When Ireland established itself as an independant nation they decide to throw away the english sports of football and rugby and decided to focus on sports that were specific to Ireland (Gaelic Footbal and Hurling). the government began funding sports clubs involving these sports, in order to encourage irish pride, it wasnt till later that football and rugby began to creep its way in, they started to develope as the hatred for the english decreased. If you go to Ireland today u can still see a clear dominance of Gaelic football and hurling over rugby and football. My predictions is that rugby will become more and more popular however football (soccer) might have a harder time growing.
The same way that it's made it's way all around the world. You can't keep a good game down.
Historical mainly. It was an Englisg game and with the conquerors went their sports and pastimes. Remember that Ireland was controlled by the English for centuries, since 1922 we have had Eire and Northern Ireland. Rugby caught on with the Irish inhabitants and nthats it.
rugby became famous so ireland found out and played etc
