A brief history of Castlebar RFC.

There is evidence to suggest that rugby was played in Castlebar as early as 1880's. The Connacht Branch I.R.F.U. was founded in Dublin after the first Inter - Provincial match between Leinster and Connacht in December 1885. Castlebar is documented as being one of six clubs at that formation. We do not know how long that existence was, but evidence suggests that it survived until the early part of this century. Subsequently Castlebar Rugby Club was founded in 1928. The club was manned by soldiers from the local barracks and local people. The club survived for about seven years. The original kit/strip was black and amber. Lack of pitches and players led to the demise of the club around the start of World War 1.

In 1939 the club was reformed. this was a much more successful period for the club. the club was active through the 40's, 50's, but once again failure decreed the closing of the club around 1965. It was in 1939 that the club colours changed from black and amber to the present sky blue and navy blue. A local businessman and founder member donated the first set of jerseys, which were in the colours of his old school, Castleknock. The club had no facilities and played in field donated by local business and farmers.

During this period Castlebar had it's a first International player, circa 1945. Bernie Egan from Blackfort played for Connacht and Ireland, circa 1945. Bernie is now a doctor in New Zealand.

The current club is set to continue well into the next century. The club was reformed for the third time in 1971. The club colours were retained as sky blue and dark blue. The club played in various locations around Castlebar until 1973 when they settled the airport field for ten years. In 1983 Castlebar RFC moved to Cloondeash, Castlebar to the present day facilities. There we have modern facilities with two new dressing rooms.

In 1971 Castlebar won the Connacht Junior B league, a feat not repeated until 1988. This year sees the club advance further than at any other time in it's history. Presently the club has a membership of 70 seniors and 200 under age, ranging in age groups from under 8,10,12,14,16,18, and 20.