Mayo's Manulla FC are the latest club to join the Club Mark cohort,

Manulla FC was formed on May 3rd 1976 with an aim to promote, foster, and develop the game of football in a small rural area in central Mayo.

Success didn't take too long to achieve as Manulla started off in Division 3 of the Mayo League and by 1981 they won the Division 1 title, the first major trophy for the club. This success was soon followed in the 1987/88 season when the club were crowned Premier League Champions, becoming the first rural club to achieve the feat.

In 1992 the club achieved its greatest success off the field, when after purchasing some land locally they invited the then captain of the Republic of Ireland Mick McCarthy to officially open their new facility which consisted of two playing pitches and a new clubhouse.

In 1997 Manulla continued to develop their facility with the opening of a viewing stand, the first of its kind in the league at the time.

The underage sides were developing rapidly at the time and in 1995 the U18 squad brought home both League and Cup titles for the first time in the club's history.

Girl's football started to develop and a very strong group of players brought many titles at underage up to 2010. This success developed into one of the strongest Junior Women's teams in the country as they went on to compete in six All-Ireland finals from 2012 with success coming in 2016 when they lifted the WFAI Shield. This achievement was followed up in 2017 with clinching of the WFAI Intermediate title.

In 2007 Manulla FC were to receive the ultimate accolade from the Football Association of Ireland when they were awarded FAI Club of the Year which was a fantastic achievement for a small rural club.

Manulla Football Club are an inclusive club and 2019 saw the club team up with Mayo Autism Camp to hold the first ever summer camp for children with additional needs. This partnership has grown stronger and stronger with many other activities provided for children through the Mayo Autism Camp.

The people of the community and beyond enjoy the safe and off-road walking track that circles the pitch and this provides a safe place for locals to exercise both day and night as it is lit up after dark.

In 2021 Manulla Football Club registered over 400 players from U8 and U10 Academy, U11, U12, U13, U14, U16 and U17 that play in Mayo Schoolboys/girls League to the Men's Master team. This includes the Senior Ladies who participate in the Mayo Women’s League and are current champions. Also included are three Junior Men's teams who participate in the Super League, Premier League and Division 3 of the Mayo League.

The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:

• Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’
• Establish and promote best practice
• Empower and support clubs
• Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards
• Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short Registration Form.