Background of The Club
Belfast Harlequins was formed in 1999 with the merger of Collegians and North of Ireland Cricket Club and North of Ireland FC. The former clubs were two of the oldest and most distinguished clubs in Ireland. North sold its famous ground at Ormeau - one of the earliest international rugby venues in Ireland - to pay for the redevelopment of the Deramore Park facilities.
The club uses a version of the Maltese cross that MCB uses as its sports logo, with the colours being those of navy, sky blue, red and maroon. The North colours were traditionally red, blue and black, with Collegians using navy, white and maroon.
At two extraordinary general meetings held simultaneously in both North and Collegians, the members of both clubs voted to proceed with the merger to form the new club, Belfast Harlequins. As of 12.00 midnight, 18 November 1999, Belfast Harlequins came into existence. The first annual general meeting of the new club took place in March 2000. The new clubhouse at Deramore was opened in June 2002 by the then club president, Alison Watt, along with Jack Kyle OBE and Gilbert Paton.
On and off the field all three sections of the Belfast Harlequins set-up have been successful. Pictures and memorabilia of both clubs and grounds is placed around the bar area and throughout the club. There is an active social scene, many parties and events take place throughout the season.
In looking to the future, the club runs men's and ladies' mini-hockey and mini-rugby schemes. The launch of an Under 16 team in Rugby, Under 15 and Under 12 teams in Men's Hockey and an Under 14 team in ladies' hockey should ensure a steady flow of players for the future.
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