Tag Archive for: Irish GAA Rounders News

Munster Winter League Returns as Rapid Growth Transforms the Province

Munster Winter League Returns as Rapid Growth Transforms the Province

The Munster Winter League is back for its second year, and even in such a short space of time it has already become a cornerstone of Rounders in the province. What makes this season stand out isn’t just the fixtures — it’s the extraordinary rate of growth happening across Munster. Only a few years ago, the province had three championship clubs competing nationally. Today, that picture has changed completely.

This weekend marks the opening round of the 2025/26 competition, and the line-up reflects a province expanding faster than anyone could have predicted.

Naomh Pol Enter the Scene

A major talking point is the competitive debut of Naomh Pol, a brand-new club from Waterford who will play their first ever matches this weekend. Their opening test is a tough one: a full set of games against St Senan’s, the reigning All-Ireland Junior champions, on Saturday morning.

It’s a challenging start, but a historic occasion too — the beginning of Waterford’s involvement in Munster Rounders and the first steps for a club determined to establish itself in the sport.

St Senan’s Continue to Grow

St Senan’s themselves arrive into the winter league with renewed strength. Already one of Munster’s leading clubs, they now field a new Ladies team, adding depth and competition to the women’s grade. Their expansion reflects the broader trend — established clubs growing stronger while new ones form around them.

A Surge of New Clubs Across the Province

Perhaps the most exciting sign of Munster’s progress is the number of clubs currently forming across the south. A few seasons ago, Rounders struggled for numbers in the province. Now, interest is spreading county by county.

  • In Cork, both Glenville and Kildorrery are laying strong foundations.
  • In Tipperary, Moneygall have begun attracting players from across the parish.
  • Mungret St Paul’s in Limerick are assembling coaching teams and structures for their launch.
  • A new club is forming in South Kerry, marking the county’s first serious involvement in the sport.
  • And in Clare, three separate groups are taking steps towards full club status.

If even the majority of these developing teams reach competitive level, Munster could soon boast over 12 clubs and more than 20 teams — a remarkable rise from the days of just three championship clubs.

Leadership Driving Expansion

Behind much of this rapid development is the tireless work of Michael Sheahan of St Kieran’s, the Munster provincial representative. His support for new clubs, combined with strong backing from the national administration, has accelerated the sport’s growth.

“Loads of Rounders in Limerick city and county this weekend! We start on Saturday with a most historic day for one of our new clubs, Waterford’s Naomh Pol, who make their Rounders debut in men’s, women’s and mixed in Shanagolden as guests of All-Ireland junior champions St Senan’s on Saturday morning. In the late afternoon they travel back to the city as guests of Na Piarsaigh’s men’s, women’s and mixed teams. We wish them a most enjoyable day of Rounders in Limerick.”

Michael also praised the cooperation behind the scenes:

“On Sunday morning, Kildimo-Pallaskenry and St Kieran’s women’s teams start their respective winter league campaigns with a 12.30 first pitch-in in Kildimo, and the second game between both clubs starting no later than 3pm — a record weekend of Rounders activity in Limerick!”

He added sincere appreciation for national support:

“We’ve had brilliant support locally in every county, and the enthusiasm from new clubs has been unreal. I have to thank our national secretary, Shirley Lennon. Anytime we needed help getting new clubs affiliated or needed guidance on the process, she was there straight away. That kind of support has made a massive difference to Munster Rounders and to clubs like my own, St Kieran’s.”


A Province on the Rise

As the 2024/25 Munster Winter League begins, the province finds itself in a new era — one defined by energy, expansion, and unprecedented momentum. Between Naomh Pol’s debut, St Senan’s continued growth, and the emergence of clubs across six counties, Munster is becoming one of the most vibrant regions in Irish Rounders.

This weekend is more than the start of a competition. It’s the next chapter in one of the fastest-growing stories in Irish GAA.

Weekend Fixtures

Saturday – 22 November

Naomh Pol vs St Senan’s

  • Men – 3 innings
  • Mixed – 3 innings
  • Ladies – 3 innings

Naomh Pol vs Sporting Limerick

  • Men – 3 innings
  • Mixed – 3 innings
  • Ladies – 3 innings

Sunday – 23 November

  • Na Piarsaigh vs Sporting Limerick – Mixed – 3 innings
  • Kildimo Pallaskenry 1 vs St Kieran’s – Ladies – 3 innings
  • Kildimo Pallaskenry 2 vs St Kieran’s – Ladies – 3 innings

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

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.