GAA Rounders Ard Chomhairle 2027 Nominees
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2026 AGM Elections
All positions, nominees and election status at a glance
3 Uncontested
2 Vacancies
2 Conditional
Vice-President
AnnMarie Brennan
Michael Sheahan
Secretary
Shirley Lennon
Treasurer
Margaret Doyle
Ana Carr
Communications Officer
Joe Naughton*
Coaching Officer
Mark Jennings
Assistant / Juvenile Secretary
Vacant
Games Secretary
Vacant
Connacht Representative
Martin Hoban
Aidan Carr
Leinster Representative
PJ Lalor
Munster Representative
Majella O’Connor
Michael Sheahan*
Ulster Representative
Arleen Ramsey
Emma Perrin
Central Council Delegate
Michael Meaney
Joe Naughton
Conditional Nominations
Communications Officer: Joe Naughton is also contesting the Central Council Delegate position. His Communications Officer nomination is conditional on the outcome of that election.
Munster Representative: Michael Sheahan is also contesting the Vice-President position. His Munster nomination is conditional on the outcome of that election.
President and Children’s Officer are not up for election at the 2026 AGM. Election status reflects the nominations listed ahead of the AGM.
With our 2026 AGM just around the corner, we’re currently working on the booklet which will be sent to all clubs with details of the AGM agenda, motions for approval and nominations for Ard Chomhairle officers for the coming year.
We’ll go through the motions in another article, but first we’ll have a look at the players and club members from all over the country who have put their names forward for positions on the next Ard Chomhairle.
We asked all nominees to submit a piece outlining their experience, what they would hope to bring to the role if elected and how they would approach the position. The information below is taken from those submissions.
President
Paula Doherty
Current National President
Paula Doherty was elected as GAA Rounders’ first female President in November 2025 for a three-year term and will serve until at least November 2028.
She may seek a second three-year term at next year’s AGM but cannot be opposed this year.
Vice President
Michael Dowling
Outgoing Vice President
Our outgoing Vice President, Michael Dowling, is a stalwart of our game and organisation.
A former President who has given more years to the sport than most of us can remember, Michael has decided to step away from Ard Chomhairle and enjoy his retirement watching and refereeing Rounders.
We are immensely grateful for his years of service. Much of the success of GAA Rounders over recent years is attributable to Michael and the countless hours he has put in.
While we will miss his steady hand and wise advice at Ard Chomhairle meetings, we hope to continue seeing him pitchside for many years to come.
Míle buíochas, Michael
CONTESTED ELECTION — TWO CANDIDATES
Both nominees have extensive Rounders experience and would bring different skillsets to the Vice President role
AnnMarie Brennan
Cúchulainn, Carlow
Experience: Over 20 years in GAA Rounders, progressing from player and referee to Ard Chomhairle member, Leinster representative, Treasurer and 2026 CCC Chair.
Expertise: Deep knowledge of the association’s governance, constitution and Croke Park relationships, bringing strong leadership, integrity and a solutions-focused approach.
Vision as Vice President: Committed to supporting the President and Ard Chomhairle through teamwork, fostering collaborative growth and empowering members to take ownership of their roles to ensure the sport’s long-term success.
Michael Sheahan
St. Kieran’s, Limerick
Experience: Long-time involvement across all levels as an underage and adult coach, former CCC member, current Ard Chomhairle member, Munster Delegate and coach of the All-Ireland-winning St. Kieran’s Women’s team.
Track Record & Innovation: Spearheaded growth in Munster from a single club to 11 clubs and pioneered Wheelchair Rounders to promote inclusivity.
Vision as Vice President: Eager to provide Munster representation on the executive, support the President in official duties and champion inclusive growth while ensuring continuity for Munster development alongside Majella O’Connor.
National Secretary
The National Secretary is the link between clubs and Ard Chomhairle, the executive and Croke Park, and can be asked to undertake numerous responsibilities on any given day.
Shirley Lennon
Current National Secretary — Sole Nominee
Experience & Background: Serving as National Secretary throughout 2025 and 2026, alongside previous experience as Treasurer, Juvenile Secretary, Games Secretary and acting Communications Officer.
