Ballycastle McQuillans came into existence following extensive discussion and argument in O`Brien’s barbershop during the late autumn of 1907, this was some 22 years after the first Belfast clubs and 4 years after the first North Antrim clubs. The name McQuillans originated from the ancient local clan McQuillan of whom Rory McQuillan who built Bunamargy Friary for the Franciscans and Julia McQuillan the Black Nun were members, their motto was death before dishonour.

Brief History

Since its inception nearly 100 years ago McQuillans has made a huge contribution to the tradition of hurling by encouraging and nurturing the ancient art and providing a steady stream of hurlers to represent club, county and nation.
McQuillans is the only Antrim club to have received two All Star Awards and club players were elected all star replacements on a further five occasions. Club players represented Ireland in various other capacities on five additional occasions. Fifteen club players have represented Antrim in All Ireland Finals; seven at senior grade and three were selected on the 1984 Team of the Century.
The record number of Antrim County Championships wins (17) is held by McQuillans, they were the first Antrim team to complete a “hat trick” of wins in 1952-1954, and repeated the feat in 1978- 1980. McQuillans were the first Antrim team to contest an All Ireland Club Final. In 1986 McQuillans made a clean sweep of County Senior and Senior Reserve Championships and League titles along with the Ulster Club Championship; sadly these were the clubs last senior successes.
The relative newcomer to Gaelic games in Ballycastle is Gaelic Football. Senior football has not achieved the same accolades as Hurling but the present senior squad is keen to fly the club colours and advance to the higher league divisions. The senior squad is currently enjoying the presence of younger footballers that have advanced through the U12 –14 and U16 programmes as opposed to players who learned the game late in their playing careers.
The club continues to place a high priority on the development of its young players.

For more details about the club, check their website on:

http://www.mcquillangac.com/?mcq=home