Although in it’s present formation Achill Rovers has only been going some 22 years, there has been a long tradition of soccer on Achill Island stretching back over 60 years This can be divided into four distinct historic periods.
The earliest recorded history of organised association football in Achill was in the 1940s & 50s when several teams were formed including the mighty Dooniver Swifts ( see links below "The Early Years" ).
Mayo league football began in Achill in the 1970s with the formation of Achill United. This was closely followed by the formation of a second football club, Achill Eagles.
Finally in more recent times the game of football has been played by Achill Rovers which came into official existence in 1986 through the amalgamation of the previous two Achill Clubs.
Achill Rovers greatest period of success was in the 1990s culminating in the club winning the Mayo Premier League Championship for the first time in 1998.
Achill Rovers History men - Left to right Christy Gallagher, Noel Cooney, Brian McNulty, Gerard Lavelle and Mark Corrigan being interviewed by the Mayo News on the 8th anniversary of Achill's 1998 Premiership Title win.
( Photo Michael McLaughlin Mayo News )
