In front of a roaring home crowd at City of Derry Rugby Club, the Northwest Vipers advanced to their first-ever national championship game by defeating the West Dublin Rhinos 23–21 in an instant classic American Football Ireland (AFI) Division One semi-final.
After finishing a stellar regular season with a 7–1 record, the Vipers defence secured the victory and punched their ticket to the 2026 Harp Bowl Final, booking a championship showdown against the South Dublin Panthers in Athlone on July 18.
1. Action from the Northwest Vipers v. West Dublin Rhinos Harp Bowl semi-final at Judges Road on the 4th July.
Tom Heaney (nwpresspics)
2. Action from the Northwest Vipers v. West Dublin Rhinos Harp Bowl semi-final at Judges Road on the 4th July.
Tom Heaney (nwpresspics)
3. Northwest Vipers player, with his sons, Corey and Paddy at Judges Road on the 4th July.
Tom Heaney (nwpresspics)
4. Action from the Northwest Vipers v. West Dublin Rhinos Harp Bowl semi-final at Judges Road on the 4th July.
Tom Heaney (nwpresspics)
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