Inaugural Round Winter League exceeds expectations
Cuchulainn Ballon rounders team who were the overall winners of the rounders winter league.
The inaugural Carlow-Wexford-Laois (CWL) Rounders Winter League has exceeded all expectations, delivering an action-packed competition that saw an incredible 80 games played over just six match days. What began as a small initiative in September quickly grew into a major event, with 20 teams competing across the three counties.
The league was established with the primary goal of promoting rounders and providing clubs with a platform to attract new players. However, as organiser Peadar Waters reflected, it evolved into something much greater—a showcase of dedication, community spirit, and the ever-growing strength of rounders in the region.
The interest in the league was remarkable, proving the demand for structured competition outside of the traditional championship season. The support from clubs, volunteers, and officials ensured the smooth running of the tournament, demonstrating the unity within the rounders community.
While Peadar played a crucial role in bringing the league to life, he was quick to credit four individuals whose tireless efforts were instrumental in making the competition such a success - Caroline Waters (Cúchulainn), Emma Reddy (Glynn-Barntown),Carmel Maloney (Cúchulainn), Paul Cooper (Glynn-Barntown).
Described as “hidden gems,” these individuals went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of the league was managed efficiently, from scheduling matches to overseeing logistics.
A major milestone of the CWL Winter League was the introduction of a referee training course, which saw 13 participants take their first steps towards becoming qualified referees. This initiative is a significant boost for rounders, as the sport continues to grow and requires a steady pipeline of officials to maintain high standards. Special thanks were extended to AnnMarie Brennan (Cúchulainn), Jack Cheyne (Dublin Mets), and GAA Rounders for their role in making the course a success.
Final Day and Celebrations The final day of the league was nothing short of spectacular, with 16 games played in glorious sunshine—an unexpected bonus for an early March finale. The competition concluded with a men’s exhibition match, where players, having already featured in multiple games, battled fatigue and hunger before the match was called after an hour and fifteen minutes.
Later that evening, the Hunters Rest in Fenagh hosted a well-deserved celebration. Medals, trophies, and appreciation awards were distributed, with GAA Rounders President Iain Cheyne making the journey to personally present awards to the mixed and ladies’ champions. His presence and words of encouragement highlighted the significance of the CWL Winter League in the broader context of rounders development.
The success of this year’s competition has set a strong foundation for future editions, with rounders in Carlow, Wexford, and Laois experiencing significant growth as a result. The enthusiasm, dedication, and sheer volume of matches played over such a short period underscore the passion for the sport in the region.
Reflecting on the league, Peadar summed it up best:
"Rounders is growing rapidly, and these teams are getting stronger by the day. I can’t wait to see where it will be in five years’ time.”
With such a committed group of organisers, clubs, and players, the CWL Winter League looks set to become a permanent fixture in the rounders calendar.
