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GAA Rounders World Games Exhibition Matches

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GAA World Games – 16 July 2026

No two days in the Rounders world are ever the same, but some days really are very special. They remind us why we do what we do and what makes the game we all love so wonderful. Thursday, 16 July was one of those days for everyone involved in the GAA Rounders Exhibition Games as part of the GAA World Games.

Back in January, GAA Rounders was invited to be involved in the 2026 GAA World Games, and we jumped at the opportunity to be part of this fantastic collaborative event involving GAA players from all over the world. Although we couldn’t be included in the competitive tournament proper, we submitted a proposal to showcase our sport through three high-calibre Exhibition Games featuring our best players from across the country.

Once the plan was accepted by the World Games Committee, we sent personal invitations to 100 of our 2025 All-Star winners, nominees, and players who narrowly missed out due to injury. An astonishing 70 players accepted, and the real planning began.

After months of hard work, Thursday, 16 July dawned sunny and warm. Fabulous new kits – including specially designed black or white jerseys, teal shorts, and white and teal socks – were generously sponsored by the GAA World Games Committee and gifted to all players. Those involved began arriving from 10.30am and very shortly Pitch 8 at the SETU Arena, Waterford, was buzzing with players looking sharp and ready for action.

Game 1: Women’s Exhibition Match (12pm)

  • Referee: AnnMarie Brennan (Cúchulainn)
  • Final Score: Celtic Crushers 25 – 13 Shamrock Sluggers

 The Teams

  • Shamrock Sluggers:
    • Captain: Emma Reddy (Glynn Barntown) | Vice-Captain: Katie Groonell (Breaffy) | Manager: PJ Lalor (Myshall)
    • Squad: Pamela Brennan (Glynn Barntown), Shirleen Burns (Erne Eagles), Geraldine Goldrick (Erne Eagles), Aileen Kelly (Glynn Barntown), Sheena King (Glynn Barntown), Alisha Reddy (Glynn Barntown), Mary Roche (Glynn Barntown), Irene Scanlon (Erne Eagles), Caroline Waters (Cúchulainn), Marie Whelan (Carrickmacross Emmets)
  • Celtic Crushers:
    • Captain: Kim Thornton (Carrickmacross Emmets) | Vice-Captain: Louise Kelly (St. Senan’s) | Manager: Mark Jennings (Breaffy)
    • Squad: Maggie Brady (Erne Eagles), Abbie Delaney (Glynn Barntown), Chloe Doyle (Glynn Barntown), Lisa Flood (Erne Eagles), Helen Gallagher (Breaffy), Aileen Gavin (Breaffy), Gráinne Gavin (Breaffy), Michelle Hopkins (Breaffy), Holly Kavanagh (The Heath)

 Match Highlights

First to bat were the Celtic Crushers, and right from the start, spectators were treated to impressive catches and sharp base outs from both sides. At the end of the first inning, the score was deadlocked at 2–2. In the second inning, the Crushers settled into a rhythm, bringing seven home to build a 9–2 lead, which they expanded to a 25–13 victory by the fifth inning.

However, the real winner of the match was Rounders itself. Impressive catches from Caroline Waters, Lisa Flood, Aileen Kelly, Katie Groonell, and Chloe Doyle secured key outs, while the teamwork, rock-solid catches, and sharp throws on base from Pamela Brennan, Alisha Reddy, Maggie Brady, and Louise Kelly were fantastic to watch. Pitchers rotated throughout, with Michelle Hopkins, Emma Reddy, Irene Scanlon, and Louise Kelly, all doing themselves and their clubs proud.

A special mention goes to Cúchulainn’s AnnMarie Brennan, who returned from maternity leave – brining baby Oisín along for his very first Rounders event! We were thrilled to have her experience and officiating skill on the pitch.

Player of the Match: Caroline Waters (Cúchulainn) — Chosen by the match officials for her impressive batting and calm, composed catching at Short-stop, which yielded two double outs.

