Tag Archive for: Club Rounders

Celebrating Women in Sport Week 2026 | GAA Rounders Mums, Daughters & Sisters

Women in Sport Week 2026 runs from 2–8 March, and GAA Rounders is proud to celebrate the incredible female athletes who shape our game.

With over 60% of our membership female, Rounders truly spans every generation – from U7 Go Games right through to the Senior Women’s All-Ireland Championships. It is a genuine sport for life. Whether you are a lifelong player, returning after a break, or picking up a bat for the first time, there is a place for you in our community.

Our All-Ireland Championships feature dedicated Senior, Intermediate and Junior Women’s competitions. Uniquely within the adult GAA codes, women also compete alongside men in our Mixed Championships, highlighting the inclusivity and skill that define Rounders.

One of the most special sights in our sport is mothers playing alongside their daughters. These role models show that sport does not have an expiry date. By sharing the field, they pass on confidence, leadership and a lifelong love of the game.

While Part 2 will feature the cousins, wives and sisters-in-law who make Rounders a true family affair, today we celebrate some of our standout Mums & Daughters and Sisters.

The Ultimate Teammates: Mother & Daughter Combos

Carmel & Amy Moloney – Cúchulainn, Carlow

Carmel & Amy Moloney – Cúchulainn, Carlow

From Coach to Teammate: Amy won her first All-Ireland Minor medal under her mother’s coaching. Years later their roles evolved into teammates. Lining out together at Senior level, they reached a historic milestone: winning the All-Ireland Mixed title together in 2022. Sharing the pitch, the pressure, and the ultimate victory is a privilege few ever get to experience.

Pamela & Tyra Brennan – Glynn Barntown, Wexford

Pamela & Tyra Brennan – Glynn Barntown, Wexford

As Pamela emotionally reflects: “When my daughter Tyra moved up through the grades to play beside me on the field – and then win an All-Ireland together – it definitely topped the highlights of our Rounders journey.”

Jen, Amy & Katie Kelly – Leighlinbridge, Carlow

Jen, Amy & Katie Kelly – Leighlinbridge, Carlow

Amy has played alongside her mother, Jen, since the very beginning. Jen is renowned as a powerhouse hitter, often showing the girls exactly “how it’s done,” though Amy is now delivering some massive hits of her own. The family unit is now complete with Katie recently joining her mother and sister on the field.

Clare & Leah McNally – Leighlinbridge, Carlow

Clare & Leah McNally – Leighlinbridge, Carlow

Leah is a versatile player with a long throw and a talent for pitching, inheriting her mother’s knack for big hits. Her mother, Clare, is the club’s backbone – balancing roles as a selector and coach. Beyond their skills, the duo is famous for bringing the “craic” to every training session.

Karen & Sarah Lynch & Hazel Costello – Skryne, Meath

Karen & Sarah Lynch & Hazel Costello – Skryne, Meath

What began with Karen joining Skryne in 2024 quickly became a full family affair. Her daughter, Hazel, joined later that year, and by 2025 Karen’s sister (and Hazel’s aunt), Sarah, joined the crew to complete the family trio.

Double Trouble: The Twins

Katie & Kirstin Cronin – Elphin, Roscommon

Katie & Kirstin Cronin – Elphin, Roscommon

Twins Katie and Kirstin joined Elphin in 2024. “I like playing with my twin because we support one another – she always has my back,” says Katie. Kirstin adds a competitive twist: “We push each other more than anyone. I never want to let her get to the next base, so I work twice as hard to get her out!”

Sister, Sister: The Unbreakable Bond

Gráinne & Aileen Gavin – Breaffy, Mayo

Gráinne & Aileen Gavin – Breaffy, Mayo

The Gavin sisters play for the reigning Senior Women’s champions, Breaffy. In 2025 they didn’t just win matching All-Ireland medals – they both earned All-Star nominations, Gráinne for Senior Mixed Female Player of the Year and Aileen for Senior Women’s Centre Outfield.

Ciara & Katie Groonell – Breaffy, Mayo

Ciara & Katie Groonell – Breaffy, Mayo

This sister duo is a force to be reckoned with. At the 2024 All-Stars both took home awards: Katie for Senior Female Mixed Player of the Year and Ciara for Senior Women’s Roaming Player. Ciara, now Breaffy’s Club Secretary, says winning those awards together made an already amazing journey even more special.

Lindsey O’Reilly & Lisa Flood – Erne Eagles, Cavan

Lindsey O’Reilly & Lisa Flood – Erne Eagles, Cavan

For Lisa and Lindsey, Rounders is a lifelong story. Both started at ten years old and, despite Lisa’s ten-year detour abroad, they are back playing side-by-side for Erne Eagles.

They were originally inspired by another sister duo – their cousins Rosaleen and Dympna – ensuring the “Eagles” bond stays in the family.”

Lorraine O’Connor & Michelle Dockery – Elphin, Roscommon

Lorraine O’Connor & Michelle Dockery – Elphin, Roscommon

“There’s something rebellious about playing with your sister at our age,” they share. “No talk of work or school runs – just us on a patch of grass laughing until we cry.”

