The club was founded in 1965 by Garda Don Harrington, a young Garda from Cork City who was stationed in Killarney. This came about after Don observed youngsters from various parts of town playing soccer on the streets of Killarney.
The first underage Academy was set up in 1992 for children from Under-10 upwards.
Killarney Athletic organised the first ever FAI Summer Soccer Schools in Kerry in 1992, which was held in the hallowed grounds of the Áras pitch. Irish Internationals Paul McGrath, Mick McCarthy and Alan McLoughlin visited the ground at the time to add their support of the event.
In 1993, the club moved to Woodlawn where their wonderful and scenic grounds have continued to develop. The modern clubhouse and two grass pitches have been augmented with the opening of an All-Weather training Pitch
The club's motto is; “Unity is strength….where there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things Can Be Achieved”.
Killarney Atlhetic say they are an Ordinary Club with "extraordinay volunteers".
They would like to especially thank the wonderful Committee, Coaches that give tirelessly of their time to the development of the Blues' senior and underage sides along with the amazing Groundsmen and the parents who are always there to help. The are also want to thank all the players who have represented Killarney Athletic with pride and respect.
The Club won its first ever League title in 50 years in 2017, and they completed the League and Cup Double in the same year.
Killarney Athletic have over 360 members, from the senior team down to a very active and vibrant juvenile section.
During the past season, 2019/2020, they had 17 teams competing in the Kerry School Boys & Girls League Divisions as follows :
U.10 – 2 teams U.11 – 2 teams U.12 – 2 teams
U.13 – 3 teams U.14 – 2 teams
U.15 – 2 teams U.16 – 1 team
Their girls' teams compete in the U.11 (two teams) and U.17 leagues.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it resulted in the early finish of the 2019/2020 season.
However, their U.12 Premier and U.13 Premier teams both won their respective Division as did the U.14 Division 1 team. The U.15 team were runners-up in Division 1.
Within the juvenile section, they have an Academy which caters for children up to 10 years of age. They receive coaching from qualified coaches, some of whom have UEFA Coaching Badges.
Killarney Athletic are most fortunate to have a very dedicated number of committed coaches, some of whom were former players within the club and who are now passing on their vast experience to these young players.
The Academy has grown substantially in the recent past and caters for large numbers of children who enjoy our superb facilities with both grass pitches and the recent addition of our Astro training pitch in 2018.
With our committed and dedicated team of coaches it is our aspiration that the Academy continue to develop and flourish.
The FAI Club Mark is a testament to all the hard work, dedication and commitment by everyone involved in Killarney Athletic where we will continue to develop and strive for excellence.
A Special Thanks to Darren Aherne for all the Help and Encouragement going forward for the Club Mark Award. To the Kerry District League and Kerry Schoolboys/Girls League for their support and to Colin in the FAI for all his guidance and support through the process.
The FAI Club Mark is an award for grassroots clubs based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club.
Clubs start their journey at Entry Level and can progress onto the One Star Award. Each step challenges the club to implement policies and procedures in line with best practice.
The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:
• Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’
• Establish and promote best practice
• Empower and support clubs
• Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards
• Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.
If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short Registration Form