Game 2: Men’s Exhibition Match (2pm)

  • Referee: PJ Lalor (Myshall)
  • Final Score: Turf Titans 17 – 13 Bog Warriors

The Teams

  • Bog Warriors:
    • Captain: Billy Connors (Cúchulainn) | Vice-Captain: Justin Burns (Carrickmacross Emmets) | Managers: Michael Slevin & JP Tynan (Emo)
    • Squad: Aidan Carr (Kilmore), Paul Cooper (Glynn Barntown), Declan Finnegan (Carrickmacross Emmets), Mark Jennings (Breaffy), Gary Jordan (Glynn Barntown), Aaron Keane (The Heath), Barry Lambe (Carrickmacross Emmets), Eddie O’Connor (Raheen), Ili Tuimauga (Galway City Rapparees)
  • Turf Titans:
    • Captain: Shane Sheridan (Erne Eagles) | Vice-Captain: Eddie Healy (Limekiln) | Manager: Emma Reddy (Glynn Barntown)
    • Squad: Paul Delaney (Glynn Barntown), John Gibbons (Breaffy), Colm Jordan (Breaffy), Ronan Kiernan (Carrickmacross Emmets), Euan Matthews (Carrickmacross Emmets), Aidan McDonald (Raheen), Owen Roe O’Reilly (Erne Eagles), Peadar Waters (Cúchulainn), Ciarán Weldon (Limekiln).

 Match Highlights

The Bog Warriors batted first, getting off to a flying start with two runners home, but three swift outs from both fielding teams kept the score tied 2–2 after the first inning. The Turf Titans pulled ahead with six runs in the second, leading 12–8 by the fifth inning. This thrilling contest went the full seven innings, with the Turf Titans eventually sealing a 17–13 win.

The quality of play was second to none: breathtaking one-handed catches from Billy Connors and Eddie O’Connor, lightning-fast reflexes from backcatchers Ciarán Weldon and Gary Jordan, and pinpoint pitching from Barry Lambe, Peadar Waters, and Aidan McDonald.

We have to mention Kilmore’s Aidan Carr, a late call-up and the only non-Senior player on either men’s panel. Nobody watching his quality at bat or on the pitch would ever have guessed – his contribution was equal to that of any senior veteran on the field!

Player of the Match: Barry Lambe (Carrickmacross Emmets) — Awarded for a stellar pitching performance, smart tactical batting throughout, and a fantastic Home Run.

 A big thank you to Myshall’s PJ Lalor for officiating a fast-moving, competitive game with great control!

The Skills Challenge

Following the Men’s match, the Skills Games took centre stage. Organised by Peadar Waters and PJ Lalor, five stations tested players’ running, throwing, and pitching accuracy. Station assistance was kindly provided by Caroline Waters, Marion Sheir, Louise Riddell, Lorraine Pugh, and Kamil Walczak.

Special thanks to StrikeZone (Dublin), who brought personnel and specialised equipment to measure the speed of the fastest pitches. The competitive rivalry was high, and the skills showcase proved to be a brilliant addition to the day’s entertainment.

Game 3: Mixed Exhibition Match (4.30pm)

  • Referee: Peadar Waters (Cúchulainn)
  • Teams: Celtic Chaos vs. Emerald Avengers

The Teams

  • Celtic Chaos:
    • Captain: Danielle Keane (The Heath) | Vice-Captain: Nakita O’Connor (Raheen) | Manager: Paul Cooper (Glynn Barntown)
    • Squad: Gary Boland (Glynn Barntown), Tyra Brennan (Glynn Barntown), Leanne Carroll (Cúchulainn), Aidan Jayne (Dublin Metropolitans), Dwayne Keane (The Heath), Mick Kelly (Glynn Barntown), PJ Lalor (Myshall), Leah Mullins (Cúchulainn), Kamil Walczak (Cúchulainn).
  • Emerald Avengers:
    • Captain: JP Tynan (Emo) | Vice-Captain: Tomás Kenny (Galway City Rapparees) | Manager: Ronan Kiernan (Carrickmacross Emmets)
    • Squad: Aoife Birney (Glynn Barntown), Danny Broderick (Cúchulainn), Ryan Dennis (Galway City Rapparees), Aisling Ginnitty (Carrickmacross Emmets), Michelle McDonnell (Carrickmacross Emmets), Justin Perrin (Erne Eagles), Niall Sheehy (St. Senan’s), Marion Sheir (Cúchulainn), Michael Slevin (Emo), Julianne Smith (Inniskeen Grattans).

