The Owner Partnership of John Durrad and Al Burke decided that the Club had gone full circle; the Club needed a new influx of players both experienced and at the rookie level in football. This was achieved in 2008 and a new and improved Management structure was implemented.

Ever the cosmopolitan team, the Dragons again had players from the US, UK, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Poland and Mexico among others.

Also in 2008, Al Burke was elected Dublin Dragons AFC Head Coach by the Management Committee. Al Burke brings over 20yrs competitive experience at National and International level to the position of Head Coach and has great plans for the Club in the coming years.

In his competitive years Coach Al played for the following Clubs based in Dublin- Celts, Tornadoes, Lightning, Rebels, Tigers and Dragons -Team Ireland & D.Rebels+C.Knights(Charleroi Tournament) (See pic #35)


Rob Olwill–Dublin Dragons, Team Ireland.
Tobias Henle-Augsburg Raptors, Dublin Dragons.
Russell Kerley–London Mets & Olympians, Dublin Dragons.
John Durrad–Dublin Tornadoes, D.Lightning, D.Rebels, D.Tigers, Dublin Dragons, Team Ireland. Offensive Co-ordinator Irish National Team '04/'05- D.Rebels+C.Knights(Charleroi Tournament)

With new Head Coach Al Burke leading the way, and an influx of both new and experienced talent at most positions, the Dragons stepped up to the challenge of playing in the new DV8's League.Coach introduced the spread offence that is becoming increasingly popular in the NCAA, the Dragons quickly gathered the players required to run it effectively. With both talent and experience on both lines with Russell Kerley and Tobias Henle, and quarterback Dermot O’Callaghan hooking up with wide receiver Peter Wright, the Dragons were strong on both sides of the ball. Although the majority of the team were rookies, there was experience in all the right places. The Club ended with a 2-4 season, which for a mostly rookie squad, was a successful enough year and a lot of experience was gained.