Draft:All Ireland Polo Club



The All Ireland Polo Club is a polo club in Phoenix Park, Dublin, approximately 3 miles north of Dublin city center. Founded in 1873 by Mr. Horace Rochford,, who was 60 years old at the time, it is one of the oldest polo clubs in Europe. The club has hosted international polo tournaments over the years, continuing the longstanding tradition of the sport within the heart of Dublin.

History
The establishment of the All Ireland Polo Club marked the introduction of polo to Ireland, facilitating the sport's growth and popularity across the nation. At its peak, polo was played in 30 different locations within Ireland. Today, the tradition continues with many polo clubs found throughout Ireland, from Tyrone to Waterford and Wicklow to Limerick.

The club's historical significance is highlighted by its ongoing operation and key role in Irish polo development. The Federation of International Polo, which acts as the governing body for the sport within the country, alongside the Hurlingham Polo Association, to which the club adheres, highlights the structured and regulated environment within which the club operates.

Polo Matches
The All Ireland Polo Club regularly hosts polo matches, inviting members and the public alike to experience the sport. Practice sessions, or chukkas, take place every Thursday, offering players the chance to refine their skills. The club also maintains a tournament schedule, available to all interested parties via the club's calendar.

Membership
The club provides two types of memberships: Social Membership for those looking to be part of the polo community without actively playing, and Players Membership for those who participate in the sport. This ensures that everyone interested in polo have a place within the club.

In 2023, the club celebrated its 150th anniversary. This celebration reflected the club's sustained contribution to the sport of polo in Ireland and its enduring legacy.