The history of St. Abban's Athletic Club is a tale of community, passion, and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship that has left an indelible mark on the local area and the sport of athletics. It all began with two local men, Jimmy Quinn of Gortahile and Ed "Dev" McDonald from Doonane, who took their first steps into the world of running with St. Brigid's A.C., Portlaoise. Little did they know that their athletic journey would set the stage for the birth of St. Abban's.

In 1955, Jimmy and Ned competed in the Laois Novice Championships, where they not only won as part of a team but also secured individual honors, with Jimmy earning a silver medal. Word of their achievements quickly spread throughout the parish, igniting a passion for athletics among the young men in the community.

Recognizing the growing enthusiasm for the sport, the idea of establishing an athletics club in the area gained momentum. A group of local men convened on February 11, 1955, at the Old Schoolhouse in Fairmount to turn this vision into reality. The club's founding officers included:

• Presidents: Rev. M.I. Delaney and Fr. Gavin, P.P.
• Vice Presidents: M.I. Delaney and P. Delaney.
• Chairperson: J.J. O’Neill.
• Vice Chairperson: Danny Moore.
• Secretary: Myles O’Reilly.
• Treasurer: M.I. Daly.

St. Abban's Athletic Club was not merely the start of athletics ventures in the area; it was the formalization of a long-established tradition. Much credit is due to the Doonane Sports Committee, the predecessor of St. Abban's, which laid a solid foundation for the club. The Killeen Sports Field, once the grounds of Crettyard Soccer Club, became the stage for remarkable feats in the early days, with legendary stories of athletes like Jim Quinn and Jimmy Downey still echoing through the halls of St. Abban's.

The origins of St. Abban's are intertwined with the history of the Doonane Sports, the Gazebo Sports, and the Church of Ireland sports, all of which contributed to the rich athletics tradition in the area. Even during World War Two, the Local Defence Forces organized sporting events on the land of the Sixsmith family, who would later play a significant role in St. Abban's Athletic Club.

Local clubs like Fairymount Football Club and the support of G.A.A. members further fueled the club's foundation. Athletics became a sport where G.A.A. members could participate without contravening Rule 27, which prohibited involvement in non-G.A.A. sports. Athletes like Fintan Walsh, a left half-forward on the Laois G.A.A. team, demonstrated their prowess in both realms.

St. Abban's, true to its form, wasted no time in organizing its first event. On March 13, 1955, just one month after its foundation, the club hosted a 14-mile track relay, which drew clubs from neighboring counties. St. Abban's stood at the center stage on the podium, with Jimmy Quinn, Ed McDonald, Michael Nolan, and Ed Daly forming the club's first-ever winning team.

The unique sporting culture of the south Laois area and surrounding counties has long fueled the passion for athletics. The legacy of athletes and sporting events from the area's past converged naturally into St. Abban's Athletic Club.

In recent history, St. Abban's has continued to thrive and grow, thanks to the dedication of its members. The club's endurance in the face of challenges is best summed up by former Chairman of Laois Athletics County Board, Sean O'Reilly, who remarked, "On my first visit to Tolerton in 1968, I could not believe that any club could exist, or flourish much less survive in such a sparsely populated area." This history is a testament to the power of community, the virtue of sporting prowess, and the rewards of volunteerism.

In conclusion, the history of St. Abban's Athletic Club is a story of dreams, visionaries, and a community that continues to pass on the flame of passion and excellence from one generation to the next, knowing no limits and always dreaming bigger. It is a living testament to the enduring power of sports and the spirit of unity that defines the club.