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.