Match Highlights

Our final game highlighted the unique mixed-gender element of adult GAA Rounders – and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Both teams gave their all in a display of speed, dexterity, tactical confidence, and teamwork.

Huge hits straight into outfielders’ hands, rapid infield bunts thrown accurately on the run to base, alert backcatchers pouncing on clips, and tricky pitching that forced hits to go foul: this game truly had it all. Despite being under the beating sun at SETU since early morning, the players brought incredible energy, keeping the pace fierce and competitive until the end.

Backcatchers included Tyra Brennan, Niall Sheehy, Leah Mullins, and Michelle McDonnell, while pitching duties were expertly handled by Ryan Dennis, Danielle Keane, PJ Lalor, and Michael Slevin. In the outfield, Mick Kelly, Kamil Walczak, Justin Perrin, Danny Broderick, and JP Tynan pulled down outstanding catches, backed by stellar infield work from Nakita O’Connor, Gary Boland, Aisling Ginnitty, and Aoife Birney.

Player of the Match: Tomás Kenny (Galway City Rapparees) – honoured for two magnificent catches for outs and excellent, timely batting that advanced teammates and brought runners home.

 Celebrations & Acknowledgments

After nine action-packed hours on Pitch 8 at SETU Arena, it was time to pack up the equipment, load the cars, and head to The Reg in Waterford City for a well-earned evening out. With finger food, great analysis of the day’s play, music provided by DJ Mick Kelly, and brilliant company, it was the perfect end to an unforgettable day.

An event of this scale does not happen without enormous dedication, time, and hard work. While the ultimate reward was a landmark day for our sport, special thanks must be extended to:

  • GAA World Games Organising Committee: Séamus Blake, David Britton, Paul Fitzpatrick, Shauna Fox, Charlie Harrison, Paul Morrissey, Nora Rahill, and Niamh Sauvage
  • Match Officials, Crowd Control, Skills Games & Event Support: Danny Broderick, Mag Doyle, Gráinne Gavin, Ciara Groonell, Eddie Healy, Mark Jennings, Nakita O’Connor, Lorraine Pugh, Louise Riddell, Mary Roche, Marion Sheir, Chiara Trench, Kamil Walczak, and Caroline Waters
  • Live Streaming Commentators: Shirley Lennon and Emma Perrin
  • Club Secretaries: From all 15 participating clubs – your administrative support in the buildup was invaluable!
  • GAA Rounders President: Paula Doherty
  • Event Sponsor: ID Pal, for your generous support which helped fund the event
  • Our Players & Managers: Without your commitment and passion, none of this would have been possible
  • The Organising Committee: Peadar Waters, PJ Lalor, and Shirley Lennon. This was a true labour of love – the countless hours spent planning, discussing, and organising were worth every second when we saw what was achieved on 16 July. We set out to show the world what GAA Rounders is all about, and anybody watching could not help but be impressed by the show put on by our community. Until 2029, our heartfelt thanks to you all!

 

GAA World Games Rounders Exhibition Matches LIVE | SETU Waterford 2026

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GAA World Games 2026

Welcome to the GAA World Games Rounders Exhibition Matches – Live from SETU Waterford

Ireland’s leading rounders players come together for a fantastic day of exhibition action.

Today brings together some of the best rounders players in Ireland for three exhibition matches showcasing the Women’s, Men’s and Mixed games.

The action begins with the Women’s Exhibition Match at 12:00pm, followed by the Men’s Exhibition Match at 2:30pm, before the day finishes with the Mixed Exhibition Match at 5:00pm.These games are all about celebrating the players and the sport. You’ll see All-Ireland winners, All-Stars and international players representing clubs from across the country in what promises to be a fantastic day of rounders.
Whether you’ve followed GAA Rounders for years or are watching for the first time, we hope you enjoy today’s action.A huge thank you to ID-Pal for sponsoring today’s live stream and helping bring these matches to supporters around the world.Enjoy the games.