Track Record & Relationships: Instrumental in strengthening GAA Rounders’ corporate identity, professionalism and visibility. Acts as a principal point of contact for clubs and players, providing hands-on problem-solving and building relationships with suppliers, service providers and Croke Park.
Goals & Vision: Keen to continue driving ongoing projects and new initiatives, bringing a broad and experienced approach to executive leadership.
Commitment: Dedicated to the sport and its community, with hands-on knowledge of the organisation and the needs of its members.
Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for the financial management of GAA Rounders. While the association’s bank account and finances are still largely controlled by Croke Park’s Finance Department, the Treasurer plays an important role in monitoring income and expenditure, issuing invoices, paying suppliers and following up on outstanding debts.
CONTESTED ELECTION — TWO CANDIDATES
Margaret Doyle of Kilrush Askamore, Wexford, and Ana Carr of Kilmore, Roscommon.
Margaret Doyle
Kilrush Askamore, Wexford — Current Treasurer
Experience & Background: Served as Treasurer in 2026, gaining experience of the role’s responsibilities. A Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) with over 20 years’ experience in banking and payments.
Core Competencies: Strong financial background, attention to detail and a practical approach to managing association finances.
Goals & Vision: Focused on streamlining financial processes, strengthening reporting, implementing clear procedures and developing a structured handover guide for future Treasurers.
Commitment: Keen to build on the foundations established in previous years and continue contributing to the growth and management of GAA Rounders.
Ana Carr
Kilmore, Roscommon
Experience & Background: Ten years working in pensions with the HSE, 11 years operating a part-time sole-trader business managing accounts and tax returns, and qualified as a Payroll Technician.
Core Competencies: Accuracy, attention to detail, strong organisational skills and a responsible, transparent approach to financial management.
Goals & Vision: Committed to ensuring GAA Rounders’ finances are managed effectively and that robust financial oversight supports the organisation’s ongoing development. Knows that rounders needs more sources of revenue and is very keen to explore, grants and sponsorship for GAA rounders.
Commitment: Involved in Rounders since 2023 as an underage coach and current coach of Kilmore’s Intermediate Men’s team. Also plays for Kilmore’s Women’s and Mixed teams.
Communications Officer
The Communications Officer role is hugely important and was developed strongly in 2025 through improvements in branding, corporate identity and the creation of a strong national website.
During 2026, the role focused heavily on social media throughout the Championship. Following the departure of the officeholder in mid-August, communications duties were undertaken by the National Secretary, with assistance from members outside Ard Chomhairle.
Recruiting a strong Communications Officer for 2027 will be important to continue developing the association’s public profile.
Joe Naughton
Galway City Rapparees — Sole Nominee
Experience & Background: Involved at every level of the game, from the field to the boardroom, including establishing and growing Galway City Rapparees to five teams and two All-Ireland titles in 2026.
Track Record on Ard Chomhairle: Helped deliver a new national website, closer ties with Croke Park, increased media coverage and a more professional GAA Rounders brand.
Goals & Vision: Wants to build on previous communications progress while improving transparency, ensuring clubs and members receive clear, timely information about decisions, committees, fixtures and rule changes.
Commitment & Approach: Committed to regular club consultation, expanding media coverage, securing resources for clubs and ensuring Rounders is properly represented as GAA integration progresses.
Conditional Nomination:
Joe Naughton is also standing for the position of Central Council Delegate, a role in which he believes he could make a greater contribution to the future development of GAA Rounders.
His nomination for Communications Officer is therefore conditional on the outcome of the Central Council election. Joe remains committed to supporting GAA Rounders communications and would be happy to assist whoever holds the Communications Officer position.
Coaching Officer
Coaching Officer is the new title for the Development Officer role.
Mark Jennings
Breaffy, Mayo — Current Development Officer
Mark held the Development Officer role in 2026 and is unopposed for the renamed Coaching Officer position.
Experience & Background: Served as Development Officer for the past year and previously as Connacht Representative.
