main reason why the Spartans lasted as long as they did. If I had my time over again, I wouldn’t (couldn’t) do it any differently!
I have so many memories of the Spartans I don’t know where to start. Some funny, some sad, some painful, but all with a burning sense of pride!I just read some of the other profiles and want to elaborate on them.
The hit that Blair Taylor got on the Cowboys QB was called the “Flying Angel” and I remember Coach Knowlton making us practise it over and over the week before the game. We only ever ran it once but I’ve got to say Blair executed it perfectly. The hit John Mulgrave gave was on the Bangor Buccaneers RB called Neil Armstrong (yes, seriously). John told the Defensive lineman in the huddle “open the 2 gap, I’m going through”. As John blitzed through he met Mr. Armstrong in the backfield and pretty much demolished him. It was one of the biggest hits I ever saw and afterwards Coach Knowlton said he seriously thought John had killed the guy and would be charged with manslaughter!
Like George said, our practise sessions were hard and we didn’t hold back. We hit each other just as hard in practise as we hit our opponents in a game! We played hard but we also partied hard and our post-match socalising was legendary! The 3 hour trip back from Dublin on the team bus was always a drunken sing-song. Was even better if we’d won. [Symbol]
I remember, albeit in a drunken haze, our annual trips away to Oxford, Jersey, Milton Keynes, Stoke, etc. Who can forget the Lord Mayor of Milton Keynes reducing Lawrence Boskett and John Mulgrave to tears of laughter without knowing why, or Pete Watt and Gary Cobain coming out of a pub in Jersey and turning right instead of left. They walked 10 miles round the island instead of 200 yards to the hotel!
I want to thank Davy for taking the time and effort to make this site. I look forward to reading more profiles and catching up with old friends!
Editors Note- Thanks Bert for the great memories. Bert was one of the rocks on which the team was built I don't remember him ever missing a practice session. I am hoping he'll write the full history of the team as it would be a great read.
When – 1984 to 1999
Best Friends on Team – Billy Boyd, Ernie Milford, Greg Brown
Fav. Moments – There are so many it’s easier just to say 1984-1999!
Greatest Achievement – 14 Spartans selected to play for Ireland in a single game, by far the most from any one team!
More than anyone, the Spartans was “my” team! I founded it and recruited all the players back in the early days and although I “allowed” others to be Head Coach and Chairman etc I considered myself the “team owner” and made sure things were done my way! I know at times that caused a bit of resentment, but it was the main reason why the Spartans lasted as long as they did. If I had my time over again, I wouldn’t (couldn’t) do it any differently!
I have so many memories of the Spartans I don’t know where to start. Some funny, some sad, some painful, but all with a burning sense of pride!I just read some of the other profiles and want to elaborate on them.
The hit that Blair Taylor got on the Cowboys QB was called the “Flying Angel” and I remember Coach Knowlton making us practise it over and over the week before the game. We only ever ran it once but I’ve got to say Blair executed it perfectly. The hit John Mulgrave gave was on the Bangor Buccaneers RB called Neil Armstrong (yes, seriously). John told the Defensive lineman in the huddle “open the 2 gap, I’m going through”. As John blitzed through he met Mr. Armstrong in the backfield and pretty much demolished him. It was one of the biggest hits I ever saw and afterwards Coach Knowlton said he seriously thought John had killed the guy and would be charged with manslaughter!
Like George said, our practise sessions were hard and we didn’t hold back. We hit each other just as hard in practise as we hit our opponents in a game! We played hard but we also partied hard and our post-match socalising was legendary! The 3 hour trip back from Dublin on the team bus was always a drunken sing-song. Was even better if we’d won. [Symbol]
I remember, albeit in a drunken haze, our annual trips away to Oxford, Jersey, Milton Keynes, Stoke, etc. Who can forget the Lord Mayor of Milton Keynes reducing Lawrence Boskett and John Mulgrave to tears of laughter without knowing why, or Pete Watt and Gary Cobain coming out of a pub in Jersey and turning right instead of left. They walked 10 miles round the island instead of 200 yards to the hotel!
I want to thank Davy for taking the time and effort to make this site. I look forward to reading more profiles and catching up with old friends!
Editors Note- Thanks Bert for the great memories. Bert was one of the rocks on which the team was built I don't remember him ever missing a practice session. I am hoping he'll write the full history of the team as it would be a great read.
