Raftery, DeirdreDeirdreRafteryDelaney, CatrionaCatrionaDelaney2019-04-092019-04-092019 Infor2019-03-07Irish Studies Review0967-0882http://hdl.handle.net/10197/9855This article charts the development of physical education and sports in girls’ schools in Ireland during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It notes how early developments were undoubtedly influenced by traditions and practices in English public schools, with games such as hockey and cricket becoming popular in Irish girls’ schools. The “Swedish” gymnastics movement, which became popular the 1870s, led to the introduction of callisthenics and drill in many Irish schools. By the turn of the twentieth century, drill and dance displays had become a highlight in the convent school calendar of events. Official policy following the introduction of the Revised Programme for National Schools (1900) placed unprecedented emphasis on the importance of physical education. While many embraced these developments, others were critical of girls’ involvement in competitive games and sports, particularly those considered “foreign” and “un-Irish”. Drawing on convent school archives, official sources, and newspaper articles, this article provides new insights into the evolution of physical education and sports in Irish girls’ schools.enThis is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Irish Studies Review on 07 March 2019, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/09670882.2019.1584378Female educationPESports historyIrelandConventJournal Article27332534310.1080/09670882.2019.15843782019-03-28https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/