Ballyfin Athletic Club is based in the townland of Ballyfin situated about 8 kilometres from Portlaoise in Co Laois. The Club was founded in 1959 in a meeting in the local Band Hall and was first registered as St Fintans but would later change its name to Ballyfin AC.
Since the Club was formed it has always been our aim to promote and encourage running in a healthy environment and in a fun way, providing an outlet for those interested in athletics in the area whether as a senior or juvenile, male or female. Members of the Club vary from those who have taken up running simply for health and fitness reasons to those who like to add a little competitiveness to the mix! All levels are catered for and represented in the Club – from the novice jogger to the serious elite runner.
Since its affiliation to the Athletics Association of Ireland, Ballyfin Athletic Club has produced many athletes who have been very successful locally and nationally whilst, at the same time, it has been producing top class international athletes for Ireland.
Over the last few years, the Club has undergone an amazing revival with a renewed vigour from club members and locals alike who have helped boost the clubs standing and profile. From an almost standing start, the Club has more then 80 children now taking part in training and races, and with more senior runners joining the mens and womens teams, the future looks bright. The Club has also seen the creation of a new crest and a new singlet that is now gracing the fields and roads of Laois and beyond.
Please check out our training schedules in the training section here. Come and try them out. If you are happy with how we operate, we would be delighted if you could join. New members are always welcome and we strive to nurture and develop the potential in each and everyone of our members. All our coaches have received the necessary training skills and vetted in accordance with AAI guidelines.
Ballyfin AC has a long and illustrious history from in first incarnation in 1959 to the present day, check it out here.