Colin Green
Name Colin green
Age 46
Position. cornerback
Memorable moment...that's easy, the 23rd member.... "barnacle bill", he went with us everywhere! I was defensive corner back no 51. I wasn't built of bricks like those line backers but I had reasonably fast legs to at least stop some receivers. Yes Memorable moments from what can only be described as a shower of misfits from all backgrounds, shapes, sizes, but the big surprise was that it actually all worked. I think it was the camaraderie spirit of guts and wanting to win did it. My memorable moment was playing a friendly with the blitzers at Cooke, intercepting a ball and flying like Billy whizz down the outside and thinking Jesus I'm gonna get killed here, at which point my boot flew off and it all went horribly wrong and all with only about 10 yards to the line.yes I got mashed! What about the guys? I mated with Davy, George and brendan, we fired the ball about outside hours but the Craic was mighty with all the boys. Remember Robert doing token gesture weights with you and Billy in Bangor leisure centre Friday nights in that postage stamp weights room and then to the seaside tavern...that was where we got enough money raised to be presented with our first helmet for the team! Yes the sorry days of running around a muck filled pitch like hunch backs in foam filled shirts before kits. What about jd the traffic cop who never got his kit dirty! Gerry mullholand who was the life and soul and led us round the pitch of every match as the drill instructor and fiege if I remember rightly slept in front of the back wheel of our coach at the Oxford match, I think that was after the shopping trolly incident racing like go carts, Christmas dinner at la mon, all very orderly until boskett flipped his ice cream across the table and I think hit arron and the whole thing fell apart with a mass ice cream fight. thanks to denny for all the beer buckets at his house in don dee...mr Detroit car mogul champion player all round good guy source of inspiration to all. Today I run,cycle, swim, kayak,married with two young daughters and living a bit less dangerous than those heady days.
Thanks to Davy for the website and good to know all are doing well.
Editors Note- Colin and I started together and played on the corner back positions, the laughs and the crack we had on and of the pitch were fantastic.
Age 46
Position. cornerback
Memorable moment...that's easy, the 23rd member.... "barnacle bill", he went with us everywhere! I was defensive corner back no 51. I wasn't built of bricks like those line backers but I had reasonably fast legs to at least stop some receivers. Yes Memorable moments from what can only be described as a shower of misfits from all backgrounds, shapes, sizes, but the big surprise was that it actually all worked. I think it was the camaraderie spirit of guts and wanting to win did it. My memorable moment was playing a friendly with the blitzers at Cooke, intercepting a ball and flying like Billy whizz down the outside and thinking Jesus I'm gonna get killed here, at which point my boot flew off and it all went horribly wrong and all with only about 10 yards to the line.yes I got mashed! What about the guys? I mated with Davy, George and brendan, we fired the ball about outside hours but the Craic was mighty with all the boys. Remember Robert doing token gesture weights with you and Billy in Bangor leisure centre Friday nights in that postage stamp weights room and then to the seaside tavern...that was where we got enough money raised to be presented with our first helmet for the team! Yes the sorry days of running around a muck filled pitch like hunch backs in foam filled shirts before kits. What about jd the traffic cop who never got his kit dirty! Gerry mullholand who was the life and soul and led us round the pitch of every match as the drill instructor and fiege if I remember rightly slept in front of the back wheel of our coach at the Oxford match, I think that was after the shopping trolly incident racing like go carts, Christmas dinner at la mon, all very orderly until boskett flipped his ice cream across the table and I think hit arron and the whole thing fell apart with a mass ice cream fight. thanks to denny for all the beer buckets at his house in don dee...mr Detroit car mogul champion player all round good guy source of inspiration to all. Today I run,cycle, swim, kayak,married with two young daughters and living a bit less dangerous than those heady days.
Thanks to Davy for the website and good to know all are doing well.
Editors Note- Colin and I started together and played on the corner back positions, the laughs and the crack we had on and of the pitch were fantastic.
Paul Devenny
Position played-Outside Linebacker
Dates when active- I think 1986 onwards
Where you are now -I am married with a twelve year old daughter living in Warrenpoint Co. down. I work in my own Air con-Fm company.
Still training hard in martial arts, but as the years roll by the body’s starting to feel it, what used to be one day recovery is now just pain every day.
Most memorable moment - With the Spartans, it was a non stop training & partying session, Sundays at Musgrave beating the crap out of each other, personally I always gauged my session on, if I got a good hit in on George, Davy, big Brendan or Billy it was a good day.
Wednesday nights at Cooke Rugby club, this is where I met big John for the first time which is a story in itself. The play started ,John running blocker for RB he hit me like a truck, Next play went to the far side of the field , never mind the ball the big sod creamed me again, next play he’s at it again only I creamed him, we shook hands & became firm friends after that. By far the most memorable moment for myself, was a game with the team from Castlereagh (the jets I think) when the quarterback broke my way, I for some mad thought forgot which sport I was playing, and roundhouse kicked him in the head, I remember looking at him, then their team then our team & thinking what the **** did I just do, he was stretchered off the field. (He ended up all right)
Another game I remember well was against Carrick when I got a load of hits in, plus sacked their QB in the end zone getting us a couple of points.
The endless arguments between defense & offense, the Welly park ,Robinsons bar , the Seaside tavern the list goes on, I remember one week Trevor challenging us to see if we could get to a nite club seven nights in a row ,this was more difficult than it sounds rem it was the 80s in Belfast, so we ended up in some , bark at the moon style places & Trevor who spoke like an RAF Officer , brought us some strange attention.