Susan, Margaret & Catríona Griffin – Kildimo Pallaskenry, Limerick

Susan & Catríona Griffin – Kildimo Pallaskenry, Limerick

Susan & Margaret Griffin – Kildimo Pallaskenry, Limerick

While they played Community Games as children, these three sisters were never on the same team until now. They represent their club in both Rounders and Camogie. This year, the bond grew even stronger as Margaret’s stepdaughter, Katelyn O’Dwyer–Guerin, joined the team, proving to be an excellent addition with her ability to hit beyond outfield.

Margaret & Katelyn – Kildimo Pallaskenry, Limerick

Margaret & Katelyn – Kildimo Pallaskenry, Limerick

Margaret & Katelyn – Kildimo Pallaskenry, Limerick

Having started in the 1990s but never sharing a lineup, these sisters have waited 30 years to play on the same team.

Noeleen & Brenda Greally – Skryne, Meath

Noeleen & Brenda Greally – Skryne, Meath

With Noeleen serving as Club Secretary and Brenda as Club Chairperson, these sisters aren’t just playing the game – they are running the show!

Marie & Jackie Neary – Elphin, Roscommon

Jackie Neary – Elphin, Roscommon

Marie Neary – Elphin, Roscommon

Marie and Jackie joined Elphin at its inception. For them, Rounders is the perfect balance of team sport and social connection.

Caroline & Nicola Noblett – Kilanerin Ballyfad, Wexford

Caroline & Nicola Noblett – Kilanerin Ballyfad, Wexford

Despite a ten-year age gap the two have found a shared passion on the field, proving that it is never too late to start.

Lisa, Laura & Róisín Lynch – St. Clare’s, Cavan

Lisa, Laura & Róisín Lynch – St. Clare’s, Cavan

Laura, Lisa and Roisin Lynch are integral to the heart of the club. Lisa anchors the team as catcher, Laura patrols centre outfield and Roisin keeps everything moving as PRO.

While Lisa and Laura have been mainstay players from underage to senior level, the three sisters are famous for the banter they bring to the team.

Coming later this week: Part 2 – The In-Laws, Partners, and Cousins of GAA Rounders!

Entries Now Open for the GAA Rounders Minor Championships!

Entries Now Open for the GAA Rounders Minor Championships!

The countdown is on for one of the biggest days in the underage Rounders calendar – the GAA Rounders Minor Championships, taking place on Saturday, 16th August at the Meath GAA Centre of Excellence.

Three championship categories will be contested:

  • ✅ Minor Men’s
  • ✅ Minor Ladies’
  • ✅ Minor Mixed

This is a brilliant opportunity for young players to represent their club at national level, compete against the best, and enjoy a day of top-quality Rounders at one of the GAA’s premier venues.

Whether your club is defending a title or entering for the first time, the Minor Championship promises a fantastic experience for players, mentors, and supporters alike.

Entries are now open – but places are limited!

📍 Event Details

Let’s make this a day to remember – see you in Meath! 🥎

GAA Rounders Weekend Match Previews – Sunday, 13 July 2025

Full GAA Rounders previews for Sunday, 14 July 2025 across all grades – Junior, Intermediate, and Mixed. Predictions, fixtures, venues, referees, and qualification stakes.

 

Intermediate Men

🥎 Emo vs St Clares 

📍 Emo | 🕛 12pm | Ref – AnnMarie

It’s all on the line in Emo as both teams chase a semi-final spot. The hosts must win to stay alive and will back themselves strongly on home turf. St Clares know a win here or away to Rapparees will likely be enough – but they’d rather not leave it to the final day.

🔮 Verdict: Emo by 3

Intermediate Ladies

🥎 Michael Glavey’s vs Galway City Rapparees 

📍 Glavey’s | 🕚 11am | | Ref: Iain

Glavey’s know a win will likely book their semi-final place. They have had a very good season and deserve their spot. Galway are still chasing a first win in Intermediate Ladies, but they’ve shown promise and will be hoping to cause an upset.

🔮 Verdict: Michael Glavey’s by 6

🥎 Glynn Barntown vs Kilmeena – Intermediate Ladies

📍 Ballinagore | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref –  Danielle

It’s a huge clash in the race for the top four. A Glynn win would leave them in a strong position with two games left. Kilmeena have found form late, and despite four early losses, they remain dangerous contenders, but know a loss and it’s likely their last game of the season.

🔮 Verdict: Kilmeena by 5

Intermediate Mixed

🟡 Michael Glavey’s vs Galway City Rapparees 

📍 Glavey’s | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref – Iain

This is a key tie in Group A as both sides chase a top-two finish. Glavey’s sit joint-top with two wins from three, and another victory would leave them with one foot in the semi-finals. They’ve conceded just 36 runs across three games, showing they are one of the strongest defensive units in the group.

Remarkably, this is only Galway City Rapparees’ second match – but they made a solid start with a 23–6 win over Athenry. Still, the jump from Junior to Intermediate is no small task, and this test away to Glavey’s will give them a clearer sense of where they stand at this level.

Both sides are defensively disciplined, and this could be a low-scoring, tactical affair. Don’t be surprised if neither side breaks double figures, with every base earned likely to count.

