GAA Rounders is alive and well in Connacht
At last week's Connacht Rounders launch were, back row, from left to right: Mark Jennings (Breaffy), Cathal Crevan (Galway City Rapparees), Kieran Shaughnessy (Athenry), Sean Bailey (Michael Glaveys), Tommy Hoban (Kilmeena), Bernard Trench (Mayo Gaels) and Jim McLoughlin (Elphin). Front row, from left: Paula Doherty (Breaffy), Clodagh Naughton (Galway City Rapparees), Lynda Hession (Garrymore), Katharina Bailey (Michael Glaveys), Noleen Coughlan (Kilmeena), Denise Duggan (Mayo Gaels) and Denise Carroll (Elphin).
GAA Rounders has seen somewhat of a resurgence nationwide in the past few years, with Connacht being no exception to the trend. The GAA Rounders clubs of the province descended upon the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan last week to launch their 2024 season.
There was great representation from all corners of the province too, with clubs from Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Sligo in attendance. In all there are ten clubs in the province playing the game, up considerably from only three a few short years ago. With enquiries coming in all the time, Connacht GAA Rounders representative, Mark Jennings, expects that number to at least double over the next eighteen months.
“The growth of the game becomes exponential” explains Mark. “You find once we get one club started in an area, soon after one of their neighbouring clubs express an interest too.” There really is something for every ability too. Of the adult clubs present at the Air Dome, there are clubs playing competitively at senior, intermediate and junior grades nationally – and not without success either. Mayo’s own Breaffy GAA can boast being the current All-Ireland senior ladies champions, Michael Glaveys of Roscommon are the reigning All-Ireland intermediate men’s champions, whilst Kilmeena of Mayo are the holders of the All-Ireland junior mixed title.
There are also clubs across the province who choose not to enter the national competitions and instead prefer to play the game socially, something which is proving a great alternative way for people to exercise and improve their social lives at the same time.
“Rounders is non-contact, therefore it’s a great option for people wishing to continue playing a team sport but may no longer be looking for the physicality of some of the other sports,” continued Mark Jennings. “Also, with mixed games, it opens up the opportunity for people to come together in a way they might not be able to with other games, mothers and sons, husband and wife, brothers and sisters, it really is a great way to bring people together.”
Rounders is a game for all ages and Connacht GAA Rounders have not forgotten to include a programme for the children too, as Peter Lyons, a member of the GAA Rounders Childrens Committee, explains.
“GAA Rounders have always had a great national juvenile programme of events but this year we have brought the game to every region too. This year, GAA Rounders will be running its very own under-14 and under -16 championships for boys’ and girls’ teams. We will also be running some fun events for our younger competitors aged under 12.”
Connacht will be crowning its very first U14 boys and girls champions on May 18 in what is expected to be a thrilling day of rounders. The victors on the day will get the chance to compete for glory at the All-Ireland finals, which this year will be held at Clann na nGael GAA Club in Co Roscommon on June 1.
“We are delighted to be bringing GAA Rounders events to the region this year,” Peter remarked. “We also expect to see several teams from Connacht take part in the other national competitions. There is a minor championship, mixed competitions and of course, the National Feile, of which GAA Rounders is always proud to be a part of.”
If you think GAA Rounders might be something you or your club might wish to try, then why not get in contact with them for more information. You can reach them by emailing connacht.rounders@gaa.ie or secretary.rounders@gaa.ie. There is always someone based nearby, willing to help you on the rounders journey that suits your goals.
