New Ross Juvenile Athletic Club was founded in 1975 at a public meeting held in the De Lare Hotel. Spearheaded by Francis Murphy, then County Secretary of B.L.O.E., and with Fergus Coughlan elected as Chairman, the club quickly established strong community ties. Early leadership from John Godkin (Secretary) and Paddy Walsh (Treasurer), later succeeded by the late Mrs. Kitty Flannelly, helped the club flourish with support from dedicated locals including Pat and Sheila Hamilton, Matt Flannelly, Billy Tench, and Frank and Celine Warren.

The club thrived through the late 1970s and early ’80s, achieving major success at county and national levels in both cross country and track events. Standout athletes such as Andy Ronan, Jimmy McDonald, John Hamilton, and Ted Flannelly earned national honours, with several going on to represent Ireland and even compete at the Olympics. The club also had strong representation in girls' athletics, including notable performances from Marie Furlong, Jacqueline Bennett, Ann Cody, and Bernie Cashin. By the early ’80s, the club's training base expanded to include its own facilities at Marshmeadows, thanks to support from the New Ross and District Urban Council.

In 1976, the senior sections of New Ross A.C. and Adamstown A.C. joined forces to form United Striders, creating one of the most competitive senior clubs in County Wexford. This collaboration brought together exceptional talent and a culture of camaraderie, commitment, and spirited training. Success followed rapidly, particularly in cross country and road racing, with the women’s team becoming a dominant force throughout the 1980s. Though times of transition followed, the spirit of the club remained strong, and today United Striders continues to nurture a new generation of athletes—backed by a proud history and a community that believes in the power of sport.