International Rugby Early rugby internationals were played in Belfast’s Ormeau Park, but as crowds grew, international games had to be switched to Balmoral. ...
Schools’ Rugby Rugby football quickly became an important game in Ulster’s top Protestant schools. The Ulster Schools’ Cup which began in 1875-76 is ...
Lacrosse Team Ulster’s exclusive schools also played minority sports, as they copied the programmes followed by the top English public schools. The ...
Girls’ Hockey Organised team sports also featured girls’ games. This is the girls’ hockey team of Londonderry High School in 1886. Very long skirts ...
Gaelic Football The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) had been formed to promote gaelic games. It was closely linked to the cultural movement for the ...
Hurling The formation of the GAA in 1884 created a new interest in Gaelic games. Hurling also became popular in rural areas, particularly in ...
Tug of War World Beaters These powerful looking, well-built men made up the RIC Tug-of-War team. This police team won the world championship in 1893. ...
Golf The first golf club in Ireland was Royal Belfast which opened in 1881. By 1891 there were 10 clubs. The development of golf was ...
Holiday Golf Golf was also popular at seaside resorts. These ladies and gentlemen golfers have hired local caddies to carry their clubs around ...
Golf at Portrush The famous golf links at Portrush was opened on 12 May 1888. The event was organised mainly by Royal Belfast members who were given free ...