Core Skills & Methods: Delivers hands-on coaching sessions, creates short educational videos analysing key plays and brings extensive knowledge of the game to help clubs improve.
Goals & Vision: Plans to expand coaching sessions across all provinces and establish a clear, structured roadmap for long-term player and team development.
Commitment: Dedicated to building on the sport’s current momentum and taking national coaching and development to the next level.
Children’s Officer
Craig Davis
Appointed Position — Continuing for a Fourth Year
The Children’s Officer is not an elected role but an Ard Chomhairle appointment. For the fourth consecutive year, Craig Davis has been asked to continue in the position.
Craig’s commitment to Juvenile Rounders has been exemplary, with underage events delivered with structure, organisation and an emphasis on enjoyment.
2026 saw the successful rollout of Go Games for Rounders programmes nationwide. With support from a Juvenile Committee representing all four provinces, Craig will continue developing opportunities for younger players in 2027.
Assistant / Juvenile Secretary
NO NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
Traditionally the Assistant Secretary role, this position has primarily supported the Children’s Officer with juvenile events and administration over the past two years. There are no nominees for 2027.
Games Secretary
NO NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
The Games Secretary manages the All-Ireland Championships and other competitions organised by Ard Chomhairle. The position has not been filled since 2024, with the National Secretary carrying out its responsibilities for the past two seasons.
Provincial Representatives
Provincial Representatives act as the link between clubs in their province and Ard Chomhairle.
They support existing clubs with training, resources and assistance while working to promote Rounders, attract new clubs and increase participation.
Connacht Ard Chomhairle Delegate
CONTESTED ELECTION — TWO CANDIDATES
Current representative Martin Hoban of Kilmeena is challenged by Aidan Carr of Kilmore.
Martin Hoban
Kilmeena, Mayo — Current Connacht Representative
Experience & Background: Seeking re-election after serving as Connacht Representative since November 2025. Has contacted more than 140 GAA clubs to promote Rounders and acted as a point of contact throughout the province.
Track Record: Organised and supported provincial competitions and managed the Connacht Men’s team to Interprovincial Championship victory.
Goals & Vision: Wants to establish new clubs and teams, increase participation and expand Rounders throughout Connacht.
Commitment: Brings leadership experience, practical results and a clear focus on provincial development.
Aidan Carr
Kilmore, Roscommon
Experience & Background: Involved with Kilmore Rounders since 2023. Longstanding Chairperson of Kilmore Community Games and coached underage basketball for eight years.
Track Record: Plays and coaches, including Kilmore’s Junior Women’s team and previous underage coach. Represented Connacht on the victorious 2026 Interprovincial team and competed at the GAA World Games.
Goals & Vision: Wants to represent clubs and players throughout Connacht, support Ard Chomhairle initiatives and broaden participation.
Commitment: Brings leadership experience and a passion for youth and community sport.
Leinster Ard Chomhairle Delegate
PJ Lalor
Myshall, Carlow — Current Leinster Representative
Experience & Background: Gained practical experience and insight from serving as Leinster Representative over the past year.
Track Record: Connected with clubs and players across Leinster and assisted at major events, including GAA Rounders’ World Games showcase and the Leinster Interprovincial teams.
Goals & Vision: Wants to remain a strong voice for Leinster clubs and support players in their development.
Commitment: Aims to build on the experience gained and provide effective provincial representation.
Munster Ard Chomhairle Delegate
Current Munster Delegate Michael Sheahan is standing for Vice President. If unsuccessful in that election, he has also been nominated to continue as Munster Representative.
He is challenged by St. Kieran’s clubmate Majella O’Connor.
Majella O’Connor
St. Kieran’s, Limerick
Experience & Background: Took up Rounders in her early-to-mid 50s, bringing an active playing perspective and first-hand appreciation of the sport’s accessibility.
Core Philosophy: Passionate about showing that age need not be a barrier to taking part in sport.
Goals & Vision: Wants to promote Rounders as an opportunity to develop skills, improve fitness, make friends and build strong community connections.
Commitment: Brings enthusiasm, advocacy and personal experience to supporting participation throughout Munster.
