Ireland vs Canada: Comparing Popular Sports Fans Across the Atlantic
Sports fans in Canada and Ireland are known for passionately following their favorite sports, with fans following their teams around the world to watch them compete in international competitions. However, the most popular sports in the two countries vary greatly.
Both countries introduced the world to their original sports, with Ireland having invented Gaelic football and hurling, while Canada is the home of ice hockey and lacrosse. Interestingly, Gaelic football and lacrosse have many similarities, as do fans of both nations.
Let’s take a look at some of the main similarities and differences between sports fans in Ireland and Canada:
Although football is the most followed sport globally, it doesn’t seem to attract the Irish and Canadians as much as it does in countries like England, Spain, Brazil and Argentina.
The Republic of Ireland national football team has suffered disappointments by failing to qualify for major tournaments such as the World Cup and Euros. However, when ROI qualified for the World Cups in 1990, 1994 and 2002, fans turned out in droves to support him. Following the 2002 World Cup, Irish fans were voted the best in the business by organizers, highlighting the passion and spirit they demonstrated, not only on the football pitches, but also in the atmosphere they created outside the venues.
Ireland still have a chance of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026, if they manage to qualify for the playoffs in March. If they qualify, you can expect to see a green sea of fans heading to the United States, Mexico or Canada, depending on where their matches will be played if they qualify.
Football has never been one of the most followed sports in Canada, but that is slowly changing. There is increased interest in MLS and elite domestic leagues like the Premier League. As the host country for the 2026 World Cup, this is likely to be a catalyst for creating new generations of soccer fans in Canada, as this has been a common trend in previous tournaments.
Canadians are extremely proud of their national sport and the NHL is the most watched sport in Canada. Even as other sports develop in the country, many Canadians remain loyal to the country’s main sport. Approximately 60% of Canadians follow the NHL and the sport is deeply ingrained in Canadian DNA.
Ice hockey is not as popular in Ireland as field hockey, which is understandable given the lack of teams and rinks in the country.
Just as ice hockey is part of the Canadian DNA, Gaelic football is in the blood in Ireland. Around 40% of the population of the Republic of Ireland consider Gaelic football their favorite sport and it is the most popular sport. Although there is greater participation in association football, Irish sports fans have a stronger allegiance to Gaelic football in terms of spectators.
In Ireland, there is a large rugby audience, especially at national level. Irish fans turn out in large numbers to support their national team at the Six Nations and there are large numbers of viewers at home too. Ireland has enjoyed great success in international rugby, particularly in contrast to the success of domestic football.
Rugby hasn’t really gotten much attention in Canada, there are many other sports that attract larger audiences and it can’t compete with ice hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball and American football.
Sports betting in Canada and Ireland is very popular, and with regulatory changes in Canada offering more options for online sports betting for Canada the appetite for sports betting has grown significantly. Canadian sports fans regularly bet on the NHL, basketball and many other sports, now that there are more operators offering secure betting platforms.
In Ireland, sports betting has a long history, particularly with horse racing, which is another sport deeply rooted in Irish culture. Irish punters also like to bet on the English Premier League, with Irish football fans largely following Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as Celtic in the Scottish Premier League.
When the Six Nations matches take place, there is a huge influx of betting activity in Ireland, with many punters backing the success of their national team.
There are many differences in terms of which sports are most followed between Ireland and Canada, but what is not lacking in both countries are passionate, highly patriotic and loyal fans for their national sports.
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