A Legacy of Friendship and Sport: The Story of the Vancouver Irish Sporting and Social Club
It was a cold, dark evening on December 1, 1974, when a small group of passionate and determined members of the Irish community gathered in a small, cozy hall in Vancouver.
The air was filled with excitement and the murmur of voices as they prepared to form something new—a place that would bring together their shared love of sport, culture, and most importantly, community.
The night was full of anticipation. These people, many of whom had left their homeland behind, were searching for something that could bridge the distance between their memories of Ireland and the life they had built in Vancouver.
The idea was simple: create a space where Irish people could gather, play the sports they cherished, and form bonds with others who shared a similar heritage.
At the center of the discussion was a proposal from Pat Donohue, a respected member of the group. He suggested the name “The Vancouver Irish Sporting and Social Club”, a title that reflected both the spirit of their love for athleticism and the importance of creating a welcoming social space. The room went silent as everyone considered the name, and after a few moments, it was clear. With a unanimous vote, the Vancouver Irish Sporting and Social Club (ISSC) was born.
The first executive committee was elected that night, consisting of leaders like John Dooley, Joe Heaney, Pat O’Connell, Joe McNally, Rene Dooley, J.J. Hyland, and Ray Burns—each person bringing with them a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the Irish community. Together, they had a singular goal: to foster friendships through sport, and to promote Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie in Vancouver.
Weeks later, the new committee came together to select their guiding principle. They wanted something simple yet powerful. Pat O’Connell, ever the optimist, suggested a motto that would become the foundation of every event and gathering that followed: “Try and make a new friend at each function.” It wasn’t just about playing sport, it was about connecting people, about creating a family within a faraway land. It was a motto that would stay with the club for years to come.
As the years passed, ISSC flourished. From those early days of small gatherings, the club grew in size and spirit. We formed successful teams for both Men and Ladies, competing in Gaelic football leagues and representing their Irish heritage with pride. The passion for hurling and camogie spread, and more people came to enjoy the camaraderie and competition that was at the heart of ISSC.
But it wasn’t just about the games. ISSC became a place where Irish culture thrived. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Celtic music nights, and other cultural events became staples of the club’s calendar. It wasn’t long before ISSC became more than just a sporting organization, it was “a home away from home” for those who had come to Vancouver seeking new opportunities but never wanted to lose sight of where they had come from.
By 2024, ISSC had reached an incredible milestone, our 50th Anniversary. There was a grand celebration, with members past and present gathering to reflect on the years of hard work, dedication, and friendship that had built the club into what it was. The event was not just a celebration of sport, but of community, and the commitment that every member had made to keeping the Irish spirit alive in Vancouver.
As members raised their glasses that night in a toast to the club’s success, they remembered the days when it all began. The humble gatherings in the cold winter of 1974 seemed a world away, but the vision had always remained the same. ISSC wasn’t just about playing games—it was about making connections, about building friendships that would last a lifetime.
The Vancouver Irish Sporting and Social Club had become a legacy, one that continued to welcome newcomers, keep Irish traditions alive, and, most importantly, remind everyone that no matter where life takes you, you’re never too far from home.