Calgary Canadian Irish Athletic Club
The Calgary Canadian Irish Athletic Club (CCIAC) is a sports club based in the north-east of Calgary, Alberta.
The club runs a number of rugby union and field hockey teams for both men and women as well as a number of junior programs. The team is known to frequently cancel rugby games on their fields due to rain.
History
The club was founded in 1971. The idea of forming a rugby football club based on the Irish community in Calgary was conceived by Derrick Wright and Jim Sullivan to name but two. It was decided not to confine the club's activities to rugby, but to promote other amateur sports, to improve and maintain the moral, intellectual, physical and social qualities of its members and to stimulate good citizenship and friendship.
The club has been committed to being the premier outdoor athletic club in Calgary ever since.
In 1973 a ladies field hockey section of the club was formed.
In 1993 the club was the first rugby club in Calgary to open its own clubhouse and playing fields, complete with 2 full size rugby pitches and 2 field hockey pitches.
In 1999 a Women's Rugby team joined the club to form one of the best women's rugby programs in Canada.
In 2003 the club became the first rugby club in Calgary to open an indoor gym.
In 2011 the Women’s team left the CCIAC en masse due to irreconcilable differences. The Board of directors retaliated by attempting to sanction 5 of the women’s team senior members, preventing them from competing, at the city, provincial and national level. The 5 women who are listed for banning are appealing with the Alberta Rugby Union.
Senior rugby
The club fields three senior mens teams (Alberta cup, Calgary 2nd & 3rd division).
Senior field hockey
The club fields two women's teams in the Calgary Ladies Field Hockey Association League (CLFHA)
Junior programs
Mixed mini rugby (U8, U10)
Boys junior rugby (U12, U18)
Girls junior rugby (U12, U18)
Junior girls field hockey
Clubhouse and grounds
The clubhouse and grounds are located in the north-east of Calgary. The club maintains two full rugby fields and two field hockey pitches, as well as a fully licensed clubhouse, changing facilities, gym and treatment room.
See also
Calgary Chieftains