🔮 Verdict: Michael Glavey’s by 4

Junior Mixed

⚫ Kilmeena vs Garrymore

📍 Kilmeena | 🕞 3:30pm | Ref: Iain

Kilmeena have already secured second place in Group D, so this could be a chance to experiment. Garrymore will be eager to take advantage and finish strong – don’t rule out a surprise here.

🔮 Verdict: Garrymore by 1

⚫ Inniskeen vs Sean Connolly’s

📍 Inniskeen | 🕝 2:30pm | Ref: Jack

Inniskeen are still unbeaten and chasing top spot in Group A. Sean Connolly’s have struggled throughout, and this one could be a step too far.

🔮 Verdict: Inniskeen by 8

⚫ Elphin vs Sporting Limerick

📍 Elphin | 🕓 4:00pm | Ref: Paula

Two sides still searching for their first win in Group B. Elphin have home advantage, but both teams have been shipping big scores. Expect a close battle.

🔮 Verdict: Elphin by 1

⚫ Galway City Rapparees vs Na Piarsaigh

📍 Galway | 🕞 3:30pm | Ref: Ann

A huge game in Group B with quarter-final places on the line. The Rapparees are keeping in it and have a strong run rate edge. Na Piarsaigh won’t make it easy and would need a big win to secure a knockout place. Galway should have the edge at home.

🔮 Verdict: Rapparees by 3

Junior Men

🔴 Carrickmacross vs Gusserane

📍 Clonguish | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref: Shirley

Carrickmacross are 0 from 2 and under pressure, while Gusserane sit fourth after a tough campaign. Both sides will be eager to finish strong, but with qualification likely out of reach, this is more about pride than progress.

🔮 Verdict: Gusserane by 3

🔴 Inniskeen vs Sean Connolly’s

📍 Inniskeen | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref: Jack

Inniskeen remain firmly in the Group B qualification mix and should have too much for a Connolly’s side still without a point. Run rate could be key, so expect them to go for scores.

🔮 Verdict: Inniskeen by 10

🔴 Elphin vs Sporting Limerick

📍 Elphin | 🕑 2:00pm | Ref: Paula

Both sides are out of contention in Group A, but pride is still at stake. Elphin will hope home advantage gives them a lift, but Sporting Limerick look the sharper side.

🔮 Verdict: Sporting Limerick by 4

🔴 Galway City Rapparees vs Na Piarsaigh

📍 Galway | 🕜 1:30pm | Ref: Ann

It’s a pressure-packed Group A clash with everything—and almost nothing—on the line.

For the Rapparees, the task is deceptively simple: win, and a winner-takes-all showdown with St Senans awaits next weekend. But even with a loss, they’re not dead—provided they can somehow beat Senans by 20 runs or more in the final round. That path to the semi-finals exists… but only just.

Na Piarsaigh are in even deeper limbo. They need to beat Galway, and beat them well—then hope Galway bounce back and thrash St Senans the following week. It’s the ultimate long shot. They’re playing for survival, but relying on the team they’re trying to eliminate to become their unlikely saviours. That’s a Catch-22 if ever there was one.

Galway, still bewildered by how they let their opener slip, won’t want to leave anything to chance.

🔮 Verdict: Rapparees by 5

Junior Ladies

🔴 Clonguish vs Carrickmacross

📍 Clonguish | 🕥 10:30am | Ref: Shirley

Carrickmacross must win to stay in the qualification hunt. A win puts them level on points with Drumhowan and Inniskeen, and run rate could decide who finishes in the top two. Clonguish are out, but they’ll want to finish on a high.

🔮 Verdict: Carrickmacross by 15

🔴 Skryne vs Drumhowan Geraldines

📍 Skryne | 🕘 10:00am | Ref: Áine

Skryne are out, but they can still shape the outcome in Group A. A win here could blow things wide open and offer a lifeline to Carrickmacross or Sean Connolly’s. Drumhowan are on 18 points and need the win to guarantee progression.

🔮 Verdict: Skryne by 1

🔴 Inniskeen Grattans vs Sean Connolly’s

📍 Inniskeen | 🕟 4:30pm | Ref: Jack

Inniskeen are currently joint-top on 18 points. Sean Connolly’s must win both of their remaining games.  A tight one expected with qualification on the line and run rate maybe deciding who qualifies.

🔮 Verdict: Inniskeen by 3

🔴 Elphin vs St Kieran’s

📍 Elphin | 🕛 12:00pm | Ref: Paula

Elphin are unbeaten and in pole position in Group B. St Kieran’s need Elphin to lose both games and then hope for a favourable run rate swing. Their earlier draw with Sporting Limerick may prove costly.

🔮 Verdict: Elphin by 4

🔴 

Elphin vs Sporting Limerick

📍 Elphin | 🕕 6:00pm | Ref: Jay

Depending on the earlier result, this may be Elphin’s chance to seal top spot. Sporting Limerick need a win and a big one to have any chance of sneaking through. Elphin’s bowler may prove decisive even with tired legs.

🔮 Verdict: Elphin by 2