Ard Chomhairle Team

Paula Doherty, President (Mayo)

I have seen firsthand the power of GAA Rounders in uniting individuals, clubs and communities. I became involved at national level because I firmly believe having GAA Rounders as a code in every club across Ireland is something that we should be striving for and I can help in making this happen. Having thoroughly enjoyed my time as player on the pitch, I think it is equally important that my skills and talents off the pitch can now contribute to improving the game.

Representing my club Breaffy as player, secretary, and treasurer and contributing to its success both on and off the pitch is an achievement I’m very proud of. However, being trusted to lead GAA Rounders forward in my role as Uachtarán is a source of great personal pride and drives me to focus on growing the game and making it accessible in every club and community.

GAA Rounders has experienced impressive growth over the past number of years, and my ambition is to see this progress continue at a steady and sustainable pace. Our focus is on building strong foundations, ensuring that every new step forward is supported by the right structures, resources, and opportunities for players, coaches, and officials. By growing responsibly, we can maintain the inclusive spirit of GAA Rounders while creating a sport that belongs in every club across Ireland.

Michael Dowling, Vice President (Laois)

I’m the past president of GAA Rounders, and this year my role is to offer the benefit of experience gained over many years at the coalface of the sport. My journey with Rounders began back in the 1980s through the Laois Community Games, when Tom O’Donoghue from Killenard introduced me to the game. I caught the bug instantly – and the rest, as they say, is history.

After enjoying plenty of success in both Community Games and GAA Rounders, I felt it was time to give something back and help grow the game. I genuinely believe the GAA hasn’t yet realised the full potential of Rounders, and just how many people it could bring into clubs across the country.

One of the proudest achievements during my presidency was the expansion of the sport. When I started, there were three adult All-Ireland competitions – by the time I left, there were eight. That growth was a testament to the hard work of a brilliant Ard Chomhairle.

Personally, I hope to see a huge rise in participation and interest in Rounders before I go to the big leagues in the sky! Organisationally, I’d love to see the AC grow more professional, with paid Development Officers promoting the sport nationwide.

And finally, a lesson I’ve always carried with me: if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. It took five years of learning and setbacks before I saw success in Rounders – winning a Leinster U13 Boys title in 1990 and reaching the All-Ireland final. That was the moment Rounders earned my full attention.

Shirley Lennon, National Secretary (Meath)

I joined the Ard Chomhairle as Assistant Secretary in December 2023, became National Treasurer in July 2024, and now serve as National Secretary, with Games Secretary and Referee Coordinator thrown in last year as well to keep things exciting!

I have always loved Rounders, having first started playing as a child with Community Games and the local club. Despite a break in the middle, I’ve never lost my grá for our game and am delighted to be back playing since 2021.

As National Secretary I love the variety of my role and the fact that it just keeps getting busier and more exciting! In 2025 I was delighted to be involved in working with our Communications Officer to create our new website. I also set up our Club Shop which makes buying presents for me very easy now!

I really enjoyed heading up the teams who organised our Finals Days and our All-Stars night in 2025 – a lot of hard work which led to three amazing and very memorable events which showcased our game and our players on a national stage.

I love how inclusive Rounders is, how much fun it is to watch and play and one of the best things about being involved is the number of amazing people I’ve met and great friends I’ve made since offering to “help out a bit” at the 2023 AGM!

Ann-Marie Brennan, National Treasurer

I’ve been involved with GAA Rounders at national level for over five years, previously serving three years as the Leinster Representative on Ard Chomhairle. I first got involved through refereeing, which I’ve been doing for over 15 years, and it inspired me to contribute more to the sport off the pitch.

I originally took on the role of Treasurer in 2023 and, after a 12-month break, I’ve recently returned to the position. One of my proudest milestones was refereeing my 10th All-Ireland Final in 2024. I was also part of the team that developed a new referee course to support and guide the next generation of officials.

My hope for the future is to see Rounders continue to grow steadily, with the introduction of provincial championships feeding into a stronger, more competitive All-Ireland Championship structure.

Craig Davis, Children’s Officer (Galway)

Hi, I’m Craig, and I’m delighted to be starting my fifth year on the GAA Rounders Ard Comhairle — one as an ordinary member, one as Connacht delegate, and now my third year as National Children’s Officer.

I grew up playing the British version of Rounders as a child, and in my early forties I picked up the bat again after my wife took up the sport. What began as a bit of fun quickly became a real passion. I first joined Michael Glavey’s and now play with Galway City Rapparees, where Rounders has become a big part of both my sporting and social life.

As Children’s Officer, I’m focused on helping more young people experience the joy of Rounders. Over the past two years, we’ve done a lot of unseen work with Croke Park, and it’s incredibly exciting to now see the fruits of that labour in projects like Go Games for Rounders and our new coaching workshops. Alongside this, I’ve been involved in creating player and coaching pathways at club level and raising the sport’s profile in schools through initiatives such as Gaelic Time and the Future Leaders Programme.

I also referee regularly — it keeps me close to the game and reminds me what Rounders is really about: fairness, teamwork, and fun.

It’s been amazing to see how quickly the game is growing, and I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead. My hope is that in the coming years, we’ll see Rounders played in every GAA club and school across Ireland — giving every child the chance to enjoy it as much as I do.