Watch the Women’s Exhibition live

Celtic  Crushers v Shamrock Sluggers

Women’s teams at World Games for GAA Rounders

Women’s teams at World Games for GAA Rounders


Watch the Men’s Exhibition live
Bog Warriors v Turf Titans

Men’s Rounders teams for the World GAA Games

Men’s Rounders teams for the World GAA Games

 

Watch the Mixed Exhibition live

Celtic Chaos v Emerald Avengers

Watch the Mixed Exhibition live Celtic Chaos v Emerald Avengers

Mixed GAA Rounders teams for the World GAA Games

GAA Rounders at World Games

GAA Rounders at World Games

GAA Rounders at World Games

Bunninadden Rounders, GAA Rounders, Sligo Rounders, Connacht Rounders, All-Ireland Rounders, Féile competition, Rounders history, Mosney, Community Games, Irish Rounders, Kenneth Kerins, Alan Hannon, Shane Kerins, Conor Gormley, Shane Kilcoyne, Niamh McGetrick, Aileen Hannon, Niamh O’Flaherty, Aishling Frizzell, Noelle Gormley, Kelly Sonery, Sandra Scanlon, Sarah Perry, Anne Leamy, Rhona Gilhooly, Tara Murray, Amanda Keenan, Breege McManamy, Patrick Rogers, Kevin Doohan, Tom Doohan, Cathal Scanlon, Ronan Killoran, Patrick Coen, Thomas McLoughlin, Michael Gormley, Donal Gallagher, Tadhg Brennan, Stephen Anderson, Damien Flannery, Eamonn Coen, Limekiln Rounders, Erne Eagles, Breaffy Rounders, Sligo sport, Connacht sport, Rounders Ireland, All-Ireland champions

Flashback – Historic All-Ireland success in 2000 for Bunninadden Rounders Club

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Historic All-Ireland Success For Bunninadden Rounders Club

A landmark Connacht Rounders achievement remembered

Bunninadden Rounders, GAA Rounders, Sligo Rounders, Connacht Rounders, All-Ireland Rounders, Féile competition, Rounders history, Mosney, Community Games, Irish Rounders, Kenneth Kerins, Alan Hannon, Shane Kerins, Conor Gormley, Shane Kilcoyne, Niamh McGetrick, Aileen Hannon, Niamh O’Flaherty, Aishling Frizzell, Noelle Gormley, Kelly Sonery, Sandra Scanlon, Sarah Perry, Anne Leamy, Rhona Gilhooly, Tara Murray, Amanda Keenan, Breege McManamy, Patrick Rogers, Kevin Doohan, Tom Doohan, Cathal Scanlon, Ronan Killoran, Patrick Coen, Thomas McLoughlin, Michael Gormley, Donal Gallagher, Tadhg Brennan, Stephen Anderson, Damien Flannery, Eamonn Coen, Limekiln Rounders, Erne Eagles, Breaffy Rounders, Sligo sport, Connacht sport, Rounders Ireland, All-Ireland champions

Bunninadden Rounders, GAA Rounders, Sligo Rounders

Bunninadden Rounders Club etched their name into Connacht sporting history in 2000 when they became the first club from the province to capture the Comhairle Cluiche Corr Féile competition in Mosney, Co. Meath.

For a small rural Sligo club, competing against some of the strongest Rounders teams in Ireland, it was a remarkable breakthrough and one of the great early success stories for the sport in Connacht.

Historic All-Ireland success for Bunninadden Rounders Club

BUNNINADDEN Rounders club made history last weekend by becoming the first club in Connacht to win the Comhairle Cluiche Corr Féile competition in Mosney, Co. Meath.

Last year they were the first Sligo team to enter in its 10 year existence. This is a competition whereby the best clubs in the country are asked to attend. Bunninadden were invited to participate in this competition in 1999 for the first time due to the excellent display by their U-13 girls and U-15 boys at Connaught Community Games finals in Galway.