And it was also Trevor ( Bad influence on me) with whom at a party in Andys house for the team , we sat on the roof of the house dressed as the Blues Brothers drinking beer, still cant remember if it was him or me that stole that horse (borrowed I mean).
Closest mates in the team? I would have considered all of the guys good friends, but closest would have been big Andy .
Very good memories, & thanks Davy for the time you have spent here, its certainly made me remember with a smile
Editors note- Paul was a total commitment player he gave 100% for the whole game every game, he just never stopped I remember he comming off the pitch bloodied and battered but always with a smile.
Dates when active- I think 1986 onwards
Where you are now -I am married with a twelve year old daughter living in Warrenpoint Co. down. I work in my own Air con-Fm company.
Still training hard in martial arts, but as the years roll by the body’s starting to feel it, what used to be one day recovery is now just pain every day.
Most memorable moment - With the Spartans, it was a non stop training & partying session, Sundays at Musgrave beating the crap out of each other, personally I always gauged my session on, if I got a good hit in on George, Davy, big Brendan or Billy it was a good day.
Wednesday nights at Cooke Rugby club, this is where I met big John for the first time which is a story in itself. The play started ,John running blocker for RB he hit me like a truck, Next play went to the far side of the field , never mind the ball the big sod creamed me again, next play he’s at it again only I creamed him, we shook hands & became firm friends after that. By far the most memorable moment for myself, was a game with the team from Castlereagh (the jets I think) when the quarterback broke my way, I for some mad thought forgot which sport I was playing, and roundhouse kicked him in the head, I remember looking at him, then their team then our team & thinking what the **** did I just do, he was stretchered off the field. (He ended up all right)
Another game I remember well was against Carrick when I got a load of hits in, plus sacked their QB in the end zone getting us a couple of points.
The endless arguments between defense & offense, the Welly park ,Robinsons bar , the Seaside tavern the list goes on, I remember one week Trevor challenging us to see if we could get to a nite club seven nights in a row ,this was more difficult than it sounds rem it was the 80s in Belfast, so we ended up in some , bark at the moon style places & Trevor who spoke like an RAF Officer , brought us some strange attention.
And it was also Trevor ( Bad influence on me) with whom at a party in Andys house for the team , we sat on the roof of the house dressed as the Blues Brothers drinking beer, still cant remember if it was him or me that stole that horse (borrowed I mean).
Closest mates in the team? I would have considered all of the guys good friends, but closest would have been big Andy .
Very good memories, & thanks Davy for the time you have spent here, its certainly made me remember with a smile
Editors note- Paul was a total commitment player he gave 100% for the whole game every game, he just never stopped I remember he comming off the pitch bloodied and battered but always with a smile.
Robert Bryans
Position played:- Right Guard, Right Offensive Tackle and finally Defensive Tackle ( Thank you Denny )
Dates when active 1985 -1989
Where you are now:- Still living in Finaghy, working as a Clerical Officer in the City Hospital, enjoy going to watch Linfield and also watching Sam's youngest son play Rugby for Sullivan (he would have made a brilliant Spartan...)
Most memorable moment:- To be honest it's moments, beating Bangor at Musgrave for the first time, to be honest we didn't just beat them we destroyed them. Beating Coleraine 6-0 in the pouring rain with Billy Boyd's 35 yd Quarterback sneak and Denny standing with just a sweatshirt on and passing pints out the window of the pub when we stopped on the coach journey home !! Beating Carrick 30-0 down at Eden. The singing on the return bus journey from Dublin after the Tornados game and the soldiers getting off the bus at the border checkpoint with 4 cases of Labatts..The whole weekend trip to Oxford, getting changed for the game driving through Oxford and running of the bus kitted and ready to play..
Closest mates in the team:- Ian Smith (who asked me to join the team), Robert McCormack( a brave few drunken nights were had with Bert), and Jerry Mulholland.
What do you remember about your time with the Spartans? An absolute bunch of lunatics that blended so well into a team and boy did Dennis Knowlton make us into that team. we trained hard, played hard and partied even harder.
Dates when active 1985 -1989
Where you are now:- Still living in Finaghy, working as a Clerical Officer in the City Hospital, enjoy going to watch Linfield and also watching Sam's youngest son play Rugby for Sullivan (he would have made a brilliant Spartan...)
Most memorable moment:- To be honest it's moments, beating Bangor at Musgrave for the first time, to be honest we didn't just beat them we destroyed them. Beating Coleraine 6-0 in the pouring rain with Billy Boyd's 35 yd Quarterback sneak and Denny standing with just a sweatshirt on and passing pints out the window of the pub when we stopped on the coach journey home !! Beating Carrick 30-0 down at Eden. The singing on the return bus journey from Dublin after the Tornados game and the soldiers getting off the bus at the border checkpoint with 4 cases of Labatts..The whole weekend trip to Oxford, getting changed for the game driving through Oxford and running of the bus kitted and ready to play..
