Creggs man following his American Football dream

A former Creggs rugby player is savouring the prospect of lining out for the Boston College Eagles and following his passion of playing American Football.

Andy Quinn, a kicker and punter with Boston College admits his journey to American Football has been an unusual one.

In a piece he wrote for the Aer Lingus Classic - College Football Diaries, the former Creggs player discussed how his home club helped spark his love for American Football.

“Spring 2022 was my Transition Year in school, my dad's friend was doing some filming with Tadhg Leader in our local Creggs Rugby Football Club and asked if I would come along to lend a hand – collecting balls and the likes.” 

“We spent an enjoyable afternoon, at the end of the session Tadhg offered me the chance to try a field goal and to his great surprise, I wasn't half bad. My first ever attempt to kick an American football!"

“Later in the summer I saw a Facebook advertisement for the 'Ireland's Kicking King Competition', the first round was in Dangan Park, Galway overlooking the Corrib and I duly made it through to the final in the Aviva Stadium at half time of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.” 

Quinn managed to win that competition in front of over 40,000 people. From there he was offered a scholarship to the NFL Academy in Loughborough and was soon capped for the Irish Wolfhounds.

After travelling to Philadelphia to compete in the Khols Kicking competitions, Quinn progressed to compete against the best America had to offer. 

He finished ranked as a 5-star prospect, coming fourth in the US for punting and twelfth for kicking.

This meant he received a plethora of offers from various American colleges, but when Boston College expressed their interest, Quinn knew he had found the right fit.

“On September 12th another life changing call came in this time from Bill O'Brien, Head Coach of Boston College Eagles offering me a full scholarship to study and compete at the highest level in collegiate sport. My mum captured the moment on video; there was no screaming or crying but inside I was bursting with pride, the pivots I had made, early morning training, studying alone had all paid off, and it felt amazing!” 

In just under six months the Boston College Eagles will kick off their season with a home game against Fordham, and later Aer Lingus College Football Classic alumni Notre Dame.

“How sweet would it be for this Irishman to take on the Fighting Irish (Notre Dame) at home in Boston in front of an expected large travelling support of family and friends from Ireland. There are many competitive fixtures, it’s a season I am really excited to be part of, none more so than our home game against Notre Dame in November.” 

“My aim for the coming year is to earn it by working hard on and off the pitch, I feel I am in an excellent culture and wholesome community where my potential can be reached by being the best version of myself everyday.” 

“The words of my former Head Coach Hagan at the NFLA are always ringing in my ears “leave no doubt”

"I intend to leave no doubt for every moment of my American Adventures.”