Are you Grant ready? CSFF 2026

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Preparing for the Community Sports Facilities Fund

 

Guidance for GAA Rounders Clubs

The Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) is expected to reopen in late spring. This fund has supported clubs across Ireland to develop and improve local sports facilities, and it represents an important opportunity for GAA Rounders clubs planning capital works.

While the fund is not yet open, now is the ideal time to prepare.

 

What is the Community Sports Facilities Fund?

The CSFF is administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and supports community-owned sports facilities through capital grants. Typical projects supported in previous rounds have included:

Facility upgrades and improvements

Equipment and storage infrastructure

Accessibility and inclusion enhancements

Pitch and playing area developments

Shared or multi-sport facilities

Funding is competitive, so preparation and good guidance are key.

 

First Step: Contact Your Local Sports Partnership (LSP)

Every club should make early contact with their Local Sports Partnership (LSP).

LSPs are your best local source of information and can:

 

  • Confirm eligibility criteria
  • Explain funding strands and limits
  • Advise on timelines and readiness
  • Support clubs with planning and documentation
  • Signpost other local or national funding streams

 

Each county in Ireland has an LSP, usually based within the Local Authority.

Clubs should contact the LSP in the county where the facility is located.

A full list of Local Sports Partnerships is available via Sport Ireland.

https://www.sportireland.ie/participation/lsp-contact-finder

 

Why Early Engagement Matters

Clubs that engage early with their LSP tend to:

  • Submit stronger, more complete applications
  • Avoid common errors
  • Align projects with local and national sport priorities
  • Be aware of matching funding requirements

Early conversations can also help determine whether your project is ready this year or better suited to a future round.

Making a Strong Grant Application – Key Advice

Even before the fund opens, clubs can work on the fundamentals.

Be Clear on the Need

What problem are you solving?

How does the project benefit your club and wider community?

Who will use the facility (age groups, schools, other clubs, community groups)?

 

Show Community Impact

Strong applications clearly demonstrate:

Increased participation

Inclusion (women & girls, youth, older adults, disability access)

Shared use or wider community benefit

Alignment with GAA and national sport objectives

 

Have Governance in Order

Ensure your club has:

An active committee

Up-to-date constitution

Proper financial oversight

Clear ownership or usage rights for the facility

 

Prepare Your Costings

Obtain realistic quotes

Be clear on total project cost

Understand how the club will fund any shortfall

Avoid underestimating costs

 

Club To-Do Checklist

Before the fund opens, clubs should:

☐ Contact your Local Sports Partnership

☐ Identify and agree the project scope

☐ Confirm ownership or long-term access to the facility

☐ Gather quotes or cost estimates

☐ Review your club’s governance and finances

☐ Discuss the project with your county board / provincial structures if relevant

☐ Identify who will lead the application

☐ Consider how the project supports inclusion and participation

 

Other Free Supports & Useful Information

In addition to LSPs, clubs can access free guidance from:

  • Sport Ireland – funding updates, governance guidance
  • Local Authorities – planning, accessibility, community use advice
  • LEADER Partnerships (in some areas) – rural development supports
  • GAA Units – governance and club development resources

 

A Final Word for Clubs

The Community Sports Facilities Fund is competitive, but well-prepared clubs give themselves the best chance. Early planning, local engagement, and clear community benefit are common features of successful applications.

GAA Rounders clubs are encouraged to start conversations now, even before the fund officially opens.

2026 Minor Championships

It’s On: The 2026 GAA Rounders Minor Championships

August 29th. Abbotstown. Three of the most prestigious titles in GAA Rounders.

The ink on the GAA Rounders Master Calendar is barely dry, yet behind the scenes the familiar scramble for venues is already in full swing. Some dates fill quickly. Others carry a little more weight.

The GAA Rounders Minor Championships for 2026 already have their home — and it’s a cracker.

On Saturday, August 29th, the finest emerging talents in the game will descend on the GAA National Games Development Centre (NGDC), Abbotstown, Dublin. One all-action, high-tempo, and frankly exhausting day of Rounders will decide three of the most prestigious titles in GAA Rounders.

Reigning champions Emo of Laois will arrive with targets on their backs, looking to defend both the Men’s and Mixed crowns. Meanwhile, Athenry of Galway will aim to further cement their status as the powerhouse of Minor Women’s Rounders, chasing an impressive three-in-a-row.

