Clonakilty AFC has a history that is mirrored in many small town soccer clubs around the country. Formed at a time when the game of soccer was still viewed as foreign and largely taboo (1967), success, in the early years would not be measured in silverware, but in the fabric of its own existence. Player numbers gradually increased over time, and the holding of raffles, variety shows and music, nights in O' Donovan's hotel in Clonakilty were used to generate funds.

Acceptance to compete in the Cork AUL carried its own difficulties with a large contingent of Cork clubs complaining they were unable to afford the trips to Clonakilty. This problem was replicated for the Clonakilty club who were aware of the burden in ferrying a team to the City every fortnight. Undeterred, Clonakilty AFC entered its first competitive league and the club's future looked secure.

After the initial set-up of Clonakilty AFC, few would have been able to foresee the club reaching the 21st century, but perseverance over the years has not been without its high points. For those who were present at the showgrounds one easter evening when Clonakilty AFC played Welsh mining team, Richard Thomas Baldwin, remember the game fondly, not for the result, but for the reported attendance of 4,500 spectators.

There was also the legendary match in Cork in which Clonakilty GAA all-star Dave McCarthy netted six times. More notably was the winning of the County Cup. It was events like these that kept the club ongoing and striding forward in the hope of expansion. These principals and ideals were to shape the future foundation of the modem Club.

The Clonakilty AFC of 1967 photographed at the Showgrounds prior to a Cork Athletic Union League tie.
Back (l to r): Harry Jennings, Dave Coen, Macha Moxley, Sean Hurley, Neil O'Donovan, Doc Finn.
Front (l to r): Ref. unknown, Jerry Sutton, Junior Nugent, Tom Ryan, Maurice McCarthy, Noel Walsh.

It is hard to believe that Clonakilty AFC has spent so many years without a home. It has been the Clubs Achilles heel for a long time, however a much-appreciated alliance with the Show Society has allowed matches to be played at the Clonakilty Showgrounds for some years. Sponsors over the years have been excellent in ensuring that all teams have kits and necessary equipment for training and support from the public has been enormous, enabling the Club to be at its present status.

The arrival of a home ground would give the Club a venue to showcase the abundant amount of soccer talent in the town and the continued progression of the West Cork League heightens the competition level. The open age (adult) team, which should be the level that all players aspire to compete at, is being reborn. The years of un-competitiveness and primitive match play have been expelled to history. A sleeping giant awakens in Clonakilty and the future is bright.