Mayo FC

Mayo Football Club, known simply as Mayo FC, is an association football club founded in 2023 and based in Castlebar, County Mayo in Ireland. As of 2025^[update], it is seeking to become a founding member of the FAI National League, a third division of the Football Association of Ireland's (FAI) League of Ireland.

Mayo FC

Full name	Mayo Football Club
Founded	26 June 2023
Ground	Umbro Park, Castlebar
Capacity	1,500
Coordinates	53°50′30″N 9°17′13″W
Owner	Mayo Association Football League
Chairman	Joe Faughnan[1][2]

History

Mayo FC was established on 26 June 2023 by representatives of the Mayo Association Football League with the ambition of bringing senior League of Ireland football to County Mayo.^[3][4] The club was officially launched at the Breaffy House Hotel. At that event, Mayo Football League Chairman Séamus Hughes described it as "a momentous occasion" that would offer young players an alternative pathway between soccer and Gaelic football.^[3]

Following the launch, Mayo FC's initial competitive teams entered the League of Ireland's Academy Leagues in 2024. The club fielded boys' Under-14 and Under-15 sides as well as a girls' Under-17 team, marking Mayo's return to the national underage setup for the first time since 2022. These entries were accepted by the National Leagues Committee in November 2023, alongside Kerry FC, for participation in the MU14, MU15 and WU17 competitions in the 2024 season. The Academy's debut was officially launched at Abbotstown on 14 February 2024.^[5][6]

In March 2025, Mayo FC submitted an expression of interest to join the proposed FAI National League, which is due to be the third tier of the League of Ireland. Mayo FC was one of 67 clubs nationwide to do so in anticipation of a new 20-team structure projected for launch by August 2026.^[7][8]

Grounds

The club is based at Umbro Park in Milebush, Castlebar.^[9] Umbro Park has a FIFA-standard 4G artificial surface, a modest covered stand, floodlighting and a clubhouse with dressing rooms and referee facilities. Maintenance and pitch quality are overseen by the Mayo Football League, with regular upkeep and inspections. The venue is close to Castlebar town centre.^[10]

Crest and colours

Mayo FC's primary colours are red and green, mirroring Mayo GAA's colours. The Mayo FC crest features a cross at the top right that represents Croagh Patrick, while a winding path on the left symbolises the club's "challenging journey ahead". At the bottom, the bow of a boat references Gráinne Mhaol (Grace O'Malley), representing both local heritage and Mayo FC's commitment to women's football. Nine lines across the bow stand for the nine historic baronies of County Mayo: Erris, Burrishoole, Carra, Costello, Clanmorris, Gallen, Kilmaine, Murrisk and Tirawley. A football sits at the centre of the crest, and blue waves with a green mountain peak evoke Mayo's natural coastal and mountainous landscape.^[11][12]