Closest mates in the team:- Ian Smith (who asked me to join the team), Robert McCormack( a brave few drunken nights were had with Bert), and Jerry Mulholland.
What do you remember about your time with the Spartans? An absolute bunch of lunatics that blended so well into a team and boy did Dennis Knowlton make us into that team. we trained hard, played hard and partied even harder.
Trevor Spence
Position played? Strong safety, special teams. Other teams I played for include Witney Wildcats, Oxford University Cavaliers, Marbella Suns (later horrifically renamed the Sol Suns after some dodgy sponsorship deal)
Dates when active? 1986-1989 roughly - these were the dates I was at Queen's.
Where you are now? Right now Koh Samui and gearing up for the Black Moon party! Currently living and working in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, having spent time in Spain and Argentina. Recently retired from playing American Football after 25 years in the game. Turned up to offer to coach the team in Spain at the ripe old age of 40 and instead became 'el veterano'. Must have been the oldest player in the league!
Most memorable moment? So many. The competition between the defensive squad and the offensive squad at training was always a classic and resulted in hard fought training sessions that often deteriorated to the point that the QB or coach had to remind us we were the same team. Remember one particular moment when the offense were still trying to get a new play to work and the defense decided to play the psych game. The entire D went down on their knees to pray, this confused (at times it wasn't hard to confuse our offense, just giving them the ball often left them surprised!) the offense with the result that the play flopped, a defensive blitz resulted in mayhem, recriminations flew and the training session became a grudge match again!
On the field two personal favourites are a game against the Antrim Bulldogs and a game in Dublin against the South. The first was on a hard dry ground where we filled the ambulance with Antrim players. In that game I took an interception only to find what seemed the entire Antrim offense bearing down on me. With nowhere to run right or left I put my head down and ran into a ruck, Little John (McKnight) said afterwards that somehow I popped out of the ruck like a cork out of a bottle before setting off on a long run back. Can't remember if we scored, only remember being too tired to care! The second game was also on hard dry ground (were all the pitches just bad in those days?) and this, along with a certain historical antagonism between the two teams) resulted in a bruising bloody battle (recall visiting Robert McCormack (i think) in hospital after with a busted shoulder - him not me) which came down to the last defensive play with the opposition 10+ yards away from our endzone. They lined up with double tight ends (each well over 7'!) and it was bloody obvious that they were going to flood my zone, at least it was bloody obvious to me but apparently to no one else on the team as despite shouting my lungs out on the play call no one came to help! Anyway sure enough they came (their shadows giving me a brief respite from the hot sun)the ball was tossed up and somehow I managed to leap between them and bat it away. I came down hard, tore my ligaments on both ankles (didn't realise this at the time, probably due to adrenaline initially and Spartan medical attention (Labatts) after) and ended up on crutches for two weeks after (and thus late to every lecture!)
Off the field, well as already stated we were probably even more fearsome off than on. I recall John Mulgrave leading us on 'dog' nights where the aim was to pick up the ugliest girl possible (although George's ugly girls always looked better than my regular girlfriends!) I also recall the Spartans hitting the dance floor at the Welly Park, where I was working at the time. The floor was packed so one of the linemen( can't recall the name only the eczyma) decided to throw a roll block that cleared the floor. Then there was the trip to Torrevieja to my mum's villa, which included Robert, George, Jerry and Little John plus others. Classic moments included the sight of Spartans in Togas, the incredible number of empty bottles of beer decorating the front room and meeting my future wife (who still thinks George is cute!). Yes thanks to the Spartans I got married (21 seasons played so far so American Football is still number one on that count with 25 - lets hope she never reads this profile!).
Closest mates in the team? Little John McKnight - best man at my wedding. But on and off the field what a great bunch of guys all of whom I still consider to be great mates.
Any other info. Thanks to Robert McCormack for getting me on the radio to talk about the new sport. I think Robert must have thought that as I was studying for a degree I would be one of the more eloquent members of the team (look at the alternatives!) but to the radio jockey's dismay when asked to describe the purpose of the helmet I went on to explain how it was most effectively used to smash an opponent's knees (usually George's in practice!) This wasn't quite the wholesome image of the game they were looking for and I don't remember being asked any more questions. Still I thought then and still think now that the statement summed up amateur american football at the time (or at least us) - hit the opposition with everything you have as hard as you can and whoever is left standing at the end wins. Still find uses for the helmet though! Went into a briefing at work which I knew was going to be fraught with difficulties,with a plan that was going to meet resistance, wore the helmet as protection, everyone saw the funny side and the situation was defused.
Editors Note - I always wanted to play safety, but Blair and Trevor had made those positions their own. Probably the best pair of safetys in the league.
