History
Established in 1980, Ferrybank AC has nurtured young athletes for 45 years.
Learn more about the club's history and rise to international success below.
Early Days
Ferrybank Athletic Club was founded in 1980 by Andy Hallissey, building on the legacy of Clover Meats Athletic Club. Initially, the club was based in Ferrybank, Waterford, and training took place at Clover Field, the parish hall, and the grounds of the Sacred Heart of Mary Secondary School.
From 1980 to 1986, Ferrybank AC emerged as a successful juvenile club, achieving notable success at both Munster and national levels. Under the leadership of Andy Hallissey, the club saw significant development in facilities and equipment, and he also played an active role in administration at both Munster and national levels.
Growth & Success
Between 1986 and 1995, the club rose to prominence at senior level, with many athletes achieving national and international recognition, including Jacqui Stokes (Freyne), Bríd & John Hallissey, and Jeremy Lyons. During this period, the club regularly travelled to the UK to compete in the British Indoor Championships and in the 1990s, Ferrybank AC won the National Senior League (B Division) in both the men's and women's categories.
In 1999, the club relocated its training base from Ferrybank to the Waterford Regional Sports Centre. This marked the beginning of a period of growth and success, with the club emerging as the leading juvenile club in the country - a title it held for 10 consecutive years. At its peak, Ferrybank AC athletes won over 40 national medals at the National Juvenile Track & Field Championships and claimed more than 10 titles in a single day at the Irish Schools Championships. Many of the club's athletes also received university scholarships in Ireland, the UK, and the USA.
International Stage
Ferrybank AC also made a mark on the international stage, competing in the 2005, 2006 & 2007 European Junior Champion Club Cup, placing 2nd (Group C), 1st (Group C) and 2nd (Group B), respectively. In 2010, the club's women's team won the National League (Premier Division), and in 2011, they placed 2nd in the European Senior Champion Club Cup (Group B) in Belgrade.
Several of the club's underage athletes have represented Ireland at prestigious international events, earning medals at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), European Junior Championships, World Youth Championships, World Junior Championships, and European U23 Championships. Ferrybank AC also provided fertile roots for many successful senior athletes at national and international levels. Kelly Proper remains the most successful athlete in Irish National Senior Championships history, claiming 37 national titles (indoors and outdoors). For a detailed look at Ferrybank AC's international athletes, check out our Success page.
In 2012, Jessie Barr became the club's first Olympian, competing in the 4x400m relay at the London Olympic Games. Thomas Barr has since competed in three Olympic Games: Rio 2016 (400m hurdles, 4th), Tokyo 2021 (400m hurdles, 10th), and Paris 2024 (4x400m mixed). In 2018, Thomas also made history in Irish athletics when he won a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles at the European Championships in Berlin.