The U-15 boys took part that year and ended up runners-up. This was only their second year competing and on this occasion they became the All-Ireland champions beating Limekiln of Dublin in the final.

There are only a few clubs in the county taking part in Rounders competition and some of these were interested in participating in Féile. Because they felt Rounders in Sligo was not up to National standard. So Bunninadden decided to go it alone, and they got their reward.

Throughout the groups Bunninadden competed against sometimes county teams rather than individual clubs. Bunninadden entered three teams this year – U-15 boys, U-15 girls and U-16 mixed. Both the U-15 boys and girls got to the final stages of their groups.

U-16 Mixed Team Results

  • Bunninadden 17–16 Erne Eagles
  • St. Michaels 12–5 Bunninadden
  • Bunninadden 7–6 Limekiln
  • Semi-final: Bunninadden defeated Breaffy/Castlebar
  • Final: Bunninadden defeated Limekiln

The U-16 mixed team surprisingly came out of a group that consisted of the Ulster champions, Erne Eagles (Cavan) and Leinster runners-up Limekiln. They started the group games against Erne Eagles (Cavan) and beat them on a scoreline of 17-16.

They went on then to meet St. Michaels (Derry) and were defeated in this match 12-05.

The next game was then vital and in order to remain in contention Bunninadden had to win. They took on the might of Dublin (Limekiln) and won by the narrowest of margins 7-6.

Bunninadden then qualified for the semi-finals and here they were to meet old rivals Breaffy/Castlebar whom they never previously were able to overcome. Bunninadden stayed in touch as is always the case for the first 2 innings but on this weekend they fielded excellently and batted to precision scoring 4 in the last inning and getting Breaffy/Castlebar all the heartache of losing Connaught titles, at Community games level.

They then faced All-Ireland success for the first time and entered the final against Limekiln (Dublin) with confidence as they had already beaten them in the group stages.

Bunninadden, although confident of success, could hardly believe it when they were crowned All-Ireland champions for the first time in the club’s short history. This is something Sligo teams are not familiar with and Bunninadden was no different due to the fact that their club is one of the smallest in the county.

“The endless hours of training over the past five months paid off for this team.”

The “endless” hours of training over the past five months paid off for this team. Due credit goes to their Manager and player Kenneth Kerins for his commitment and dedication.

The victorious team were met on their return home at 2.30a.m. Tuesday morning by bonfires which blazed into the morning. Further celebrations are to be held in the near future.

Bunninadden Rounders Club etched their name into Connacht sporting history in 2000 when they became the first club from the province to capture an All-Ireland Féile Rounders title at Mosney

Bunninadden Rounders Club etched their name into Connacht sporting history in 2000 when they became the first club from the province to capture an All-Ireland Féile Rounders title at Mosney

Winning Team

Kenneth Kerins (player/manager), Alan Hannon (captain), Shane Kerins, Conor Gormley, Shane Kilcoyne, Niamh McGetrick, Aileen Hannon, Niamh O’Flaherty, Aishling Frizzell (subbed in), Noelle Gormley.

Other Panel Members

Kelly Sonery, Sandra Scanlon, Sarah Perry, Anne Leamy, Rhona Gilhooly, Tara Murray, Amanda Keenan, Breege McManamy, Patrick Rogers, Kevin Doohan, Tom Doohan, Cathal Scanlon, Ronan Killoran, Patrick Coen, Thomas McLoughlin, Michael Gormley, Donal Gallagher, Tadhg Brennan, Stephen Anderson, Damien Flannery and Eamonn Coen.

The team and coach would like to sincerely thank the three parents who travelled with the team Helen Hannon, Joe Doohan and Seamus Anderson. Also to the bus driver Michael Kielty.

Bunninadden Rounders club thank the people who sponsored them over the previous months.

They participated in three competitions, the U-15 boys and girls and the U-16 mixed in which we became All-Ireland champions for the first time.

They would also like to thank anyone who in any way helped to make the trip the success it was and the parents who travelled with the team – Joe Doohan, Helen Hannon and Seamus Anderson.

