During the 70s there was a new growth of soccer on Achill Island. It was during this period that Achill United had been formed in 1974. A local summer league had also been set up bringing together the rival villages of Achill, in cup competition. This successful cup competition still runs today. However it was following the 1979 Martin Gallagher Memorial Cup between Dookinella and Dooagh, that a second Achill football club was set up.
Achill Eagles Athletic Drama & Football Club was formed during a meeting in the Minaun Bar in August of that year. Those present at that meeting included Michael McFadden, Thomas McNamara, Seamus McNamarra, Christy Gallagher, John Francis Gallagher, Peter Lavelle, Pauraic Sweeney, Anthony McNamarra, Denis McHugh, John Cafferkey & Gerry Fadian. The group was later joined by Johnny Lee.
Achill Eagles greatest success came in 1982 when they played Fahy Rovers in the final of the Travenol Shield. Torrential rain during that week had meant most sporting fixtures were cancelled that weekend; however the conditions in the Valley were perfect. The fixture had all the trimmings that a final deserves including one of the local pipe bands leading both sides onto the pitch. With the opposition playing into the breeze, Peter Lavelle put the ball into the Fahy net after only ten minutes. Shortly afterwards, Eagles had a goal disallowed but growing pressure saw Peter Lavelle scoring his second of the match just before half-time. With the wind in their favour in the second half, Fahy tried hard to get back into the game, however it was Peter Lavelle’s brother Patrick who claimed a third goal and the trophy for Achill Eagles.
Achil Eagles Captain, Peter Lavelle receiving
the 1983 Travanol Shield
Another highlight of this period was a mixed Achill side taking on a Mayo selection at the opening of the Eagles ground, Shamrock Park in Keel. The Mayo select XI defeated the Achill XI by 6-3.
Between them, Achill Eagles and Achill United claimed 7 trophies in 10 short years. However by 1986 it was clear that in order for Achill to compete countywide, both clubs would have to forsake rivally and join forces.
