2025 GAA Rounders Underage Championships – A Season to Celebrate

From Féile to Minor, 2025 was another landmark year for underage GAA Rounders. Across every province, young players showed skill, spirit, and teamwork — the values that make our sport so special. With more clubs fielding teams and new regions joining the action, the energy around underage Rounders has never been stronger.

Back-to-Back GAA Rounders Féile Glory for Glynn-Barntown

At this year’s GAA Rounders U13 Féile, Glynn-Barntown of Wexford proved that consistency is the mark of champions. Their U13 girls successfully defended their title from last year, going back-to-back in style. It was another showcase of the club’s strength in depth, with sharp batting, clever fielding, and calm heads under pressure. Few teams manage to retain a national crown at this level — a testament to Glynn-Barntown’s commitment to nurturing young Rounders talent and their growing legacy in the underage game.

U14 Mixed – Erne Eagles Shine in Monaghan

After one of the wettest starts imaginable in Monaghan, the Erne Eagles of Cavan delivered a standout performance in the U14 Mixed Final to overcome Emo. Their composure in testing conditions and explosive batting display secured them a deserved title and showcased the club’s growing influence on the national stage.

Historic Win for St Martins at National Féile

The 2025 National Féile in Wexford also saw the introduction of a Mixed Competition — a milestone moment for the sport. One of the matches of the season unfolded in the final, featuring high-tempo batting, outstanding fielding, and top-class pitching. St Martins rose to the occasion, claiming their place in history as the inaugural Féile Mixed Champions.

Minor Ladies Final – Athenry Retain Their Crown

The Minor Ladies All-Ireland Final in Dunganny, Co. Meath on August 13th was a fitting climax to the underage season. The game between Athenry and Emo will be remembered as an instant classic.

The Final: Emo v Athenry

Emo came flying out of the traps with power hitting from Heidi Browne and Emer Dooley, supported by superb fielding from Rachel McMahon. They stormed into a commanding 17–6 lead after the first innings. But champions respond when it matters — and Athenry did just that, rallying in the middle innings to pull the game back to 29–25 heading into the fifth.

Athenry batted first in the final innings, putting up nine runs with clever placement hitting and intelligent base running. That left Emo chasing ten to win or nine to force extras. Athenry’s defence, led by pitcher Ellen Shaugnessy, catcher Izzy Gannon, and first base Meabh Murray, stood tall — restricting Emo to five and forcing extra innings.

Extra Innings: Champions Tested

Both pitchers raised their game when it mattered most. Athenry edged the first extra innings 2–0 and added five more in the second, leaving Emo needing seven to stay alive. Despite a brave fightback, Athenry’s defence held firm — with Gannon sealing the game with a brilliant at-the-feet catch. Athenry retained their crown, confirming their status as one of the standout underage teams in the country.

“This team, they just never let me down. Win or lose, they never let me down.”
— Peter Lyons, Athenry Manager

Emo’s Remarkable Season

It was also a phenomenal year for Emo GAA Rounders, who featured across multiple finals and collected titles in almost every age grade. From U13 to Minor, their commitment, coaching, and community support have set a benchmark for underage development nationwide.

A Bright Future for Underage Rounders

The 2025 season wasn’t just about silverware — it was about progress. Across every county, Rounders clubs continue to grow, new players are picking up bats and helmets, and the quality of play is rising year on year.

The launch of Go Games for Rounders has already taken off, with pilot events held in Limerick, Dublin, Carlow, Wexford, and Cavan. These successful trials set the tone for a new era — giving children a fun, inclusive way to experience Rounders through game-based play.

With even more regional events planned for 2026, Go Games expanding into additional counties, and at least one national event coming to each province, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

If your club would like to start an underage Rounders section, contact:
📧 juvenilesecretary.rounders@gaa.ie or childrensofficer.rounders@gaa.ie

2025 GAA Rounders Underage Championships – Roll of Honour