Early Years (1922–1944)
Malahide Rugby Football Club was originally founded in 1922, with Lord Talbot of Malahide
as its first patron. In those early years, the club fielded two senior teams in Leinster Branch
IRFU competitions, playing matches in Malahide Castle grounds on what is now the site of
Malahide Cricket Club. Players travelled from across the region, including Rush, Skerries,
and Dublin, to represent the club.
At the end of each season, an Honour Cap was awarded to outstanding players, a
traditional black velvet cap, rimmed with gold tassels and embroidered with the year.
However, in 1944, with membership declining during World War II, the club held an
Extraordinary General Meeting and reluctantly decided to disband.
Reformation & Growth (1978–1992)
Many original members stayed connected to the village, and in 1978 a reunion in The Grove
Hotel, Malahide, led to the club’s reformation. Two pitches were rented in Malahide Castle
grounds, now under Fingal County Council.
In 1989, thanks to the vision and effort of a dedicated committee led by President Kieran
Foley, the club purchased its own land on the Back Road, opposite Malahide Castle. Just
three years later, in March 1992, the clubhouse and new pitch were officially opened.
Estuary Road & Modern Era (2006–Present)
On 16 September 2006, Malahide RFC officially opened its new home at Estuary Road. The
ceremony was performed by Irish rugby legend and former Malahide resident Ollie
Campbell, with the occasion marked by a rugby blitz featuring local clubs.
Since then, the club has continued to expand. A new player’s strip was unveiled in 2009,
retaining the famous black and gold colours while introducing a modern design.
The 2016–17 season proved historic: Malahide won Leinster League Division 1A, the
Provincial League Round Robin, and earned promotion to the All-Ireland League, achieving
Senior Status for the first time. The first XV have since climbed to AIL Division 2B, while
our second and third teams have enjoyed strong successes in Leinster Metro competitions.
Most recently, the “Thirsty Thirds” were crowned Grand Slam Champions in 2023/24.
Youth & Mini Rugby
Malahide RFC is home to a thriving youth and mini rugby programme. We field teams from
U6 to U20, competing in Dublin Metropolitan competitions. Many of our young players have
gone on to represent Leinster Metro and beyond.
The club also works closely with Malahide Community School, providing a pathway for
school players into club rugby.
Facilities
Our 13,500-square-foot clubhouse is one of the best in Leinster club rugby. It includes:
These facilities support both our rugby ambitions and our role as a hub for the Malahide
community.
Looking Ahead
Malahide RFC continues to grow with strong ambitions, aiming to establish ourselves firmly
at senior level while nurturing the next generation of players. Guided by our motto — “If you
are standing still, you are going backwards” — the club is committed to progress both on
and off the field