Halifax Irish

Evie Godfrey

Halifax Irish

Halifax Irish was a Rugby League club founded in the mid-1990’s by a group of players who thought it might be a good idea to form a Rugby League club of Irish decent in Halifax.  The team grew from humble beginnings to be a force within Halifax and the Pennine League.

Formation

Formation

The history and story of Halifax Irish Rugby League club goes back only to the 1990’s. Former Ovenden, Park Amateurs and Illingworth half back John Maguire came up with the ...
Early Years

Early Years

Playing their home games on Saville Park, wearing their green and white kit and coached in the early days by former Halifax half-back, Mick Blacker, the team began life in ...
Front cover of printed Halifax Cup Final Programme (2010, Elland v Halifax Irish)

The New Century

When Blacker relinquished the coaching role, former Sheffield Eagles, Halifax and Siddal hooker, and quite aptly, Ireland international Johnny Lawless took over. This attracted many new players to the club ...
“A” Team

“A” Team

As the Halifax Irish first team became increasingly successful, there was an influx of players which led to the decision to form an “A” team for the 2001-02 season. The ...
photo of a person with white hair and glasses smiling

The Maguires

From the very inception of Halifax Irish ARLFC, it was the two John Maguires who were the impetus behind the club and its development. It was John junior’s initial idea ...