From The Vaults

Trinity College Dublin set up a football team in 1854. They would play according to rugby rules and, now known as Dublin University Football Club, have a credible claim to being the world's oldest continuing team.

During the 1873-1874 season Trinity College wrote to the Rugby Football Union in England (RFU) and requested an international fixture be played between England and Ireland, in the same manner that England had been playing international contests with Scotland since 1871.

Due to the absence of a national Irish administrative body, the RFU said "no". On 14 December 1874, the Irish Football Union (IFU) was established in Dublin. Less than a month later the Northern Football Union in Ireland (NFUI) was established in Belfast. The latter's mission was to support the IFU's application for an international match and to make sure that northern clubs be proper represented in the side.

Conditions were less than clement. Heavy rain in the days leading up to the match meant that the pitch would be heavy going and grow progressively worse as the game went on. Regardless, three thousand spectators turned up to see Ireland play England for the first time.

It was clear from kick-off that England were the more cohesive outfit. Debutant Len Stokes' intelligent kicking allowed AT Michell to score the first try and gave England a half-time lead.

In the second half the Irish pack began to get the better of their hosts and Abraham Cronym's running marked him out as a threat. Unfortunately Ireland's kicking was less effective and a lack of stamina came into play in the latter stages. England added a dropped goal through EH Nash and a late try by EC Cheston, converted by Alec Pearson confirmed victory for the home side.

Still a fire was lit and Ireland had confirmed their place as the third international rugby football side. They would host England at Leinster Cricket Ground later the same year, this time wearing white jerseys with navy blue shorts and socks. Their first game against Scotland came in 1877 at Ormeau Cricket Ground in Belfast. By 1886 the Irish side were playing in green jerseys with white shorts.

The men in green had arrived.