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In 1948 the “Irish Amateur Roller Hockey Association” was formed. It didn't take long for Irish players to start a league with different clubs. Many of these clubs competed quite successfully in tournaments in the UK.  | It was in the 1960s that it was decided to change the name of the association to the “Irish Skating Association”. The reason for this was to cover all aspects of roller skating such as figure and speed skating and not just roller hockey. However over the years, it was roller hockey that that became the life and blood of the association as speed or figure skating did not really take off in this country. In 1982 Ireland competed in it's first major championships when competing in the world championships in Barcelos, Portugal. Ireland then competed in the European championships in 1984 in Paris, and also again in 1994 in Madeira, Portugal. Ireland have had numerous tournament victories in the UK at club level. In recent years we have competed annually at a tournament in Cambridge England, were we won the tournament in 2007 and were runner's up the previous three years. In 2008, a drop in the number of players playing the sport threatened the future of the association, and the future of roller hockey in Ireland. However 2009 saw a return of a few former players and a new enthusiasm for the sport developed. | | In April 2009 it was decided to revert to the original name of the association. So after over fifty years of being called “The Irish Skating Association”, it is now called “The Irish Roller Hockey Association”. With this name and also with the construction of this website, it is hoped that we can recruit new people of all ages to the sport, with the aim of setting up different clubs, playing at different locations (not just Dublin) around the country. One man, Willie Buckley, who was there right at the beginning in 1948, is still very much a part of the association. To this day he still gets involved in coaching and passing on his vast amount of knowledge to younger generations. If anybody reading this would like to enquire about playing this wonderful sport or simply would like to watch a game, please ring Wayne McGovern on mobile 086 4033103. Wayne will then tell you when the next hockey session is on. | |
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