Jarlath Burns hails remarkable growth of Rounders

GAA President Jarlath Burns has hailed the remarkable growth of Rounders in recent years, describing it as a “special” part of the Association that has remained true to the core values of the GAA.

On Saturday morning, the GAA Rounders President and National Secretary delivered a presentation to Central Council, outlining the history of the game, its close ties to the GAA since its foundation, and the birth of the modern-day code in the 1950s. The presentation also highlighted the growth achieved in recent decades, as well as the challenges facing the sport and its vision for the future.

Burns welcomed the update warmly, noting that as the GAA integrates with the LGFA and Camogie Association, it is also the right time to look at Rounders and Handball and examine how all four sports can work more closely together within the wider GAA family. He stressed that the Association would support Rounders as it continues its journey of expansion.

Later that day, Burns attended the All-Ireland Senior Finals in Abbotstown, where Breaffy from Mayo completed a remarkable double by winning both the Ladies and Mixed titles, while Carrickmacross Emmets claimed the Senior Men’s crown after a thrilling contest with Erne Eagles.

The finals also drew a strong attendance of GAA leaders and officials, reflecting the growing recognition of Rounders at national level. Among those present were LGFA President Trina Murray, Ulster Chairperson Michael Geoghegan, Central Council delegate Michael Meaney (Carlow), Conor McDonnell (Handball President) Keelin Kissane of the GAA Management Committee, and Michael and Rita Dowling, alongside Rounders President Iain Cheyne and GAA President Jarlath Burns himself.

Speaking in an interview during the finals, Burns praised the inclusivity of Rounders, contrasting it with other GAA codes that have become highly competitive in recent years. He said that Rounders offers a unique balance—retaining the fun, community spirit, and values at the heart of the Association, while also providing players with high-quality, competitive action at every level.

He also reflected on the rapid growth of the sport nationwide in recent years, with new clubs, competitions, and players emerging across all provinces. Looking ahead, Burns said he would love to see Rounders establish its own dedicated headquarters within the next five years—a sign of the ambition now driving the sport forward.

With strong leadership, growing participation, and visible recognition from the GAA’s highest level, Rounders looks well-placed to continue its upward trajectory and further strengthen its role within the GAA family.

About GAA Rounders

GAA Rounders has become one of the fastest-growing sports in Ireland. What began as a small number of clubs in the 1950s has now expanded into a vibrant community of over 100 teams nationwide, with new clubs emerging every season. The game caters for men, women, mixed, and juvenile grades, making it one of the most inclusive sports in Ireland.

In recent years, the sport has seen a surge in participation, with traditional GAA clubs embracing Rounders alongside football, hurling, and camogie. National competitions now feature record numbers of teams, while blitzes, Go Games, and school programmes are helping to introduce thousands of young players to the game each year.

This growth has been matched by greater visibility, stronger governance, and increasing recognition within the wider GAA. With its unique blend of competitiveness and community spirit, Rounders is quickly establishing itself as a modern success story in Irish sport.