In the men’s event, Denmark’s dominance which saw them win the last six editions of the continental title was ended when they were beaten at the semi-final stage by Austria 42-20.

However Austria could not go one step further and take the gold, as they were defeated by Germany 36-28 in the final.

After being edged out by a single point, 36-35 by Germany in the semi-finals, Israel went on to claim bronze with a thumping 42-8 triumph against Denmark.

In the women’s competition, Britain faced Spain in the final with Britain winning a first continental title by overcoming the holders 26-19.

Germany overcame France 41-14 to take the bronze medal.

Earlier in the semi-finals Spain defeated Germany 33-20 while Britain overcame France 32-21.

In total 33 teams from 20 nations took part in the Championships held at the University of Limerick, in what is the second of three continental events due to be held this year.

Reflecting on the event, IFAF President Pierre Trochet said: "This edition of the IFAF European Flag Football Championships has not only been the biggest but also the best yet - expertly organised by our colleagues at American Football Ireland in world-class facilities at the University of Limerick, and by far the most open, competitive and impressive on the field of play.

"It’s genuinely breathtaking to see the development taking place in the sport at performance level, which is not only restricted to a handful of nations and is perhaps especially striking on the women’s side of the game.

"This is something everybody here in Limerick has been talking about. Teams that would have won medals in the past are not even making the finals today.

"We see Europe really cementing its status as one of the continental hotbeds of the sport at what is a very exciting time in flag football’s development."

Flag football is one of nine sports in the running to be a sport added to the programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games along with cricket, baseball/softball, lacrosse, breaking, karate, kickboxing, squash and motorsport.

At a media conference held on the eve of the European Flag Football Championships, Trochet said he expected a decision on new sports for Los Angeles 2028 to be announced "in the coming weeks."