Ballycastle Athletic Club was formed in 1979 by Danny Gallagher and Tony D'Arcy. Since then many National and International Honours have been awarded to the club.

In it's first year, the club won a total of 31 Mayo and 5 Connacht Championship medals. The first All-Ireland Cross Country medal was won by Cathy Burke in 1985. Other All-Ireland medal holders include John Gardiner, Fergal O'Connor, Cormac McDonnell, Anthony Gardiner and Geraldine Tighe.

Deirdre Gallagher, a member of our club in the '80s and now living in Ballina, has gained many National and International titles in the Walking event. Deirdre and John Gardiner were awarded the Western People Athlete of the Year award in 1991 and 1993 respectively. In 1991 John Gardiner was awarded a scholarship to the University of North Texas. John McDonnell of Belderrig was awarded the Western People Hall of Fame Award in 1982 for his athletic achievements.

Over the years, many athletes from the club have represented Mayo at the National Community Games and in cross-country races.