Chiara Trench, Communications Officer (Carlow)

Sport and fitness have always played an important role in my life. I only started playing Rounders last year, to stay active during the summer. What surprised me was how quickly I fell in love with the sport—the inclusivity, the friendships, and the sense of belonging it created.

I want to be involved in promoting this far and wide, continuing the great work that was done last year with the new website and social media channels.

Consistent, fun, positive content can create a buzz, helping rounders clubs grow, and this has made me want to contribute at a national level as Communications Officer.

Leighlinbridge Rounders Club winning the 2025 Social Media Award is something I’m incredibly proud of. It showed that storytelling, creativity, and consistency really do make a difference. It wasn’t just about posts and graphics—it was about capturing the energy of our club, celebrating our players, and showing the wider community what Rounders has to offer.

On a personal level, I’d love to see even more women in Rounders. One of my passions is keeping women in sport—and Rounders is uniquely positioned to offer a place for everyone, no matter their age, ability, or experience. Whether someone wants to play, volunteer, help with paperwork, coach, or just make the tea on match day, there’s always room for them.

From an AC perspective, I’d love to see Rounders grow in visibility and be broadcast to a wider audience. It’s an entertaining, fast-paced, family-friendly sport that deserves more attention. Social media is a huge part of this—strong digital storytelling can help clubs grow, inspire new players, and show the country what makes Rounders so special. I want to help create that momentum nationally.

Arleen Ramsey, Ulster Representative (Antrim)

I’m proud to represent Ulster on the Ard Chomhairle, a role that grew from a deep-rooted love of Rounders. I’ve been involved for nearly five years, playing with Wolfe Tones GAC and taking part in G4MO (Gaelic for Mothers & Others).

Rounders is a real family affair for us—my husband John plays too, and this year one of our children joined the team after turning 16. Sharing the sport we love together has been incredibly special.

What I cherish most is the sense of community, the laughs, and the lifelong friendships the game brings. I love travelling and meeting new people (though I’ll always prefer sunshine over the cold!).

Looking ahead, I’d love to see Rounders reach more clubs, more communities, and more families – celebrated as the inclusive, joyful sport it truly is.

Martin Hoban, Connacht Representative (Mayo)

Since joining Kilmeena in 2023, Rounders has become a huge part of my life. I’ve never been one to just show up and play. I love getting involved off the field too, whether that’s sharing advice, helping new teams find their feet, or running open days to introduce others to the sport. That drive to keep growing the game is what led me to get involved at a national level and promote Rounders across Connacht.

Winning back-to-back All-Ireland titles has definitely been a highlight. To achieve that in such a short time with a young club is something I’m really proud of. It’s been a great journey for everyone involved, and it shows what can be achieved with commitment and teamwork.

I’d love to see the sport continue to grow nationwide, with more clubs, stronger competitions, and more young players getting involved. From the AC perspective, I’d like to see ongoing support for new clubs and more promotion to give Rounders the recognition it deserves as a core GAA sport.

When I’m not playing Rounders, you’ll probably find me watching motorsport, golf, Manchester United or like any good Mayo person, shouting “Mayo for Sam!”. I love to get out for a run whenever I can, it’s a great way to clear the head. Sport has always been a big part of my life, no matter what form it takes.

Jack Cheyne, Leinster Representative

I have been the Leinster Representative on the GAA Rounders Ard Chomhairle since November 2024. I got involved nationally through my experience refereeing and playing, and the many connections I’ve made across the Rounders community.

My proudest achievement so far has been organising a Referee Training Course to help equip new referees for Junior matches, especially in the growing South East region.

My dream for the future is to see County Rounders teams established – I’d love to represent Longford myself. From an Ard Chomhairle perspective, I hope to see the organisation continue growing, becoming strong and independent enough to fully run its own operations.

Outside of Rounders, I also play softball with KCB.

Michael Sheahan, Munster Representative (Limerick)

Based in Askeaton, Co. Limerick, I represent Munster on the GAA Rounders Ard Chomhairle. I first got involved in the 1980s through Community Games and have maintained that connection ever since, helping to establish six adult clubs and three juvenile clubs in Limerick over the past decade.

I became involved nationally to ensure Munster had a voice at Ard Chomhairle level, with a focus on developing Rounders across all Munster counties. I also coach at St. Kieran’s GAA Rounders Club and work with primary schools and developing clubs.

As Rounders continues to grow, I believe regional structures will be needed to support clubs and attract more volunteers. Looking even further ahead, I see real potential to expand Rounders internationally through the global GAA network.

Michael Meaney, Central Council Delegate (Carlow)

I currently act as the liaison between GAA Management and GAA Rounders, a role I took on at the request of the Uachtarán of the GAA as part of my three-year term on Coiste Bainistíochta.

Though I’ve never played Rounders myself, I bring a strong administrative background from Carlow GAA, having served as Chairperson, Treasurer, Leinster Council Delegate, Chair of Coiste na nÓg, and Chair of the CCC. I now represent Carlow as their Central Council Delegate and was elected to represent Leinster on Coiste Bainistíochta – my first introduction to GAA Rounders, and one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I am also a member of the Football Review Committee, working on changing and enhancing the playing rules of Gaelic Football.

Looking ahead, I’d 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.