A fond farewell to a friend of Rounders
Michael Meaney and the 2026 GAA Rounders Ard Comhairle
Michael Meaney: A Legacy of Visibility and Vision
GAA Rounders’ February Ard Chomhairle meeting was tinged with sadness as we marked the final attendance of Michael Meaney, our GAA Liaison Officer from 2023–2026.
Representing Carlow and GAA Central Council, Michael was appointed by Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy to serve as the vital link between GAA Management and GAA Rounders. He balanced this role while simultaneously serving as the Leinster Representative on the Coiste Bainistíochta.
A Steep Learning Curve and a Wealth of Experience
While Michael freely admits he knew very little about Rounders when he first accepted the appointment, he became a quick study. He rapidly immersed himself in the game and, we hope, grew to love it almost as much as the rest of the Ard Chomhairle does.
What Michael may have initially lacked in Rounders-specific knowledge, he more than made up for with his unparalleled expertise in GAA governance. Having served as a Chairperson, Treasurer, Leinster Council Delegate, Chair of Coiste na nÓg, and Chair of the CCC, Michael brought a “sensible head” to our table during a period of unprecedented growth and branding for our code.
Elevating the Voice of Rounders
During his three-year tenure, Michael’s primary mission was to provide GAA Rounders with a meaningful voice within the wider Association. He worked tirelessly to ensure our visibility was improved, both in Croke Park and beyond.
His crowning achievement may be realised next weekend at GAA Congress, where delegates will vote on a motion to grant GAA Rounders a permanent seat on Central Council. Should this motion pass, it will allow us to finally claim our rightful place at the decision-making heart of the organisation we have been part of since the original 1884 Charter.
Furthermore, Michael was instrumental in securing part-time administrative support for us within Croke Park. Since March 2025, we have benefited immensely from the hard work of Sarah Furey, who serves as our dedicated contact and works to integrate Rounders into broader GAA programming.
GAA Rounders National Secretary, Shirley Lennon presents Michael with his parting gift.
A Mentor and a Friend
Beyond the administrative milestones, Michael has been a cherished friend and mentor to us all. His wise counsel, sense of humour, patience, and trademark unflappability in a crisis have meant more than he likely knows. He provided steady guidance during our greatest period of development and solidification of our identity.
To mark his final meeting, the Ard Chomhairle presented Michael with a turned wooden bowl made of ash from a tree that fell near Mount Leinster—a fitting gift for a proud Carlow man.
Looking to the Future
“I would like to see Rounders continue to grow at a manageable pace and become a fully integrated part of the wider GAA family – offering games for all and contributing meaningfully to our local communities. My role is to support that vision and help build the connections needed to make it a reality.”
Without a doubt, Michael has fulfilled that brief in every way. We are profoundly thankful for his dedication and hard work. While his official term has ended, we look forward to welcoming him to many of our events in the coming years – hopefully spending some of his well-earned free time on the side-lines of a Rounders pitch!
Míle buíochas, Michael… ní bheidh do leithéid arís ann.
