In the late fall of 2003, a group of determined young women put into motion the formation of the Irish Canadian Women’s Program.  On Saturday April 17, 2004 in Hamilton, Ontario the Irish Women took to the field against the Hamilton Hornets in their historic first match.  Since that day the Irish Women have become one of the premier women’s sides in the country who have accomplished many achievements both on and off the field. 

In their short history the Irish Women have enjoyed unprecedented success on the field and are perennial championship contenders.  In 2006 the Irish Women won the OWL Cup with a dominating victory over the Ottawa Irish to claim their first major championship in only their third year of existence.  In 2008 the elusive Ontario Women’s League Championship was won with an undefeated league record.  Only a heartbreaking loss in the Cup Final stopped the Irish from an unbeaten season.  Player development and helping young players reach their potential was a stated goal of the Irish when they were founded and they have lived up to those lofty ideals as evidenced by the success of their development programs.  The Irish 2nd XV with a core of young and developing players have dominated the OWL Division 2 with Cup Championships in 2004,2005, 2006 and in 2008.  In 2005 the Irish Junior Women were established and immediately carried on the tradition of success the club had established with two consecutive undefeated league schedules but unfortunately were unable to get past the semi-final stage.  In 2007 the Irish Juniors overcame the final hurdle by winning the TRU U19 Women’s Championship and then successfully defending their trophy in 2008.

Irish Women have garnered representative honours over the years with the club represented at both the national and provincial level at all age grades.  Megan Gibbs and Allison Lamoureux played at the 2006 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Edmonton and each have won numerous caps as members of the club.  Other members to have represented Canada at various levels are Meagan Haney, Sarah DeLeeuw, Kirsten Sample, Jen Kryszak, Kendra Kryszak, Kristin Konieczny, Jessica Belchos, Danika Mason and Aidan McKinnon.  The Ontario Women’s program has been well represented with many Irish players having played at the U17, U19, Development XV and the Senior XV.

The women who wear the famous green jersey have proudly contributed to the history of this illustrious club and written their own unique story.  For a club so young, there is so much to be proud of and so much to look forward to.