However, in 1995 the RFL financed a development programme in Ireland which would lead to the first domestic competition in 1997.

The Blues would become the inaugural champions of Ireland beating Tallaght Tigers in the 1997 Grand Final.

Following their win in 1997 the Blues would become the first ever Irish team to enter into the Challenge Cup where they would be drawn away to Dewsbury Moors and would find themselves at the wrong end of a 32–7 score line.

While the early 2000s bore fruit for Ireland's oldest team the Blues became weakened towards the end of the decade and in 2008 ceased to exist.

It seemed the once powerhouse of Irish Rugby League who produced Wigan Warriors legend Brian Carney would be resigned to the history books.