“A mix of chess and ballet”: optometrist to play in Shamrock Bowl

Optometrist, Jamie Baird, will compete alongside his Belfast Trojans teammates to take home Ireland’s premier American football honour on Saturday.

The Belfast Trojans will play reigning champions, University College Dublin, in the Shamrock Bowl in Athlone.

Baird, who works for Sam Baird Opticians, switched from playing rugby to American football following his pre-registration year at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Although he initially switched codes for practical reasons – the timing of matches on Sundays aligned with his work schedule as a newly-qualified optometrist – Baird has developed a deep commitment to the sport.

“It’s a mix of chess and ballet. Every player on the field has to be in the exact right spot at the right time,” Baird said.

The linebacker initially played for the Glasgow Tigers before joining the Belfast Trojans when he moved back to Northern Ireland in 2022. The Belfast Trojans have won the Shamrock Bowl five times and were sponsored for a period by Budweiser.

Paul McIlwaine Photography

Belfast Trojans linebacker, Jamie Baird, makes a tackle during the Shamrock Bowl semi-final

Baird told OT that he appreciated the inclusive nature of the sport and the sense of comradery among the team.

“It doesn’t matter what size you are or if you are new to the sport – there is a role for you on an American football team,” he said.

“If you are 20 stone, fantastic. If you are a small, athletic dude, great. We have a place for everyone,” Baird added.

The Belfast Trojans brings together people with a diverse range of occupations – from electricians and physiotherapists to accident and emergency doctors.

“We have a good few software engineers because of the tactical nature of the game,” Baird noted.

As an optometrist, Baird’s teammates have approached him for guidance on a range of eye health queries – from the best eye drops for hayfever, to contact lens wear and spectacles that are compatible with helmets.

It doesn’t matter what size you are or if you are new to the sport – there is a role for you on an American football team

With the games taking around three hours to play, the Belfast Trojans has a focus on providing an entertaining game day experience for supporters, nicknamed the Trojan Nation.

“We pull out all the stops with a bouncy castle for the kids,” Baird said.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Tracy Kelly, performed the coin toss at the Belfast Trojan’s semi-final win against the Dublin Rebels.

The Belfast Trojans will enter Saturday’s final against University College Dublin following a win against the team earlier in the season.

“I’m confident that we have done everything that we can to be where we need to be,” Baird reflected.

“Having beaten them earlier in the season, we know that we can do this. It is just a matter of going out there and performing,” he said.