historic Past
Monkstown Hockey Club was founded in 1894 and proudly stands as the third oldest hockey club in Ireland. From its earliest days, the club has been rooted in Dun Laoghaire, growing alongside the community it continues to serve more than a century later.
The concept for Monkstown Hockey Club came from C. P. Ball and H. S. Findlater, whose vision brought local hockey enthusiasts together for a meeting at Kenny’s Hotel in Kingstown on 17 September 1894.
One of the first acts of the new committee was to secure a place to play. Permission was sought from Mr Bousfield of Corrig School to use the lower portion of their cricket pitch on Tivoli Terrace. He agreed, was elected the club’s first president, and Corrig School became honorary members of Monkstown Hockey Club. The club’s first annual subscription was set at five shillings, with a modest entrance fee — a reflection of both the times and the club’s inclusive spirit.
From the outset, Monkstown developed a strong identity. The club colours were chosen as a light blue shirt with dark blue piping and the MHC crest on the pocket. Shirts were supplied by Lynch of Westmoreland Street in Dublin, made of flannel and thoroughly shrunk — a detail that speaks to the pride and professionalism present even in the club’s earliest years. Over time, white shorts gave way to the now-familiar navy blue, cementing a look that remains synonymous with Monkstown.
Throughout its long history, Monkstown Hockey Club has remained one of Leinster’s most respected clubs, surpassed in age only by Dublin University and Three Rock Rovers. Generations of players have worn the Monkstown jersey, building a reputation for competitive excellence, strong values, and a deep sense of camaraderie.
The club’s growth accelerated significantly in the modern era. Today, Monkstown Hockey Club has nearly 1,000 members, making it one of the largest hockey clubs in Ireland. The club fields five adult men’s teams and seven adult women’s teams, competing across Leinster and national competitions. Monkstown’s men’s and women’s First XIs proudly compete in the All-Ireland national leagues, with home matches played on the water-based turf at Rathdown School.
A defining feature of Monkstown’s legacy is its commitment to youth development. The club operates one of the strongest academy programmes in the country, with over 500 children playing hockey each week. For many families in Dun Laoghaire and beyond, Monkstown is where a lifelong love of the game begins.
Inclusivity has also become a cornerstone of the club’s identity. Since 2016, Monkstown has run its Strikers programme, offering hockey opportunities for players with intellectual difficulties. Alongside this, a vibrant Vets section ensures that players of all ages can continue to enjoy the sport, the social connection, and the community that Monkstown provides.
The women’s section represents another proud chapter in the club’s story. Originally formed in 1982 and later revived in 2008, the women’s teams were rebuilt with energy, ambition, and a focus on enjoyment and camaraderie. Starting from the lower divisions, the section achieved rapid success, earning multiple promotions and expanding year after year. The establishment of girls’ teams within the academy followed naturally, creating a clear pathway from youth hockey to senior competition. Today, Monkstown women compete at the highest levels, including the EY Hockey League, reflecting years of dedication and collective effort.
For more than 130 years, Monkstown Hockey Club has been defined by its people — volunteers, coaches, players, and families — who have carried the club forward through changing times while staying true to its founding values.
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