GAA Rounders AGM Approves Move from “Ladies” to “Women”, Confirms 2026 National Executive, and Updates Playing Age Rule
GAA Rounders AGM Approves Move from “Ladies” to “Women”, Confirms 2026 National Executive, and Updates Playing Age Rule
GAA Rounders members have voted at their Annual General Meeting to formally transition the naming of all female competitions, teams, and communications from “Ladies” to “Women”, bringing the organisation in line with modern sporting terminology and wider GAA language standards.
The decision represents a significant step forward for the sport and reflects GAA Rounders’ ongoing commitment to equality, inclusivity, and modern governance.
A Modern, Consistent Approach Across the GAA
The terminology update ensures consistency with wording used across international sport. The change takes immediate effect in all national communications and will be fully implemented across competition structures for the 2026 season.
Update to Playing Age Rule
The AGM also approved a change to the minimum age for adult participation. Effective immediately, players may now compete from the day they turn 16. This provides clearer eligibility guidance for clubs and aligns Rounders with age structures used across other GAA codes.
A Step That Reflects the Sport’s Growth
Rounders continues to expand rapidly, with almost 70 clubs, more than 2,500 adult players, and new clubs joining every week. Increased participation among women and girls has played a major role in this growth.
“Rounders has its own identity, culture and values, and they need to be protected and understood within the wider GAA.”
National Executive for 2026
The AGM also confirmed the National Executive for 2026, listed below in order of importance:
- Paula Doherty — President
- Michael Dowling — Vice President
- Shirley Lennon — National Secretary
- Mark Jennings — Development Officer
- Catriona Carty — Juvenile Secretary
- Craig Davis — Children’s Officer
- Michael Sheahan — Munster Representative
- PJ Lalor — Leinster Representative
- Ronan Kiernan — North Leinster / South Ulster Representative
- Martin Hoban — Connacht Representative
- Arleen Ramsey – Ulster Rep
- Chiara Trench — Communications Officer
- Peadar Waters — Ordinary Member
- Micheal Meaney – Croke Park delegate
Back Row (Left to Right):
Michael Dowling, Michael Sheahan, Mark Jennings, Peadar Waters, Martin Hoban, Chiara Trench, Michael Meaney
Front Row (Left to Right):
Catriona Carty, Paula Doherty, Shirley Lennon, PJ Lalor
Part of a Wider AGM Programme
The terminology change, age eligibility update, and confirmation of the new executive were among several significant decisions made at the AGM. Governance, development pathways, safeguarding, and long-term strategic planning all featured prominently.
These outcomes mark a progressive step forward for the sport and set a clear direction for the future of women’s Rounders and youth development nationwide.
*Management Committee in Croke Park will have sign off all changes at their next meeting.