Emo Crowned Kings and Queens of Underage Rounders with 10 All-Ireland Titles in 2025

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Emo Crowned Kings and Queens of Underage Rounders with 10 All-Ireland Titles in 2025

Emo Rounders have completed a truly remarkable year, sweeping the boards to win 10 All-Ireland underage titles across boys, girls, and mixed competitions in 2025. From windswept Féile weekends to scorching finals days, the Laois club has set a new benchmark for youth development in Irish Rounders.

The Roll of Honour

  • U13 Boys Féile – Roscommon, 31st May (June Bank Holiday Weekend)
  • U14 Boys – Monaghan, 17th May
  • U14 Girls – Monaghan, 17th May
  • U15 Boys (Féile) – National Féile, Ferns, Co. Wexford, 22nd June
  • U15 Girls (Féile) – National Féile, Ferns, Co. Wexford, 22nd June
  • U16 Boys – Emo, 5th July
  • U16 Girls – Emo, 5th July
  • U16 Mixed – Roscommon, 13th September
  • Minor Men – Carlow, 28th September
  • Minor Mixed – Carlow, 28th September

A Year on the Road (and at Home)

The journey began in Monaghan on 17th May, a blistering hot day that saw Emo’s U14 boys and girls deliver commanding performances to secure an early double. Just two weeks later, the focus turned to Roscommon for the U13 Boys Féile, where Emo showed grit and resilience in challenging conditions.

In June, attention shifted to the National Féile in Wexford. Competing against the best young teams from across the country, Emo’s U15 boys and girls both triumphed in Ferns on 22nd June, proving the strength in depth across the club.

July marked a landmark moment as Emo played host to the U16 boys and girls competitions. The club’s facilities were filled with colour, energy, and excitement — and their teams delivered again, lifting both titles on home soil in front of a proud local crowd.

September brought high-stakes drama. On the 13th, the U16 Mixed side edged past Erne Eagles in a heart-stopping final in Roscommon. Just two weeks later, the club sealed its 9th and 10th crowns with a stunning double victory over long-time rivals St. Martins of Wexford in Carlow — first in Minor Men, then in Minor Mixed after a thrilling finale.

Michael Slevin & the Power of Teamwork

This unprecedented run of success would not have been possible without the incredible work of Michael Slevin. His years of dedication to underage development have laid the foundations for Emo’s golden generation. But just as importantly, Michael hasn’t done it alone.

He has brought together a brilliant group of fellow coaches and volunteers — all of whom give their time based on their own children’s age groups. Rather than siloed teams, Emo’s coaching setup is a shared, collective effort, built on community, commitment, and care. That unity is visible in how the players perform, support one another, and carry themselves on and off the pitch.

“When you add them all up, 10 titles is beyond our wildest expectations. But the best part is not what we’ve done this year, but what we are doing for our future. There’s around six or seven players eligible to play adult next year – maybe I’ll get to hang up my boots soon and watch some top-class rounders.”
— Michael Slevin, Emo Rounders

Setting the Standard for Youth Development

What Emo have achieved in 2025 is nothing short of historic. But more importantly, they have built a system that works — not just for winning, but for developing young people, growing the game, and strengthening their club from the ground up.

With ten titles in the bag, a united coaching team, and a stream of young players ready to step up to adult level, Emo Rounders are not just enjoying the moment — they’re building a legacy.

 

Emo’s Golden Generation: The Michael Slevin Effect Driving Rounders Glory

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Emo’s Golden Generation: The Michael Slevin Effect Driving Rounders Glory

There’s something very special happening in Emo right now. Across all underage grades, the club is dominating the national Rounders scene — and at the heart of it all is one man: Michael Slevin.

Emo’s first All-Ireland success — U13 Girls in 2016. Four of these players now line out at adult level.

Emo’s first All-Ireland success — U13 Girls in 2016. Four of these players now line out at adult level.

The numbers speak for themselves. Seven All-Ireland titles already secured in 2025 — including U14, U15 and U16 Girls, U13 Féile Boys, and U14, U15 and U16 Boys — with four more still up for grabs in the Minor grades and U16 Mixed. It’s a staggering haul that no other club in the country can match.

