Tag Archive for: Kildimo Pallaskenry

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!

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