History

The Carnbane League was formed in Newry in July 1968 following a special meeting which was held in a room above the Canal Street Shop of Benny Davis, the father of long standing League Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Davis. Today, over 40 years on it has blossomed into one of the finest community sporting organisations in the whole of Ireland.

In the early days of the League the management committee organised both winter and summer soccer. However, as the number of teams grew the committee decided that it would be best for local football to organise the League in line with the Irish Football Association season which runs from August to June. Consequently, in 1980 the Carnbane League abandoned summer football altogether.

The first winner of the Carnbane League for the 1968-69 season was Bessbrook Products who went on to complete the double by also winning the Bessbrook Cup. They repeated their double success in the next season 1969 - 70.