2026 Feile, the stage is set!
2025 Girls Féile Champions, Emo of Wexford. 
GAA Rounders Set to Shine at the John West Féile 2026
Excitement is already building for this year’s GAA Rounders competition at the John West Féile, as clubs from across the country prepare to descend on the Laois Centre of Excellence on 21st June for what promises to be a fantastic day of underage action.
Now firmly established as a key part of the Féile programme, Rounders has been included since 2017 — making this the 9th edition of the competition (with no Féile taking place in 2020). In that time, it has grown in stature, competitiveness and profile, providing young players with a unique opportunity to represent their clubs on a national stage.
Players assemble before the first GAA Rounders Féile, June 10th 2017.
A Central Venue – A National Opportunity
Situated right in the heart of the country, Laois provides an ideal meeting point for clubs from every province. Its central location makes travel manageable whether you’re coming from Munster, Leinster, Connacht or Ulster, giving more teams the chance to experience the unique buzz of Féile day.
For many young players, this will be their first taste of national-level competition — and what better stage than a centrally located venue that truly represents the all-Ireland spirit of the event?
Three Competitions – More Opportunity Than Ever
This year sees Boys, Girls and Mixed competitions all taking place on the same day.
- Clubs struggling to field a full boys or girls team may now be able to enter a mixed side.
- Clubs with strong numbers may be able to field three teams — Boys, Girls and Mixed — maximising opportunity.
- More young players get the chance to experience the pride of representing their club at Féile level.
As competitions will run concurrently on the day, players may compete in one category only. For example, a player entered in the Girls competition cannot also play in the Mixed competition. This ensures fairness and clarity across all grades.
Champions Return – New Venue, New Challenge
Last year’s Féile, held in Wexford, saw St Martin’s of Wexford make history by winning the inaugural Mixed competition. Meanwhile Emo of Laois enjoyed a superb day by taking home both the Boys and Girls titles.
This year, the stage shifts to Laois — and that brings an intriguing twist.
With the Féile now on their home turf, Emo will be aiming to build on last year’s success and turn familiarity into an edge. But with clubs travelling from all corners of the country and a growing appetite for silverware, defending titles on Féile day is never straightforward.
Will Emo make home advantage count? Or will new names be added to the roll of honour?
Emo lift the 2025 boys Féile trophy.
The Stage Is Set – Don’t Miss Out
June 21st is coming fast. The venue is confirmed. The competitions are set. The excitement is building.
Now it’s over to the clubs.
Whether you’re chasing silverware, looking to give your young players their first taste of national competition, or taking advantage of the Mixed category to maximise participation — this is your opportunity to be part of something special.
Entry forms have already been circulated to clubs. If you haven’t received yours, need another copy, or would like further information, contact our Juvenile Secretary, Cat Carty, at juvenilesecretary.rounders@gaa.ie without delay.
The countdown to June 21st has begun. Make sure your club is on the team sheet.
