Mark Jennings: The Accidental Star of GAA Rounders

Mark Jennings’ Rounders story isn’t what many would expect—there were no childhood matches, no juvenile titles, no dreams of glory. His journey into the sport began during the pandemic and grew into something far greater.

“It Was a Bit of Luck, Really”

“Like a lot of people during COVID, I was looking for something to pass the time,” he says. “I saw a post on Facebook about Breaffy Rounders, thought, ‘Why not?’ I joined in, and I haven’t stopped running since.”

Mark hadn’t run in five years. Rounders changed that.

From Beginner to All-Star

“I could throw, I could catch. But that’s not enough. I had to learn the rules, how to position myself, when to run, where to throw. It was all new.”

But something clicked. “Rounders is like therapy,” he says. “No matter how bad my week is, Rounders lets me switch off. It’s just you, the game, and the people you’re playing with.”

The Biggest Influence?

His answer is immediate: Darryl Dolan of Erne Eagles. “He ran a foundation course at Michael Glaveys in 2022. I left that course a much better player. He simplified the game, taught us real technique.”

The Rise

Mark wasn’t a star when he started—but now he’s an All-Ireland champion and an All-Star. “This year, there was a fire. We weren’t leaving that final without the trophy.”

While Breaffy Mixed celebrated, the Men’s team came up short. But for Jennings, progress was everything.

“Eighteen months ago, Breaffy Men hadn’t won a game in three years. And now we’ve reached a final. That’s real growth.”

The All-Star Moment

When asked about being named an All-Star, his response is vintage Jennings: “Yeah, grand. But I’d trade that for another final win with the team.”

His favourite memory? That semi-final win. “I told the girls we might lose the run of ourselves celebrating. We did. And we deserved it.”

What Makes Breaffy Special?

“Fielding. We’ve always been known for great fielding. Defence is key.”

But it’s more than tactics. “The people make Breaffy special. We’ve become a family. There are quirks, there’s fun. You never know what’s coming next.”

The Role of Connacht Head

As head of Connacht Rounders, Jennings juggles administration and playing: “Saturdays are for development, Sundays are for playing.”

He believes the next step is hiring a full-time Games Development Officer. “That would change everything.”

“For junior players to truly develop, they need to watch senior games. It inspires and teaches them.”

No Pressure

“There’s no such thing as pressure to me,” he says. “If I make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world. Finals are big, but Rounders always gives you another chance.”

Pride in Progress

“I’ve only missed five training sessions in four years. But what excites me most is the trophies to come. This team is capable of more.”

Looking Ahead

Mark Jennings may have stumbled into Rounders by chance—but now, with silverware and All-Star honours to his name, his place in the sport’s future is assured.

Go n-éirí an t-adh leat, Mark.

Get Involved

If you’d like more information on setting up a Rounders club or want to help Mark promote the sport across the province, please get in touch:

Email: connacht.rounders@gaa.ie

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