But championships are never won on reputation alone.

History is there for the taking for any club bold enough to chase it. The venue is set. The champions will surely return to defend their crowns. The only unanswered question is simple: who is willing to step forward and challenge them?

You have the date.
You have the venue.
You have the notice.

So what’s your excuse?

Get a team together. Put the hours in. Take the chance.
Because on August 29th, your club could etch its name into the history of GAA Rounders.

InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns – Men’s & Women’s Tournaments Confirmed for March 29

InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns – Men’s & Women’s Tournaments Confirmed for March 29

GAA Rounders is set to kick off the 2026 season in style, with the InterProvincial Tournament confirmed as the opening event of the year.

In a major and welcome change, the 2026 competition will feature separate Men’s and Women’s InterProvincials for the first time, both taking place on:

📅 Sunday, 29 March 2026
📍 Athlone GAA, Co. Westmeath

Match Schedule

12:00pm Throw-In

  • Men’s Semi-Final: Leinster vs Ulster
  • Women’s Semi-Final: Connacht vs Munster

2:00pm Throw-In

  • Men’s Semi-Final: Connacht vs Munster
  • Women’s Semi-Final: Leinster vs Ulster

4:00pm Finals

  • Winners of each semi-final face off in both Men’s and Women’s finals

Semi-finals will be played over five innings, with finals possibly extending to seven innings

Interprovincials

Panel Structure & Selection Rules

Each province will name:

  • 15-player Men’s panel
  • 15-player Women’s panel

Key rules:

  • Maximum of five players per club on each panel
  • No players under 18 permitted
  • Players must have competed in the 2025 Championship
  • Selection overseen by each Provincial Representative and selectors

Selectors face difficult decisions and clubs are asked to respect the process and commitment involved.

Grade Balance – Ensuring Fair Representation

Each panel must include:

  • 5 x Senior
  • 5 x Intermediate
  • 5 x Junior

Starting Teams:

  • 3 x Senior
  • 3 x Intermediate
  • 3 x Junior

Substitutions:

  • Like-for-like only (Junior for Junior, etc.)
  • All substitutes must receive game time

Note: Munster operates a slightly different structure based on team availability.

Mandatory Training Sessions

Each province will host two mandatory training sessions:

  1. Late February – Dates & venues TBC
  2. Mid-March – Dates & venues TBC

⚠ Important: Players must attend BOTH sessions to be eligible to play on March 29.

Club Nominations – Action Required

Club Secretaries must submit their nominations by:

🗓 Friday, 13 February

Please ensure:

  • Nominations are realistic
  • Players are fully committed to training & match day
  • The five-player-per-club limit is respected

A Huge Honour

Representing your province is one of the highest honours in GAA Rounders. This event allows players from Junior to Senior level to showcase their talent on a national stage.

With live streaming expected, this will be a major showcase for the sport as the 2026 season begins.

For queries please contact:
Shirley Lennon
National Secretary, GAA Rounders

2026 GAA Rounders Master Calendar

2026 GAA Rounders Master Calendar

2026 GAA Rounders Master Calendar

GAA Rounders has officially published its 2026 Master Calendar and it’s jam-packed with adult and underage events, guaranteeing a season of excitement for everyone.

A New Look for InterProvincials

The season kicks off on 29 March with the return of the InterProvincial Championships after a two-year absence. While the central location will be confirmed shortly, this event promises to showcase the best players from all four provinces battling for provincial pride.

In a break from tradition, 2026 will see both Men’s and Women’s InterProvincial competitions, as provinces go head-to-head to see who will reign supreme and take home the shields.

Championship Season Begins

Three weeks later, the business end of the year begins. The Senior and Intermediate Championships will commence with league matches taking place at clubs all over the country.

Saturday, 2 May sees the return of the popular Junior Blitz Day.
Always a highlight of the calendar, and with so many emerging Junior teams nationwide, this promises a day of high-quality play and new skills on show.

Juvenile & Féile Highlights

The underage competitions begin on 16 May with the U14 Boys and Girls All-Ireland Championships in Munster.

  • 30 May – U14 Mixed
  • 13 June – Flagship U13 Féile
  • 21 June – National John West U15 Féile (Carlow/Laois)
  • 4 July – U16 Boys and Girls
  • 29 August – Minor Men, Women & Mixed
  • 12 September – U16 Mixed

The Road to the Finals

Adult league fixtures continue throughout the summer, but the weekends of 25/26 July and 8/9 August are crucial for Junior teams, with All-Ireland quarter and semi-final places on the line.

