In practice, its role includes approval of clubs via the affiliation system, management of the domestic competition calendar, certification and development of new coaches and referees, and selection of the national team for international tournaments.

[2] The earliest record of fencing as a recreational sport is believed to come from a medal held in the National Museum of Ireland presented by the Earl of Charlemont in July of 1781 to a Sergeant More for swordmanship.

It was in 1931 that the sport began its continuous history, when Guy Perrem returned to Ireland having been educated in France where he had learned fencing as part of his studies.

A retired British army instructor living in Dublin at the time was engaged as the resident coach, however he only specialised in sabre.

In the subsequent two years membership grew significantly to the point where it was necessary to break into a number of clubs to support the introduction of a more competitive spirit.

In 1935, wishing to provide opportunities for international competition to its members, the IAFF applied for and was granted membership of the Federation d'Escrime Internationale.