A seat long in the making

Congress agenda: 25 motions, big implications

Simplified guide: what each motion is about

• • Motion 1: Changes how the five-year rule for county officers is calculated, including a proposed variation to the rule (Meath).

• • Motion 2: Add a GAA Rounders representative to Ard Chomhairle by amending the composition of Central Council (Old Leighlin, Carlow).

• • Motion 3: Redefines “first club” by lowering the age grade from U12 to U10 (Kilteely-Dromkeen).

• • Motion 4: Alters an exception to the “one county per year” championship rule for U21 and younger where a player’s club has no team, allowing them to play with another club rather than an independent team (Kerry).

• • Motion 5: Proposes an inter-county eligibility restriction: to play senior inter-county championship, a player must have played eight club league/championship games the previous year (Clontarf).

• • Motion 6: Seeks to remove All-Ireland SHC preliminary quarter-finals; also proposes changes to the Joe McDonagh Cup format (Laois). (If this passes, Motion 18 won’t be heard.)

• • Motion 7: Fixes All-Ireland minor finals in Croke Park as curtain-raisers to the respective senior finals (Tempo Maguires).

• • Motion 8 (New Rule): Caps the senior inter-county playing season at 30 competitive weekends (31 if an All-Ireland final replay is required) (GPA).

• • Motion 9: Clarifies that match officials shall not be required to attend hearings or give oral evidence/cross-examination (Abbeylara).

• • Motion 10: Clarifies when an appealed decision takes effect — either after the appeal window ends, or after the appeal outcome is issued (Abbeylara).

• • Motion 11: Changes the threshold to call a club special general meeting to 10% of membership or 25 members (whichever is greater) (Castledaly).

• • Motion 12: Updates wording to allow for at least three female appointments on the Management Committee (Central Council).

• • Motion 13: Extends “Winner on the Day” to provincial football finals (currently All-Ireland finals go to replay after extra-time).

• • Motion 14: Moves All-Ireland finals back by two weeks (to on or before the 32nd Sunday of the year), prevents inter-county competitions before the 4th Sunday, and removes pre-season competitions; includes concessions for counties reaching All-Ireland finals.

• • Motion 15 (New Rule): Introduces a certification concept for counties to participate in senior inter-county competitions (Amateur Status Review Committee).

• • Motion 16: Recasts/rewords an existing Amateur Status rule to state what can be done as well as what cannot be done (Amateur Status Review Committee).

• • Motion 17: Addresses New York’s participation in inter-county championships and how that interacts with hurling groups, promotion and relegation.

• • Motion 18: Removes SHC preliminary quarter-finals (CCCC). (Will fall if Motion 6 passes.)

• • Motion 19: Brings dissent rules from football into hurling, with frees advanced 30 metres (rather than 50).

• • Motion 20: Begins a process to develop policy on the definition of a club, giving county committees scope to determine clubs within their counties.

• • Motion 21: Helps smaller rural clubs by allowing county committees to adjust outfield numbers to not below 11 (enabling 12-a-side).

• • Motion 22: Expands the composition of Development CCC and provides authority for annual operational reviews of U17-and-under competitions.

• • Motion 23: Extends Central Council powers to interpret codes as well as rules.

• • Motion 24: Enables counties to use an online system for club transfers.

• • Motion 25: Introduces Central Council guidelines on permanent residency for transfers/eligibility, allowing counties to apply criteria from those guidelines.

Why Motion 2 matters most for Rounders

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Paula Doherty, from Castlebar, Co Mayo, has been elected as the first female President of GAA Rounders — a landmark moment for the sport and a hugely popular appointment across the country. A current All-Star and a key member of the dominant Breaffy Senior Ladies team that won four All-Ireland titles in a row, Paula brings both on-field success and deep administrative experience to the role.

Outside of Rounders, she works in education as Programme Director in St Angela’s College, Sligo, where her background in leadership, organisation, and student support has shaped her reputation for calm, steady, and practical decision-making.

Over the past decade she has become one of the most respected figures in the sport, contributing to juvenile development, national structures, and club growth, while earning widespread trust from volunteers and clubs alike.

Accepting the role, Paula kept her message grounded and focused on the people who drive the sport forward:

“It’s a privilege to take on this position. My only aim is to do right by the clubs, the volunteers, and the players who keep this sport alive every single week.”

While acknowledging the significance of her election, she was quick to place the emphasis back on the work ahead:

“Being the first woman to hold the role is something I’m proud of. But what matters now is the work. Titles are one thing — getting things done is another.”

Drawing on themes she discussed in her interview, Paula highlighted structure, communication, and stability as the central priorities of her presidency:

“People want clarity, consistency, and respect. If we get our systems right — fixtures, communication, development, refereeing — everything else will follow.”

She also emphasised the need to rebuild trust and support the growing number of clubs nationwide:

“This sport has huge potential, but potential only becomes progress when everyone feels listened to. That’s the standard I’m setting for myself and for the Association.”

Paula closed her speech by thanking those who encouraged her to step forward:

“I didn’t put myself into this lightly. I care about Rounders, and I’ll give the job everything I have.”