Intermediate and Senior teams will then battle for final places over the weekends of 15/16 and 22/23 August.

A Historic Finals Format

For the first time ever, Finals Days will be split by category rather than grade:

  • 30 August – All Women’s Finals (Senior, Intermediate & Junior)
  • 6 September – All Men’s Finals
  • 13 September – Mixed Finals Day

Stay Informed

Venue updates will be posted here once confirmed. All club secretaries will also receive regular updates throughout the season.

2026 is shaping up to be our best year yet!

Affiliations close Monday, 19 January

Contact secretary.rounders@gaa.ie to ensure your club is involved.

2026 GAA Rounders Master Calendar

2026 GAA Rounders Master Calendar

GAA Rounders Clubs Urged to Attend National Club Summit

GAA Rounders Clubs Urged to Attend National Club Summit

All Rounders clubs are encouraged to send at least one representative to the National Club Summit taking place in Croke Park on Saturday, February 7th, 2026.

This is a new national event aimed at supporting club volunteers across the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Associations, delivered in partnership with Amazon.ie.

Rounders Stand on the Day

GAA Rounders will have a dedicated stand at the Summit, giving clubs the chance to speak directly with national officers about development, growth and support.

Rounders representatives attending:

  • Paula Doherty – President
  • Shirley Lennon – Secretary
  • Chiara Trench – Communications Officer
  • Mark Jennings – Development Officer

They will be available to meet anyone interested in setting up a new Rounders club, growing an existing club, or looking for guidance around coaching, recruitment and development.

Volunteers at the Heart of the Event

The Club Summit has been created following direct engagement with clubs around the pressures volunteers are facing.

“We know from our conversations with clubs that volunteers are under real pressure. The Club Summit is about responding to that with practical support.”

What Will Be Covered

The day is built around five core areas:

  • Developing Your Games
  • Running Your Club
  • Supporting Your People
  • Enhancing Your Facilities
  • Contributing to Your Community

Sessions will cover:

  • Coach and referee development
  • Club governance and planning
  • Digital communications and AI
  • Fundraising and sponsorship
  • Grant funding
  • Safeguarding and Safe Club
  • Youth development
  • Volunteer recruitment and retention
  • Mental fitness and wellbeing
  • Facilities and pitch maintenance

Guest Speakers

  • Peter Canavan
  • Declan Hannon
  • Conor McManus
  • Liam Sheedy
  • Ursula Jacob
  • Diane O’Hora
  • Niamh McGrath
  • Denis Walsh
  • Tom Ryan

The focus will be on real discussion and practical takeaways.

Extra Incentives

  • Club service exhibitors
  • Equipment & teamwear suppliers
  • Fundraising and grant supports
  • €10,000 discount on 2026 club fees for one club

Why Rounders Clubs Should Go

  • Direct access to national officers
  • Support for new club setup
  • Fresh ideas to bring back to your committee

Event Details

  • Date: Friday, February 7th, 2026
  • Venue: Croke Park
  • Cost: €20
  • Closing date: January 31st
  • Tickets:

    Book here

Affiliation Now Open for the 2026 GAA Rounders Season

Affiliation Now Open for the 2026 GAA Rounders Season

Affiliation for the 2026 GAA Rounders season is now officially open.

All clubs intending to compete in the 2026 season are reminded that affiliation must be completed by 5pm on Monday, 19 January 2026. Clubs should ensure that their affiliation form is completed and returned within the required timeframe to remain eligible for competitions in the year ahead.

Affiliation Fee Confirmed

The affiliation fee for the 2026 season will remain unchanged. 

Full affiliation details, including payment information and required documentation, have been circulated directly to clubs.

Winter Leagues – Important Notice

Clubs currently participating in Winter Leagues are strongly advised to complete affiliation as a matter of urgency. Timely affiliation is essential to ensure that Player Injury Fund cover remains in place for all registered players taking part in fixtures during January.

Official Club Email Addresses

Clubs are reminded that all GAA Rounders correspondence must be conducted through official gaa.ie email accounts.

The use of personal or unofficial email addresses is no longer permitted. This requirement is necessary to ensure:

  • Appropriate data protection standards
  • Clear and consistent communication
  • Efficient organisation of fixtures and competitions later in the season

Any club experiencing difficulty accessing its official email account is encouraged to make contact directly for support.

