A chat with Chiara Trench — the New Voice of GAA Rounders Communications
A chat with Chiara Trench — the New Voice of GAA Rounders Communications
Before I hand over the national accounts next Sunday and become a normal civilian again, I wanted my final article to introduce the person who’ll be popping up on your timelines, answering your messages, posting your fixtures, and reminding everyone to send in their photos upright and not sideways.
Say hello to Chiara Trench — originally from Mayo, now lining out with Leighlinbridge — and the person brave enough to take on the role of Communications Officer for 2026. This was a chance to hear her thoughts, her plans, and the kind of communicator she hopes to be.
“I saw how inclusive and welcoming it is — and I just wanted to be part of it.”
1. What first drew you to Rounders, and what made you want to step into a national role?
“I started playing Rounders last year as a way to get more involved in my local community and try a new sport. Very quickly, I saw how inclusive, fun, and welcoming it is. What motivated me to step into a national role is the belief that every GAA club in the country could benefit from having a Rounders team. It’s a family-friendly, community-building sport, and I want to help promote its growth and visibility nationwide.”
“Facebook is where half of Ireland lives — so that’s where we can grow.”
2. What part of the Communications Officer role are you most excited about for 2026?
“I’m really excited to continue developing our social media presence, especially on Facebook where so many communities connect. There’s huge potential for clubs to tell their stories and showcase the spirit of the sport online. I’m also looking forward to meeting and working with more people across Ireland who share a passion for Rounders.”
“Approachable, collaborative, and I’ll always try to be sound.”
3. How would you describe your communication style?
“I’m easy-going, approachable, and always open to questions. I enjoy collaborating, sharing ideas, and helping people wherever I can. My goal is to make communication simple, friendly, and supportive for everyone involved.”
“A newsletter, proper calendars, and keeping things visible all year — not just in August.”
4. Where can national communications improve?
“A huge amount of progress has been made already, especially with the website and our increased social media presence. I’d love to keep that momentum going with a monthly newsletter and a clear calendar of events on the website. Encouraging clubs to create content all year round — not just during the championship season — will help keep Rounders constantly visible and growing.”
“Underage growth and more women getting involved — that’s something I love.”
5. What aspects of Rounders’ growth excite you the most?
“I’m passionate about promoting the growth at underage level and the huge increase in women taking up the sport. Rounders is about community, connection, and enjoyment as much as results. I want to highlight players’ stories, their experiences, and why they stay involved. That sense of belonging is a huge part of what keeps the sport growing.”
“Give clubs simple tools — photos, short videos, real moments — and watch them fly.”
6. How will you support clubs with content?
“I’d like to provide simple, practical content guidelines and encourage consistency across the year. Photos, short videos, and authentic behind-the-scenes moments make a huge difference. Helping clubs understand how to capture and share what Rounders offers will support them in attracting new players and building their identity online.”
“More funny, relatable, real-life content — clubs are comedy gold.”
7. Any campaigns or themes you’d love to introduce?
“I love content that’s funny, relatable, and real. Rounders clubs have so many moments — at training, in matches, and socially — that are absolute comedy gold. I’d like to bring more of that ‘real life in the club’ feel. Behind-the-scenes stories, why people join and stay for 20 years, the friendships, the fun… that’s what resonates online.”
“If clubs feel supported and the sport keeps growing — that’s a good first year.”
8. What would make you proud looking back at the end of the year?
“I’d love to see higher engagement, more followers, and more shared content across all platforms. I want clubs to feel empowered and supported, with a strong platform to showcase what makes them unique. Most importantly, I hope to see the sport continue to grow at community level as more people discover it through our communications.”
“If you’ve a question or an idea, just message me — simple as that.”
9. What should clubs and players know about you as a person?
“I’m very approachable and always happy to help. If you’re ever unsure about something, just ask. And if you have a great idea — especially for content — get in touch straight away!”
“A definite 12.”
10. On a scale of 1 to 10, how impossible will it be to replace me?
“A definite 12 😂😉”