Dates when active? 1986-1989 roughly - these were the dates I was at Queen's.
Where you are now? Right now Koh Samui and gearing up for the Black Moon party! Currently living and working in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, having spent time in Spain and Argentina. Recently retired from playing American Football after 25 years in the game. Turned up to offer to coach the team in Spain at the ripe old age of 40 and instead became 'el veterano'. Must have been the oldest player in the league!
Most memorable moment? So many. The competition between the defensive squad and the offensive squad at training was always a classic and resulted in hard fought training sessions that often deteriorated to the point that the QB or coach had to remind us we were the same team. Remember one particular moment when the offense were still trying to get a new play to work and the defense decided to play the psych game. The entire D went down on their knees to pray, this confused (at times it wasn't hard to confuse our offense, just giving them the ball often left them surprised!) the offense with the result that the play flopped, a defensive blitz resulted in mayhem, recriminations flew and the training session became a grudge match again!
On the field two personal favourites are a game against the Antrim Bulldogs and a game in Dublin against the South. The first was on a hard dry ground where we filled the ambulance with Antrim players. In that game I took an interception only to find what seemed the entire Antrim offense bearing down on me. With nowhere to run right or left I put my head down and ran into a ruck, Little John (McKnight) said afterwards that somehow I popped out of the ruck like a cork out of a bottle before setting off on a long run back. Can't remember if we scored, only remember being too tired to care! The second game was also on hard dry ground (were all the pitches just bad in those days?) and this, along with a certain historical antagonism between the two teams) resulted in a bruising bloody battle (recall visiting Robert McCormack (i think) in hospital after with a busted shoulder - him not me) which came down to the last defensive play with the opposition 10+ yards away from our endzone. They lined up with double tight ends (each well over 7'!) and it was bloody obvious that they were going to flood my zone, at least it was bloody obvious to me but apparently to no one else on the team as despite shouting my lungs out on the play call no one came to help! Anyway sure enough they came (their shadows giving me a brief respite from the hot sun)the ball was tossed up and somehow I managed to leap between them and bat it away. I came down hard, tore my ligaments on both ankles (didn't realise this at the time, probably due to adrenaline initially and Spartan medical attention (Labatts) after) and ended up on crutches for two weeks after (and thus late to every lecture!)
Off the field, well as already stated we were probably even more fearsome off than on. I recall John Mulgrave leading us on 'dog' nights where the aim was to pick up the ugliest girl possible (although George's ugly girls always looked better than my regular girlfriends!) I also recall the Spartans hitting the dance floor at the Welly Park, where I was working at the time. The floor was packed so one of the linemen( can't recall the name only the eczyma) decided to throw a roll block that cleared the floor. Then there was the trip to Torrevieja to my mum's villa, which included Robert, George, Jerry and Little John plus others. Classic moments included the sight of Spartans in Togas, the incredible number of empty bottles of beer decorating the front room and meeting my future wife (who still thinks George is cute!). Yes thanks to the Spartans I got married (21 seasons played so far so American Football is still number one on that count with 25 - lets hope she never reads this profile!).
Closest mates in the team? Little John McKnight - best man at my wedding. But on and off the field what a great bunch of guys all of whom I still consider to be great mates.
Any other info. Thanks to Robert McCormack for getting me on the radio to talk about the new sport. I think Robert must have thought that as I was studying for a degree I would be one of the more eloquent members of the team (look at the alternatives!) but to the radio jockey's dismay when asked to describe the purpose of the helmet I went on to explain how it was most effectively used to smash an opponent's knees (usually George's in practice!) This wasn't quite the wholesome image of the game they were looking for and I don't remember being asked any more questions. Still I thought then and still think now that the statement summed up amateur american football at the time (or at least us) - hit the opposition with everything you have as hard as you can and whoever is left standing at the end wins. Still find uses for the helmet though! Went into a briefing at work which I knew was going to be fraught with difficulties,with a plan that was going to meet resistance, wore the helmet as protection, everyone saw the funny side and the situation was defused.
Editors Note - I always wanted to play safety, but Blair and Trevor had made those positions their own. Probably the best pair of safetys in the league.
Andrew Mckee
Position - centre
Dates - cant remember - too long ago in a galaxy far far away.
Where are you now- currently living in comber just outside newtownards. married for last 9 years to fiona and have two children, Duncan -6 and Molly -3.
