joined with BAFL experience. This experienced group coupled with the enthusiasm of an impressive rookie class saw the Trojans begin their title defence with their strongest squad ever. The Trojans carried on into 2013 as they had done in 2012. Going unbeaten in the league once more. Indeed, the only opponent that the Trojans couldn't match on the way to their second consecutive Northern Division win was the Irish weather that saw all matches in March postponed to later in the year. EFAF Atlantic Cup 2013 As Irish Champions the Belfast Trojans were entered into the European Federation of American Football's Atlantic Cup an annual competition contested by the smaller European federations, Ireland, Holland, Belgium & Luxembourg. The two-day tournament at Tallaght stadium was hosted as part of The Gathering event. With Luxembourg unable to send a representative Trinity College were added to the tournament that saw Belgian champions The Brussels Tigers and Dutch representatives Amersfoort Untouchables travel to Dublin for the weekend of 29–30 June. The Trojans would play the Untouchables in the first game of the Tournament, coming out on top in a physical encounter that saw two Trojans in need of Hospital treatment. In the end the Irish champs prevailed and with Trinity College narrowly seeing off the Brussels Tigers there would be an all Irish final on the last day of the tournament. In what proved to be another physical affair the Trojans defeated Trinity 26–0 to clinch their first ever European crown. Shamrock Bowl Playoffs With the European diversion out of the way the Trojans were straight back to domestic business. An injury hit Trojans side weary from the exertions of the Atlantic Cup travelled to Gardai RFC to face the UL Vikings in the semi-final playoff, A re-run of the final in 2012. It was a day for the defences as the game remained scoreless into the fourth quarter but as the clock ran down the Trojans found their scoring touch and sealed the win that would send them to their second Shamrock Bowl. Shamrock Bowl XXVII The Trojans contested Shamrock Bowl XXVII against the Dublin Rebels the seven times winners of the trophy and most decorated team in Irish American Football history. Playing once more at Tallaght Stadium in searing summer heat the Trojans swept the Rebels aside, winning convincingly 48–18 despite a late rally by the Rebels. The Trojans were back to