history
Aileach Football Club was originally formed in the 1970's but went into extinsion by the early 1980's. The club was reformed in 1993 when a breakaway group of players from Bridgend Celtic decided to form their own club. The first committee members included current members Stephen O’Donnell, Kevin Barr, Niall Gallagher and Chris Doherty.
The first home ground was a field opposite Donaghey’s garage which Donegal Creameries allowed them to use as long as cattle were still allowed to use the field! The first manager was Niall Gallagher and the young club added more players over the next few years which culminated in them winning the first division title in the 96/97 season under the guidance of Aidan McGeady and were runners up in the league cup losing out on penalties to Moville Celtic. This was also the year Aileach added a reserve team to cater for up and coming young players. This side was marshalled by Kevin Barr,
The following season a few key players were lost and Aileach failed to retain their premier division status but bounced straight back up the following season with Stephen O’Donnell in charge of team affairs. Laurence Gillespie took the reins in the 99/00 season and guided the team to a comfortable mid table position. The following season they finished mid table again but the curse of penalties struck once more in a cup final when Culdaff were the victors in the Credit Union Cup.
Stephen O’Donnell took charge again in 01/02 season where they finished a credible 5th in the league and had a good run in the F.A.I. junior cup losing out to Abbey Utd from Sligo in the last 32. James Burke took over the following season but having lost key players Aileach found themselves relegated to the first division once again. The following season Bernard McMonagle took over and again the team bounced straight back to the premier division remaining unbeaten in the league throughout
Over the next few years Dee Dunne and Darren McDermott took the helm helping the club to consolidate their premier league status. At this stage the under age numbers in the club had been steadily growing and the committee decided that a new ground was needed which culminated in them purchasing 6 acres at Inch level and developing two sand based pitches with William Coyles of Pitch Dimensions taking on the contract. The new pitches were officially opened by Eddie Murray F.A.I treasurer. on the 1st of August 2010. Bryan Bell took over as manager that season and after a couple of good seasons Aileach finally got their hands on the Holy grail of the premier league title in 2012. Mickey Barr assisted by Paddy Slevin took over team matters in 2014 and after a very good season were beaten in a play off for the Premier title by Glengad. The following season Aileach finally broke their run of losing cup finals when they overcame Quigleys Point 2-0 in the Credit Union Cup final.
With Aileach celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2018, the 2017/18 season held special significance. The senior team duly obliged with a cup treble, winning the League Cup, the Credit Union Cup and the Ulster Junior Cup. The 2019/20 season saw Aileach collect their second Premier Division title and they also won the Credit Union Cup for the third time in 5 years. Aileach Youths also won a trophy for the first time, winning the Division Two Shield.
The ground now named "Lakeside" boasts the two full size pitches, a 40m x 20m indoor astro pitch, 45m x 20m outdoor astro pitch as well as dressing rooms and an upstairs function room area with kitchen facilities. On the team front there are 3 senior teams as well as teams from U6 to U18 playing in the Inishowen Youth and Schoolboy League.
The first home ground was a field opposite Donaghey’s garage which Donegal Creameries allowed them to use as long as cattle were still allowed to use the field! The first manager was Niall Gallagher and the young club added more players over the next few years which culminated in them winning the first division title in the 96/97 season under the guidance of Aidan McGeady and were runners up in the league cup losing out on penalties to Moville Celtic. This was also the year Aileach added a reserve team to cater for up and coming young players. This side was marshalled by Kevin Barr,
The following season a few key players were lost and Aileach failed to retain their premier division status but bounced straight back up the following season with Stephen O’Donnell in charge of team affairs. Laurence Gillespie took the reins in the 99/00 season and guided the team to a comfortable mid table position. The following season they finished mid table again but the curse of penalties struck once more in a cup final when Culdaff were the victors in the Credit Union Cup.
Stephen O’Donnell took charge again in 01/02 season where they finished a credible 5th in the league and had a good run in the F.A.I. junior cup losing out to Abbey Utd from Sligo in the last 32. James Burke took over the following season but having lost key players Aileach found themselves relegated to the first division once again. The following season Bernard McMonagle took over and again the team bounced straight back to the premier division remaining unbeaten in the league throughout
Over the next few years Dee Dunne and Darren McDermott took the helm helping the club to consolidate their premier league status. At this stage the under age numbers in the club had been steadily growing and the committee decided that a new ground was needed which culminated in them purchasing 6 acres at Inch level and developing two sand based pitches with William Coyles of Pitch Dimensions taking on the contract. The new pitches were officially opened by Eddie Murray F.A.I treasurer. on the 1st of August 2010. Bryan Bell took over as manager that season and after a couple of good seasons Aileach finally got their hands on the Holy grail of the premier league title in 2012. Mickey Barr assisted by Paddy Slevin took over team matters in 2014 and after a very good season were beaten in a play off for the Premier title by Glengad. The following season Aileach finally broke their run of losing cup finals when they overcame Quigleys Point 2-0 in the Credit Union Cup final.
With Aileach celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2018, the 2017/18 season held special significance. The senior team duly obliged with a cup treble, winning the League Cup, the Credit Union Cup and the Ulster Junior Cup. The 2019/20 season saw Aileach collect their second Premier Division title and they also won the Credit Union Cup for the third time in 5 years. Aileach Youths also won a trophy for the first time, winning the Division Two Shield.
The ground now named "Lakeside" boasts the two full size pitches, a 40m x 20m indoor astro pitch, 45m x 20m outdoor astro pitch as well as dressing rooms and an upstairs function room area with kitchen facilities. On the team front there are 3 senior teams as well as teams from U6 to U18 playing in the Inishowen Youth and Schoolboy League.
