The Vancouver Irish Sports & Social Club is a blend of new immigrants, second generation Irish descendants and other Canadians. Over the years, the ISSC have donated their time and efforts in support of many events that have come through Vancouver by the way of Ireland. The ISSC continues to promote and support Irish Cultural and Sporting events here in Greater Vancouver.
The Vancouver Irish who gathered on December 1, 1974 decided that the name of a new club was to be selected. The choice of “The Irish Athletic Association” was considered but after Pat Donohue proposed “The Vancouver Irish Sporting and Social Club”, it was unanimously accepted by all present that night.
The first Executive Committee that was chosen that night were John Dooley (Co. Armagh), Joe Heaney, Pat O’Connell, Joe McNally, Rene Dooley, J.J. Hyland and Ray Burns(Barnmeen,Co.Down).
On the Gaelic football field, the ISSC organises an annual tournament, and is represented at the Western Canadian Championships (in both Men's & Ladies codes) by the Vancouver Harps. The Men's team has been Western Canadian Champions twice, winning in 2005 & 2006.
Since 2004, the club has presented Hurling matches at its Tournaments.
The ISSC Harps Soccer Teams play year round in the Lower Mainland.
In 2006 and 2007 - there were a number of friendly Compromised Rules matches with the Vancouver Cougars.