Most memorable moment- too many to mention but here goes , sleeping under a bus in oxford so it wouldnt leave me behind in the morning( a stupid thing to do looking back but it seemed to be a good idea at the time) this was u ntil it became too cold so got into bus in middle of the night,- helping singing " youve lost that loving feeling" in the top bar of robinsons to some person I think it was a girl. best hit was against mark taylor in a practice match at drumkeen rughy pitch. a move by the offensive line which worked perfectly, where mark way heard to say "where did he come from" the move never really worked that well in the actual matches, closest team mate was paul devenny, what i remember about the spartains- a group of great lads who were bonded together by a love of a great sport, Fun loving alcoholics who played hard on the field and off, always striving to be the best but not always getting there, waking up on monday morning with sore body parts but looking forward to the next
Editors Note- In the early days we were short of good aggressive offensive linemen, most of the big guys were gentle giants (no pun). Andy was one of the guys who changed that he had the size and the attitude to go with it.
Dates - cant remember - too long ago in a galaxy far far away.
Where are you now- currently living in comber just outside newtownards. married for last 9 years to fiona and have two children, Duncan -6 and Molly -3.
Most memorable moment- too many to mention but here goes , sleeping under a bus in oxford so it wouldnt leave me behind in the morning( a stupid thing to do looking back but it seemed to be a good idea at the time) this was u ntil it became too cold so got into bus in middle of the night,- helping singing " youve lost that loving feeling" in the top bar of robinsons to some person I think it was a girl. best hit was against mark taylor in a practice match at drumkeen rughy pitch. a move by the offensive line which worked perfectly, where mark way heard to say "where did he come from" the move never really worked that well in the actual matches, closest team mate was paul devenny, what i remember about the spartains- a group of great lads who were bonded together by a love of a great sport, Fun loving alcoholics who played hard on the field and off, always striving to be the best but not always getting there, waking up on monday morning with sore body parts but looking forward to the next
Editors Note- In the early days we were short of good aggressive offensive linemen, most of the big guys were gentle giants (no pun). Andy was one of the guys who changed that he had the size and the attitude to go with it.
Steve Williams
Position played? LT
Dates when active? Not sure now but I remember turning up to Musgrave Park one cold winter's day probably 86
Where you are now? Just returned to the UK after being in Oz for 4 years
Most memorable moment? Trying to persuade Tandy to some come out from under the bus where he was sleeping during our tour of Oxford as he was terrified of being left behind
Closest mates in the team? Jerry Mulholland, Dave Anderson, Ian Smith
What do you remember about your time with the Spartans? (Put as much info here as you like).Being cold and wet, doing duck walks which seemed to last a life time...Getting a lift in big Franks van which was always scary, and getting my leg broken in 3 places by Jerry Mulholland..Always having seemingly endeless amounts of LaBatt and those horrible LaBatt shirts...Oh and the trip to Jersey with the massive firework fight between the two wings of the hotel and Bert McCormicj will remember this the amazing disappearing Kebab shop
Most importantly though I reckon helping coach the Junior Spartans to two Championships in the 90's
Editors Note - Steve was one of those big quiet offensive linemen who just turned up every week and quietly got on with it.. I remember playing against him when we were short of players in practice, he used to laugh at my ten stone trying to push past him while I just got frustrated :)
Dates when active? Not sure now but I remember turning up to Musgrave Park one cold winter's day probably 86
Where you are now? Just returned to the UK after being in Oz for 4 years
Most memorable moment? Trying to persuade Tandy to some come out from under the bus where he was sleeping during our tour of Oxford as he was terrified of being left behind
Closest mates in the team? Jerry Mulholland, Dave Anderson, Ian Smith
What do you remember about your time with the Spartans? (Put as much info here as you like).Being cold and wet, doing duck walks which seemed to last a life time...Getting a lift in big Franks van which was always scary, and getting my leg broken in 3 places by Jerry Mulholland..Always having seemingly endeless amounts of LaBatt and those horrible LaBatt shirts...Oh and the trip to Jersey with the massive firework fight between the two wings of the hotel and Bert McCormicj will remember this the amazing disappearing Kebab shop
Most importantly though I reckon helping coach the Junior Spartans to two Championships in the 90's
Editors Note - Steve was one of those big quiet offensive linemen who just turned up every week and quietly got on with it.. I remember playing against him when we were short of players in practice, he used to laugh at my ten stone trying to push past him while I just got frustrated :)
Davy Lemon
37 years old
Position played - Junior Spartans - CB, FS, RB. Senior - RB
Dates when active - Junior Spartans 2 touch 1989-92, Junoir Spartans kitted 92-94, Senior 94 - finish
Where are you now - Living in Cambridge, moved here in 98
Most memorable moment - being the best team in junior football as we trained with the seniors and scrimmaged with them so we were used to taking hits. Other junior teams couldnt match us. Playing against the minnesota allstars team and taking a huge hit up the 1 gap playing rb.
Closest mates in the team - Mark Helferty, Rod Thompson, Kiemon Stewart, Jerry Mulholland, Steve Williams, Billy Boyd
What do you remember about your time with the spartans - First introduction to football, playing 2 touch then getting pads and helmets. Winning at junior and making the spet up to senior against the bulldogs. Playing againts the minnesota allstars in bangor and getting my leg busted against the Celts. lol
Moved to england in 98, played for cambridge cats at rb, great experience as we had usaf guys on the team to teach me how to run proper. went 10-0 in 2003 but missed out on the bowl as lost 14-12 in the playoff.
