Irish Rugby has a long and proud history from the beginnings of the game in Trinity and NIFC right through to the '48 Grand Slam, the triple crowns of the 80s and the Grand Slam success of recent years. Throughout that time there have been memorable matches and players but there is also the story behind those people and incidents.

The history of rugby in Ireland is as much about the people who played the game as the game itself. The archives of the IRFU contain links to those stories and in this section we want to give you a chance to read about more than just matches and results.

The information in these articles is the work of many people but in particular of IRFU Archivist Willow Murray who has painstakingly collected the memorabilia and memories. The stories, facts and figues are accurate to the best of our knowledge but we are always looking to add to that store, so if you have a correction or information relating to one of the articles please contact manager@irishrugby.ie.

The Irish Rugby Archives

Tom Crean VC, DSO	Not the hero of the Antartic but a hero on and off the rugby field
O'Connell STAMPS His Mark	A history of Irish players on stamps
St. Mary's '57/'58	Celebrating the vintage St. Mary's team
Longford RFC	A look back in time
An Historic Victory	Edmund Van Esbeck looks at Ireland's first victory over a major touring side
Belvedere Book Place in History	The launch of the Ray Carroll Collection in Belvedere College
It Was 60 Years Ago Today	Edmund Van Esbeck looks at Ireland's 1948 Grand Slam
Ireland's Late, Late Show	Ireland secure a first RBS 6 Nations Triple Crown
Ireland are Grand Slam Champions	A first Grand Slam in 51 years!