But this success hasn’t happened by accident. It’s the result of years of dedication, structure, and relentless work, much of it driven by Slevin. From chilly spring evenings to long summer sessions, he’s been the consistent force behind the scenes — coaching, guiding, and leading by example.

Leinster U14 GAA Rounder's Champions Emo

Leinster U14 GAA Rounder’s Champions Emo

A big part of Emo’s strength lies in the coaching team Michael has built around him. JP Tynan, Claire Suda, and Niamh Horgan are all central to the underage coaching effort, while Eva Lawlor has also played a big role in previous seasons. It’s not a case of separate coaches for separate teams — instead, it’s a collective effort, with parents and volunteers stepping in depending on their own kids’ ages. That shared responsibility, camaraderie, and teamwork among coaches has been vital. It creates consistency across all age groups and a strong community bond that shines through on the pitch.

“Also one of the main reasons for our underage success is the kids’ willingness to listen and learn,” Michael says.
“They take instruction on board and are a joy to coach. They’ve travelled all around the country playing Rounders and always play with a steely determination — but they also accept that they can lose matches too.”

Slevin is also quick to recognise the work done off the pitch.

“Our parents must be thanked for sacrificing many weekends to travel to matches,” he adds.
“Without that support, none of this would be possible.”

On the field, Slevin’s influence is clear. He’s helped create an environment where young players learn, improve, and enjoy the game. The results are obvious: disciplined fielding, clever batting, quick decision-making — and an unshakeable sense of togetherness.

Looking ahead, the club’s ambitions are crystal clear.

“Our main goal is to bring through as many underage players as possible into the adult ranks,” says Slevin.
“We’ve six or seven youngsters eligible for adult next year, with similar numbers in the years ahead.
The hope is they’ll take ownership of the club, drive it forward, and eventually send old dinosaurs like myself out to pasture —
or at least onto the sidelines, happily cheering them on.”

With four more All-Irelands still to play for, this could yet be a once-in-a-lifetime season for Emo. But win or lose from here, one thing is certain: Michael Slevin’s vision, drive, and ability to bring people with him has built something truly special in Emo — and the best may still be yet to come.

All-Ireland U16 Rounders: Emo Dominate as Girls and Boys Teams Claim Glory

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🏆 All-Ireland U16 Rounders: Emo Dominate as Girls and Boys Teams Claim Glory

It was a golden day for Emo GAA Rounders as both their Girls and Boys teams claimed All-Ireland Under 16 titles, underlining the club’s incredible strength at underage level.

👱‍♀️ U16 Girls: Emo Continue Their Streak

In the girls competition, Emo continued their remarkable run of form with yet another title, adding the U16 crown to their earlier victories at U14 and U15 level, as well as the Leinster U14 Girls title. The Laois side looked sharp throughout the day, topping the Round Robin and delivering a composed, clinical display in the final.

But it was the Erne Eagles who created the biggest shock of the day. After a shaky group stage, where they struggled for form, the Cavan side rallied brilliantly in the semi-final to defeat a strong and well-organised Athenry outfit. It was a game that swung in the closing innings, with the Eagles showing grit and determination to turn things around when it mattered most.

A standout performer was Megan Harrington, who impressed while playing out of position at first base. Her smart defensive work and calm presence under pressure earned her the Player of the Tournament award — a fitting reward for a pivotal role in her team’s surprise run to the final.

Despite their momentum, the Erne Eagles couldn’t find a way past Emo in the final, as the champions showed their full range of quality to secure yet another All-Ireland title.

Emo

👦 U16 Boys: Emo Seal the Double

In the boys competition, Emo made it a day to remember for the club. They faced a determined Na Fianna side from Dublin, who pushed them all the way with some excellent outfield catches and impressive hitting. Na Fianna showed flashes of brilliance and never made it easy — but Emo’s all-round strength told in the end. Over the course of two well-contested matches, the Laois side proved too strong and took the spoils.

With both U16 titles secured, Emo’s golden generation continues to blaze a trail through underage Rounders — a club on a historic roll, and showing no signs of slowing down.

Na Fianna