Played in the 2004 or 5 irish team in derby against the british bulldogs. lost 67-6 but hey was in a stadium with a crowd. lol
Editors Note- Had forgotten all about our Junior team, but the site wouldn't be complete without these guys. Played against some of them once and came off very soar. Respect
Position played - Junior Spartans - CB, FS, RB. Senior - RB
Dates when active - Junior Spartans 2 touch 1989-92, Junoir Spartans kitted 92-94, Senior 94 - finish
Where are you now - Living in Cambridge, moved here in 98
Most memorable moment - being the best team in junior football as we trained with the seniors and scrimmaged with them so we were used to taking hits. Other junior teams couldnt match us. Playing against the minnesota allstars team and taking a huge hit up the 1 gap playing rb.
Closest mates in the team - Mark Helferty, Rod Thompson, Kiemon Stewart, Jerry Mulholland, Steve Williams, Billy Boyd
What do you remember about your time with the spartans - First introduction to football, playing 2 touch then getting pads and helmets. Winning at junior and making the spet up to senior against the bulldogs. Playing againts the minnesota allstars in bangor and getting my leg busted against the Celts. lol
Moved to england in 98, played for cambridge cats at rb, great experience as we had usaf guys on the team to teach me how to run proper. went 10-0 in 2003 but missed out on the bowl as lost 14-12 in the playoff.
Played in the 2004 or 5 irish team in derby against the british bulldogs. lost 67-6 but hey was in a stadium with a crowd. lol
Editors Note- Had forgotten all about our Junior team, but the site wouldn't be complete without these guys. Played against some of them once and came off very soar. Respect
Aaron Hynds
.Aaron (Hitman) Hynds, 5’10’’ / 15st 9lb
Played in the 1980s through to the early 90s. Too old to remember dates!
Position - you name it I played it during my time playing American football, but preferred playing Linebacker in defence and guard in offence.
Met loads of people and made lots of friends over the years I played with the Spartans. Still keep in touch with Gorgeous George and Masher Mulgrave and see Big Brendon on the golf course.
I’m now married and have 2 boys 14 and 13 who have no interest in contact sports, smart boys! But enjoy Golf.
Remember meeting at the back of the City Hall on a Sunday morning for a City bus we had booked to take us to Dublin for a match. The trip down was truly luxurious, hard seats and a max speed of 50mph. The three hour journey was spent deciding who was playing in what position, for the 20 players if we were lucky. Then working on plays for the game and making sure if everyone could count to 3. We always went on 1 after numerous penalties; we made 6 yards and lost 20.
As Bert says remember Masher hitting that poor man from Bangor, I’m sure the bells are still ringing in his head. Still smile when I think of Ernie telling everyone not to block Cocky (Paul Cochran),” he won’t get me before I kick the ball”. How wrong he was, Cocky’s pace was unreal, Cocky’s head and Ernie’s leg met the ball at the same time. It was the worst leg break I and the Doctors have ever seen. Hope you’re keeping well Ernie. How’s the Golf?
Glad Davey came back from the land of Ozz. Have you still got the tankard? What did the Blitzers get you, don’t get me started (the dirty 4)you know who you are.
Hope you’re all well, will add more later.
Editors Note- Don't know why Aaron is wearing a Blitzers shirt here. I beleive this is a shirt he got made and then had Heather photograph him wearing it in the back garden So he can claim to have played for them. Quite sad really
P.S. This joke is now 25 years old!!!!!
Played in the 1980s through to the early 90s. Too old to remember dates!
Position - you name it I played it during my time playing American football, but preferred playing Linebacker in defence and guard in offence.
Met loads of people and made lots of friends over the years I played with the Spartans. Still keep in touch with Gorgeous George and Masher Mulgrave and see Big Brendon on the golf course.
I’m now married and have 2 boys 14 and 13 who have no interest in contact sports, smart boys! But enjoy Golf.
Remember meeting at the back of the City Hall on a Sunday morning for a City bus we had booked to take us to Dublin for a match. The trip down was truly luxurious, hard seats and a max speed of 50mph. The three hour journey was spent deciding who was playing in what position, for the 20 players if we were lucky. Then working on plays for the game and making sure if everyone could count to 3. We always went on 1 after numerous penalties; we made 6 yards and lost 20.
As Bert says remember Masher hitting that poor man from Bangor, I’m sure the bells are still ringing in his head. Still smile when I think of Ernie telling everyone not to block Cocky (Paul Cochran),” he won’t get me before I kick the ball”. How wrong he was, Cocky’s pace was unreal, Cocky’s head and Ernie’s leg met the ball at the same time. It was the worst leg break I and the Doctors have ever seen. Hope you’re keeping well Ernie. How’s the Golf?
