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
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!