Her election has been warmly welcomed, with clubs across the country viewing her presidency as a fresh chapter and a steadying influence at a key moment for the sport.

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All-Ireland Junior Semi-Finals – Day Preview

Saturday, 9 August 2025 | Coláiste Muire Máthair, Galway

There’s something special brewing in Galway this weekend.

For the first time ever, the All-Ireland Junior Semi-Finals will be held in the west — and Coláiste Muire Máthair (St Mary’s) is set to host a brilliant day of GAA Rounders action.

With 12 teams across three competitions, this is a celebration of everything that makes Junior Rounders so exciting — new clubs, fresh talent, local heroes, and the relentless pursuit of national glory.

Over 50 teams competed at Junior level this season, a phenomenal reflection of the sport’s growth and inclusiveness. Now, only the best remain.

A Word of Thanks

Before the first pitch is thrown, a sincere word of thanks goes to the match referees — Aine McLaughlin, Sean Bailey, and Michael Slevin — whose dedication and fairness allow these games to be played in the right spirit. Without them, days like this wouldn’t be possible.

Hot Food Available – St. Mary’s Food Hall

Food will be served throughout the day at the front entrance of the main building. Players, coaches, and supporters can enjoy:

• Chicken or vegetarian curry – just €5
• Tea, coffee, and snacks

Junior Men’s Semi-Finals

1:00pm – Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan) vs Kilmore (Roscommon)
Referee: Aine McLaughlin

Inniskeen’s narrow win over Carrickmacross showed their grit, but Kilmore’s calm, composed style — and impressive group stage — might just give them the edge.

Kilmore’s defensive organisation could be key against Inniskeen’s explosive hitters.

Prediction: Kilmore to edge it

3:00pm – Myshall (Carlow) vs St. Senan’s (Limerick)
Referee: Michael Slevin

Myshall have been sharp all season. But St. Senan’s are seasoned and spirited — and could cause an upset if they can contain Myshall’s top order.

Prediction: St. Senan’s on balance

Junior Ladies Semi-Finals

1:00pm – Castletown Liam Mellows (Wexford) vs Elphin (Roscommon)
Referee: Michael Slevin

Castletown look the most balanced team remaining. Elphin will fight hard, but they’ll need a near-perfect performance.

Prediction: Castletown

3:00pm – Dublin Metropolitans vs Inniskeen Grattans
Referee: Sean Bailey

The Mets are growing in confidence. Inniskeen, though underdogs, have momentum after a great win over Kilmore.

Prediction: Dublin Metropolitans

Junior Mixed Semi-Finals

1:00pm – Dublin Metropolitans vs St. Senan’s (Limerick)
Referee: Sean Bailey

Senan’s have looked unstoppable all season — slick, strong and composed. The Mets will need a flawless display to stop them.

Prediction: St. Senan’s

3:00pm – Galway City Rapparees vs Gusserane (Wexford)
Referee: Aine McLaughlin

Gusserane have been ruthless, but Rapparees — boosted by home support — look tactically sharp and hungry for another All-Ireland Final.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

What Makes Days Like This

This isn’t just about silverware — it’s about community, commitment, and pride. Every player, coach, volunteer, and supporter has helped make this day possible.

Whether it’s your first year in Rounders or your fifth, reaching a Junior All-Ireland Semi-Final is a massive achievement — and every club taking the field today has earned it.

Good luck to all involved — and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic day for the sport.

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The second weekend of the 2025 GAA Rounders Championship — and the opening round of the senior championships — brings a packed slate of high-stakes fixtures across the country. With promotion hopefuls, former finalists, and early-season form all colliding, Sunday could prove pivotal. And for most teams in action, it’s only week one.

All eyes will be on heavy-hitters like Limekiln vs Breaffy in both the Senior Men’s and Mixed grades, as the two All-Ireland finalists renew their rivalry. Erne Eagles vs Cuchulainn promises to be a crucial clash across three codes, with last year’s tight margins fresh in the memory. Elsewhere, newcomers Kilmeena face a baptism of fire away to The Heath in Senior Mixed, while the all-Galway Intermediate Mixed derby between Galway City Rapparees and Athenry could be a historic first.

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INTERMEDIATE LADIES

Kilmeena vs St Clare’s
Venue: Heath
Time: 1.30pm
Kilmeena were promoted to Intermediate Ladies for 2025, but started with a disappointing 9–10 defeat to Michael Glaveys. A second loss would seriously dent their semi-final hopes. St Clare’s, losing semi-finalists in 2024, are considered one of the early favourites — and will expect to take care of business here.

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INTERMEDIATE MEN

Kilmeena vs St Clare’s
Venue: The Heath
Time: 11:30am
They met in 2024’s Intermediate Men’s Championship — where Kilmeena emerged 11–6 winners. With St Clare’s coming off a 2024 semi-final appearance, this game could tilt the balance of the group for either side. All-Star Tommy Hoban will need to be in on top form for the Mayo side if they are to start the season off with a win.