Ulster Ard Chomhairle Delegate
CONTESTED ELECTION — TWO CANDIDATES
Current representative Arleen Ramsey of Wolfe Tones and Emma Perrin of Erne Eagles.
Arleen Ramsey
Wolfe Tones, Antrim — Current Ulster Representative
Experience & Background: Has served as Ulster Ard Chomhairle Delegate since 2024.
Core Priorities & Initiatives: Introduced monthly friendly blitz events, contacted clubs across Ulster and organised the Ulster Provincial Cup.
Support & Representation: Committed to open communication, guidance on coaching and equipment, referee development and strong representation for Ulster at national level.
Goals & Vision: Wants to increase playing opportunities and build a stronger community of active clubs and players throughout Ulster.
Emma Perrin
Erne Eagles, Cavan
Experience & Background: Advocate for growing Rounders across Ulster through collaboration, communication and shared goals.
Core Priorities: Wants to open communication with all Ulster clubs, work with the Coaching Officer on Skills Days and partner with Ulster GAA to access supports.
Goals & Vision: Focused on forming new teams and clubs and providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Commitment: Wants to use pathways such as Cumann na mBunscol and Community Games to introduce young people to Rounders.
Central Council Delegate
Our final position on the 2027 Ard Chomhairle is also our newest — and potentially one of the most significant for the future of GAA Rounders.
At the 2026 GAA Annual Congress, GAA Rounders was granted a seat on Central Council. This will be the first occasion on which clubs vote to select their representative for the position.
The successful candidate will take up the role in February 2027 and will also sit on Ard Chomhairle, acting as a link between the wider GAA and GAA Rounders.
With two experienced candidates nominated, delegates are encouraged to consider what each would bring to the position and how their representation on Central Council could benefit the association.
CONTESTED ELECTION — TWO CANDIDATES
Michael Meaney of Cúchulainn, Carlow, and Joe Naughton of Galway City Rapparees.
Michael Meaney
Cúchulainn, Carlow — GAA Liaison Officer
Michael has served as the link between the GAA Management Committee and GAA Rounders Ard Chomhairle since 2023.
Experience & Background: Over 20 years of GAA administration at county, provincial and national levels, including five years on Central Council, three years on the GAA Management Committee and key roles with Old Leighlin GAA.
Infrastructure & Project Track Record: Current Project Co-ordinator for the Carlow GAA Centre of Excellence, with extensive capital project experience.
Governance Expertise: Strong knowledge of the GAA Official Guides, 15 years as County CCC Chair and involvement in drafting the updated GAA Rounders Constitution adopted at the 2025 AGM.
Connections & Vision: Aims to use his Croke Park relationships and governance experience to progress important projects and represent GAA Rounders at national level.
Joe Naughton
Galway City Rapparees — Former Communications Officer
Experience & Background: Over 25 years in the sports industry, 20 years in communications and 10 years serving on sporting and charity boards. Founded Galway City Rapparees, growing the club to five teams and two All-Ireland titles in 2026, while championing inclusivity and bringing together players from diverse backgrounds.
Track Record on Ard Chomhairle: Former GAA Rounders Communications Officer who helped deliver a new national website, stronger Croke Park relationships, increased media coverage and a more professional national brand.
Connections & Vision: Combines extensive boardroom experience with deep knowledge of Rounders clubs, players and volunteers nationwide. Aims to secure greater staffing, funding and recognition, while seeking positions on national GAA committees where decisions directly affecting Rounders are made.
Commitment & Approach: Believes Central Council must be a working position, not simply another committee title. Committed to club consultation, transparent reporting and delivering results. From the field to the boardroom, Joe sees enormous potential for more Rounders in every county.
2026 GAA Rounders Annual General Meeting
Sunday 15 November 2026
Breaffy Resort, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
It is important that as many clubs as possible attend and participate in decisions affecting the organisation for 2027 and beyond.
All clubs may send two voting delegates. Juvenile-only clubs may send two delegates, but only one may vote.
The AGM booklet, nominations and motions for debate and voting will be circulated to Club Secretaries later this week.
