Founded in 1961, Rathkeale AFC is a County Limerick soccer club. While the club's first football match was played in Ennis, home matches were played at Ballywilliam, Wilton Hill and Courtmatrix.

The club transferred to it's current location, Holycross, in 1976. The move to Holycross set the scene from significant positive developments within the club. Local company Shannon Meats Ltd was a major sponsor of the club and for a while Rathkeale AFC became Shannon United in recognition of the value of the sponsorship. In 1977 the club had a major on-field success when the Desmond League title was won.

In 1996 the Club acquired a 17-acre site at Holycross and laid three first rate football pitches. A stand for supporters and modern dressing rooms were subsequently built. These developments cost approximately €180K. A lot of this finance came from fund raising and local businesses.

The Rathkeale AFC motto is Conari ets Vincere or to Strive is to Win.