Darren Fitzpatrick – Darren was appointed as the first ever coach of the Irish Warriors in 2001 and has the distinction of holding a 100% record as coach of the team, leading them to the 2001 Atlantic Alliance Cup, 2002 AFL International Cup and coaching the team in matches against Great Britain in 2005 and 2006. Fitzy was named ARFLI Coach of the decade at the league’s tenth anniversary dinner in 2010. Formerly a Footscray U19 player, Fitzy was a terrific forward in the league for the Midland Tigers and Leeside Lions, before going on to stellar achievements as a coach with GAA teams.
Damien Cassidy – Damien was the Irish national team manager at the 2002 AFL International Cup. His organisational skills, people management and attention to detail ensured that no player or coach ever wanted for support at the tournament. Damien, was also a founder member of the Midland Tigers football club.
Krizan Vekic – Kriz, from Melbourne’s western suburbs, like so many other early ARFLI stalwarts was appointed national team coach in 2004 and lead the Warriors to and through the 2005 AFL International Cup. Kriz was an early recruit to the Dublin Demons and served the club in a number of roles in it’s early years. A popular figure throughout he later played with the West Dublin Saints.
David Tierney – Dave was the Irish national team’s first manager in 2001 following an injury which had interrupted what it seemed would be a stellar playing career. He was an early recruit to the Dublin Demons and was named best EU player at the 2000 FSS Cup in London.
Darron Nutt – Nutty, was something of a footy disciple in the games early days in Ireland, being a co-founder of the Belfast Redbacks, later coach of the Dublin Demons and securing Guernseys for the fledgling Leeside Lions for his beloved Brisbane Lions. Now back living in Australia, Nutty is a regular visitor to Ireland and was a welcome guest at the ARFLI tenth anniversary dinner at the Aviva Stadium.