The Irish Football Association marked its 145th birthday today by unveiling a plaque highlighting its origins.
The association was formed on 18 November 1880 at The Queen’s Hotel in Belfast.
The long defunct hotel stood on the site of what is now The Academy Restaurant, part of Ulster University, in the city’s York Street.
Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood said he was proud to unveil the plaque on an exterior wall at the restaurant.
He pointed out: “Instantly, on this day 145 years ago, on this spot, we became the fourth oldest football association in the world. The clubs at that meeting were Cliftonville, Knock, Avoniel, Distillery, Oldpark, Moyola Park and Alexander.
“Their early decisions were to elect Major Spencer Chichester (later to become Lord) as President, to form an Irish Cup competition and to adopt rules.”
The original minutes of the first meeting may be viewed in the Irish FA’s Education and Heritage Centre at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
The President further explained: “There have been 15 presidents of the association and as the 15th I am delighted to look after proceedings today. It is so appropriate that we now co-operate with Ulster University on so many projects, and the site of the old Queen’s Hotel is on its property.
“I thank them for their support and I thank the IFA’s Greg Braniff for his work in the arrangements for today. I thank you all for attending today, and I thank the tour guides who volunteer at our Education and Heritage Centre and do such great work.
“In particular I thank Ken Breakey (a former tour guide) for his diligence, persistence and research which made today possible.”
Original minute from meeting on 18 November 1880
“In accordance with an invitation issued by Cliftonville FC to the other clubs in Belfast and District playing Scottish Association rules, a meeting of representatives was held in the Queen’s Hotel on the above date for the purpose of forming an association to promote the game according to the code. Mr John Sinclair (Knock FC) was moved to the chair. It was moved by Mr JM McAlery (Cliftonville FC), seconded by Mr Willis (Avoniel FC), and passed unanimously that the association be called the Irish Football Association.”
Image: Joining Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood (left) and Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson (centre) at the plaque unveiling were Claire-Anne Mills, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Ulster University, researcher Ken Breakey and Damian McAlister, Chief People Officer at Ulster University.