Glad Davey came back from the land of Ozz. Have you still got the tankard? What did the Blitzers get you, don’t get me started (the dirty 4)you know who you are.
Hope you’re all well, will add more later.
Editors Note- Don't know why Aaron is wearing a Blitzers shirt here. I beleive this is a shirt he got made and then had Heather photograph him wearing it in the back garden So he can claim to have played for them. Quite sad really
P.S. This joke is now 25 years old!!!!!
Neil Bowles
Positions: OL, DL, Special Teams (all)
My favourite position was Offensive Line, either guard or tackle, left or right I didnt mind. Paul McCabe was Centre. Later in my playing career in England, I moved to Centre and found it was my best position!
Dates when active: 1996 & 97 seasons. I was introduced to the Spartans by Mark Helferty who I met at Queens University. Obvioulsy this was after the Spartans heyday. Many of the players on the team were ex-Spartans youth so i quickly learnt about the history of the team, and the now-legendary brutal training sessions between the senior & youth teams. There was a lot of pride in the history of the team, kept alive by guys like Bert McCormack, Rod Thompson, Mark Helferty, the McCabes, Terry, Davey Lemon and of course Jerry Mulholland.
We struggled for numbers but still competed.
Closest mates on the team: No real bestest buddies, but we all got on well. I knew Bert through friends anyway, Terry and I got on due to a mutual love of the Pittsburgh Steelers. there were some good house parties, I remember one at Terry's house (I think) were we hid a jazz mag under the telephone in the hall for his mum to find...
Most memorable moment: Just being introduced to american football and being welcomed by the guys as a rookie, into a team where most of the guys had come through the Spartans juniors together and being made to feel part of a team with a lot of history.
We had some tough times, with a small squad we struggled against Carrick and The Dublin Tornadoes but wewon some games, against Portadown and Dublin Lightning if I remember correctly. Plus I got the chance to play a couple of games for Ireland which was a blast.
I left NI in 1997 to work in England and brought my kit over and played for another 10 years, firstly for the Chiltern Cheetahs then mainly for the London Blitz. The Blitz went on to become the top team and we worked hard to build it up to its current strength. They are now going for their third UK championship in a row, and won the EFAF Cup this year after being losing semi finalists last year. Up until July I was running backs coach for the Blitz (working with former Irish football great, former Ireland and Craigavon Cowboys QB Pat Cullen who is the OC). Before coaching, I played O Line for them for many years, really enjoyed playing Centre.
I have just moved to Dubai and am getting involved with a kitted team here, the UAE Falcons. But it all started with the Spartans and if not for them, I wouldnt have enjoyed a lot of good times.
Well done getting the website up & running,
My favourite position was Offensive Line, either guard or tackle, left or right I didnt mind. Paul McCabe was Centre. Later in my playing career in England, I moved to Centre and found it was my best position!
Dates when active: 1996 & 97 seasons. I was introduced to the Spartans by Mark Helferty who I met at Queens University. Obvioulsy this was after the Spartans heyday. Many of the players on the team were ex-Spartans youth so i quickly learnt about the history of the team, and the now-legendary brutal training sessions between the senior & youth teams. There was a lot of pride in the history of the team, kept alive by guys like Bert McCormack, Rod Thompson, Mark Helferty, the McCabes, Terry, Davey Lemon and of course Jerry Mulholland.
We struggled for numbers but still competed.
Closest mates on the team: No real bestest buddies, but we all got on well. I knew Bert through friends anyway, Terry and I got on due to a mutual love of the Pittsburgh Steelers. there were some good house parties, I remember one at Terry's house (I think) were we hid a jazz mag under the telephone in the hall for his mum to find...
Most memorable moment: Just being introduced to american football and being welcomed by the guys as a rookie, into a team where most of the guys had come through the Spartans juniors together and being made to feel part of a team with a lot of history.
We had some tough times, with a small squad we struggled against Carrick and The Dublin Tornadoes but wewon some games, against Portadown and Dublin Lightning if I remember correctly. Plus I got the chance to play a couple of games for Ireland which was a blast.
I left NI in 1997 to work in England and brought my kit over and played for another 10 years, firstly for the Chiltern Cheetahs then mainly for the London Blitz. The Blitz went on to become the top team and we worked hard to build it up to its current strength. They are now going for their third UK championship in a row, and won the EFAF Cup this year after being losing semi finalists last year. Up until July I was running backs coach for the Blitz (working with former Irish football great, former Ireland and Craigavon Cowboys QB Pat Cullen who is the OC). Before coaching, I played O Line for them for many years, really enjoyed playing Centre.
I have just moved to Dubai and am getting involved with a kitted team here, the UAE Falcons. But it all started with the Spartans and if not for them, I wouldnt have enjoyed a lot of good times.
Well done getting the website up & running,
