Ballina Town F.C.

Known affectionately locally as 'The Town', Ballina Town FC is a soccer club catering for the Ballina area in County Mayo. The club was founded 8 December 1961 in Geraghty's public house, Garden Street, Ballina. Originally, the name of the club was to be 'St Patrick's FC' but six months later it was changed to 'Ballina Town FC'. The team colours are royal blue and white hooped jerseys, white shorts and royal blue socks. From the outset, the club's home matches were played at Belleek Park, which is still the club's ground today. Belleek Park consists of two playing pitches, considered by many to be amongst the finest playing surfaces in Connacht. Thanks mainly to Irish National Lottery funding, work commenced in 2004 on new changing rooms at Belleek Park. This development is expected to be completed early 2006.

In March 1990, Ballina Town FC played Shelbourne FC in the First round of the FAI Cup. In doing so they became they first club from County Mayo to play in the First Round of the competition.

Ballina Town FC has many different teams from U-11s up to the Junior team. It is this accent on youth development that has seen four players gain football scholarships to universities in America. Other ex-players of note include Noel Melvin, who went on to play for League of Ireland sides Monaghan United and Dundalk F.C. and former coach, Leo Tierney, won a junior international cap, when he played in goal for 'The Town'. In 2003, Ross Kenny was selected on the Irish U-12 panel for the Danone Nations Cup in Paris.