Galway City Rapparees vs Dublin Metropolitans
Venue: Galway
Time: 1.30pm
The Rapparees, 2023 finalists, endured a miserable 2024 and are desperate to bounce back. Dublin Mets, promoted as Junior Men’s champions, made a major statement with a last-gasp win away to Emo last time out. With Ryan Dennis and Jack Cheyne set to battle it out on the mound, this is one of the most exciting pitching duels at intermediate level of the weekend — and potentially a decider for a semi-final spot down the line.

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INTERMEDIATE MIXED

Galway City Rapparees vs Athenry
Venue: Galway
Time: 3.15pm
The first all-Galway Rounders Championship clash in the history of rounders, and with local pride on the line, it’s shaping up to be a huge day for both clubs.

Galway City Rapparees were one of only a couple of unbeaten teams across all grades last season. They capped off a perfect 2024 campaign by winning the Junior Mixed final and earning promotion — but despite that, they enter 2025 as underdogs in a fiercely competitive Intermediate division. With momentum on their side, they’ll be hoping to extend their winning streak and make an early statement.

Athenry, meanwhile, had two wins last season and know they’ll need to be sharper if they want to push for a semi-final place this year. They’ll be wary of a fired-up Rapparees squad with a point to prove and home support behind them. Expect a passionate and tight encounter in what could become one of the league’s newest rivalries.

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SENIOR LADIES

Erne Eagles vs Cuchulainn
Venue: Erne
Time: 11:30am
Two of last year’s top contenders collide in what could be an early decider for a semi-final place.

Cuchulainn looked destined for the 2024 final before a late-on fightback from Breaffy to snatch victory. Erne Eagles also bowed out at the semi-final stage — but it was this exact fixture where they prevailed in a pulsating 24–21 shootout. That game was one of the matches of the season and both sides will be desperate to lay down a marker early in 2025.

With the strength of this year’s Senior Ladies division, neither team can afford to lose ground. The winner here could already have one foot in the knockout stages.

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SENIOR MEN

Erne Eagles vs Cuchulainn
Venue: Erne
Time: 2:30
Erne Eagles are the hot favourites to retain their Senior Men’s crown and begin their 2025 campaign at home to Cuchulainn — a side they comfortably defeated 22–5 last season.

While Cuchulainn did secure two wins in 2024 and have their sights set on a top-four finish, this fixture represents a huge step up. It’s a valuable early test of how much they’ve progressed, but they’ll need to be at their very best — and then some — to cause an upset here. Anything other than an Erne win would send shockwaves through the championship.

Carrickmacross Emmets vs Glynn Barntown
Venue: Carrickmacross
Time:
The rivalry continues as Glynn Barntown return to face a Carrickmacross Emmets side that handed them a humbling 20–2 defeat in 2024. Barntown will be out for blood this time around, and there’s every chance this could be a far tighter contest than last year’s one-sided affair.

Carrickmacross had a mixed league campaign but really put it up to Erne Eagles in the semi-final. They will be hoping for victory — but don’t be shocked if we see a much tighter match this season.

Limekiln vs Breaffy
Venue: Limekiln
Time: 2pm
This is a repeat of the 2024 semi-final, which Breaffy won before losing the final — and it’s another chance for Breaffy to get one over on Limekiln. Their league clash last season finished 13–12, and expect this one to be just as close, with a draw not being ruled out.

Both clubs are stacked with All-Star talent, and this should be a physical, high-skill contest.

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SENIOR MIXED

Erne Eagles vs Cuchulainn
Venue: Erne
Time: 1pm
This game in 2024 decided Cuchulainn’s fate of not making the semi-finals. They narrowly lost 5–7. Last season’s semi-finalist Erne Eagles will be looking to go at least one better — but don’t be surprised if this is as close as 2024. Cuchulainn have the tools to compete but must be near-perfect to pull off a result.

Carrickmacross Emmets vs Glynn Barntown
Venue: Carrickmacross
Time: TBC
Glynn Barntown have added a few players which should move them to favourites. Carrick easily beat them in 2024 (23–7)

If Glynn can come away with a victory here, every team in the division will be afraid of them. But if Carrick win, it should set them up for at least a semi-final place in 2025. It will confirm the readiness of both sides for the top four places.

Limekiln vs Breaffy
Venue: Limekiln
Time: 12.30pm
Another rematch of the 2024 final — and another chance for Limekiln to finally get one over on Breaffy. Both clubs are stacked with All-Star talent, and this should be a physical, high-skill contest.

If you like top-class bowling, Michelle Hopkins vs Chris Hughes in this one will be epic. Home advantage might swing it Limekiln’s way, but Breaffy won’t be in any mood to start off their title defence with a loss to their biggest rival in the division.

The Heath vs Kilmeena
Venue: The Heath
Time: 3pm
Kilmeena’s promotion to Senior Mixed is a major milestone — but their debut match is a tough one. They are back-to-back champions in the Junior and Intermediate grades and will be the Wrexham of Rounders if they can win three in a row.

The Heath are title contenders, having taken a year out in 2024 after a tough championship in 2023 which ended in All-Ireland victory. A close game is possible, but the hosts are clear favourites to show they are back with a bang in the Senior Mixed Championship.

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