Further Information

Clubs with queries regarding affiliation are advised to refer to the information circulated directly or to make contact for clarification as required.

Completing affiliation promptly will help ensure a smooth start to the 2026 GAA Rounders season.

GAA Rounders Statement

GAA Rounders confirms that the Ard Chomhairle has passed a Motion of No Confidence in the Competitions Control Committee (CCC). This decision follows careful consideration of recent developments and concerns regarding the effective administration of our competitions.

The motion reflects Ard Chomhairle’s responsibility to uphold the highest standards of governance, transparency, and fairness within our sport. As a result, the CCC has been stood down with immediate effect.

A recent Competitions Control Committee (CCC) ruling on a formal complaint of alleged racism conflicted with a recommendation from GAA’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, which advised imposing a 48-week ban on the individual involved.

This divergence did not align with the position of Ard Chomhairle, which fully supports the principles of inclusion and diversity within the GAA.

Following extensive efforts to resolve this matter and uphold the standards set by GAA’s Community & Health Department, Ard Chomhairle unanimously decided to stand down the CCC from their current role.

This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring that all players, officials, and volunteers feel respected and valued within GAA Rounders.

GAA Rounders remains firmly dedicated to promoting equality, inclusion, and respect across our sport. We welcome participants of all nationalities and backgrounds and will continue working to create an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and part of the GAA Rounders community.

We remain committed to transparency and welcome genuine queries via email to secretary.rounders@gaa.ie.

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

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:

  1. Paula Doherty — President
  2. Michael Dowling — Vice President
  3. Shirley Lennon — National Secretary
  4. Mark Jennings — Development Officer
  5. Catriona Carty — Juvenile Secretary
  6. Craig Davis — Children’s Officer
  7. Michael Sheahan — Munster Representative
  8. PJ Lalor — Leinster Representative
  9. Ronan Kiernan — North Leinster / South Ulster Representative
  10. Martin Hoban — Connacht Representative
  11. Arleen Ramsey – Ulster Rep
  12. Chiara Trench — Communications Officer
  13. Peadar Waters — Ordinary Member
  14. Micheal Meaney – Croke Park delegate
Back Row (Left to Right): Michael Dowling, Michael Sheahan, Mark Jennings, Peadar Waters, Martin Hoban, Chiara Trench Front Row (Left to Right): Catriona Carty, Paula Doherty, Shirley Lennon, PJ Lalor

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.

Paula Doherty - GAA Rounders President

Paula Doherty Elected First Female President of GAA Rounders

Paula Doherty Elected First Female President of GAA Rounders

GAA Rounders has entered a landmark moment in its history with the election of Paula Doherty as the Association’s first-ever female President. The announcement comes at a time when the sport is experiencing unprecedented growth, with nearly 70 clubs, more than 2,500 adult players, and new clubs forming every week — making Rounders one of the fastest-growing sports in Ireland.

A native of Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Doherty has been immersed in Rounders for more than three decades. From first playing at age 11 to becoming one of the most decorated players in the modern game, her contribution spans playing, coaching, club leadership, and national administration.

A Leader with On-Field Excellence

  • 4 Senior Women’s All-Ireland titles (2022–2025)
  • 2 Senior Mixed All-Ireland titles (2024, 2025)
  • 3 All-Star Awards at 3rd Base (2022, 2023, 2025)

All achieved with her home club, Breaffy Rounders.

Professional Expertise

Off the field, Doherty works as a lecturer and programme director at ATU St Angela’s, Sligo. Her background in education, governance, and strategic planning aligns closely with the needs of a rapidly growing national body.

A Vision for the Years Ahead

“Rounders was recognised in the GAA’s original constitution in 1884. We are not on the edges of the Association — we are part of its foundation.”

Her leadership will follow a clear principle:

“There is one question that will guide every decision we make: does this help all our clubs?”

Her priorities include strengthening club structures, enhancing referee development, expanding digital promotion, and improving communication nationwide.

“Fairness, respect, accountability, transparency. If you don’t have those, you have nothing.”

Doherty succeeds outgoing President Iain Cheyne and thanked the previous Ard Chomhairle for their commitment and work.

Paula Doherty - GAA Rounders President

Paula Doherty – GAA Rounders President

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 😂😉”