Category : Front Page News | Sub Category : Front Page Posted on 2025-02-20 17:09:01
Mark Jennings Rounders story isnt what many would expect—there were no childhood matches, he has no memories of batting as a kid, he didn’t win any juvenile All-Irelands. His journey into the sport was more of a chance encounter, a pandemic pastime that spiraled into something far more significant.
“It was a bit of luck, really,” Jennings admits, as he leans back, reflecting on how he stumbled upon Rounders. “Like a lot of people during COVID, I was looking for something to pass the time. I hadn’t run in five years, but I saw a post on Facebook about Breaffy Rounders, and thought, ‘Why not?’ I joined in, and I haven’t stopped running since. That was four years ago, and here we are.”
At first, it wasn’t clear if the sport would stick. Jennings, like so many before him, wasn’t sure of what to expect. “I could throw, I could catch. But, you know, that’s not enough. I had to learn the rules, how to position myself, when to run, where to throw. It was all new to me.”
What kept him coming back wasn’t just the physical challenge, nor the elusive satisfaction of learning something new. It was the mental reprieve. “Rounders is like therapy,” he explains, the weight of the statement sitting heavily. “No matter how bad my week is, or how stressful the day has been, Rounders gives me that chance to switch off. You come out here and forget about everything. For a few hours, it’s just you, the game, and the people you’re playing with.”
When asked to name the player who has most influenced his game, his answer was immediate: “It’s a bit of an unusual choice since he’s not a teammate, but Darryl Dolan (Erne Eagles).” He elaborated, saying, “He ran a foundation course for us at Michael Glaveys in 2022 and taught us about batting techniques, positioning, and the strategic side of the game. It’s amazing how simple it becomes when you really think about it. I left that course a much better player and have seen significant improvement ever since.”
The Rise
Jennings wasn’t a star when he started, but over the past four years, he’s carved out a place for himself. This year, he achieved what many only dream of—an All-Ireland with the Breaffy Mixed team, and an All-Star award to top it off.
“We’d been knocked out in the semis the last few years, so this year, there was a fire,” he says, the confidence in his voice audible. “Our infield was solid—Pitcher and Backcatcher were on fire. But it wasn’t just about being good. We knew we were good enough. We just needed to be perfect on the day, and we were. We weren’t leaving that final without the trophy.”
However, perfection, as the Breaffy Men’s team learned, is elusive. The Men’s team, which came agonisingly close to winning, lost in the final. But for Jennings, it’s not the loss that stands out—it’s the context.
“Eighteen months ago, Breaffy Men hadn’t won a game in three years,” he points out, the pride evident in his voice. “And this year, we were in the final. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but we’re getting there. We were only one down after five innings. That’s not bad. The Erne Eagles, they just have that mentality, that knack for winning finals. They’ve been there. But we’ll be back. Trust me on that.”
The All-Star Moment
Being named an All-Star was, in theory, a significant achievement. But Jennings isn’t one for grand statements or boastful claims. When asked how it felt to be recognised among the best in the game, he shrugs. “Yeah, grand,” he says nonchalantly. “But honestly, I’d trade all that for another final win for the team. It’s about the bigger picture.”
Mark is not the type to revel in personal glory. To him, the team is what matters. His greatest memory from the past season wasn’t a personal highlight but a collective moment. “We were playing the semi-final, and the Men’s team got the winning run to reach the final,” he recalls, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “I was next up to bat, and when the winning hit came, I warned the girls that we might lose the run of ourselves during the celebrations. And we did. Twenty-nine years since the Men reached a final. I think we deserved it. Then someone started chopping onions, and there were a few watery eyes around the place.”
The Club
Breaffy’s Rounders tradition is as storied as it is successful. For Jennings, the strength of the club lies in its defence. “Breaffy’s always been known for its great fielding,” he says, leaning forward slightly, an intensity in his eyes. “If you’ve got a solid defence, you’re halfway there. You can’t underestimate the importance of defence.”
But what makes the club more than just a competitive force is the camaraderie. “The people are what make Breaffy special,” he says, settling back into his chair. “We’ve become a family over the years. I’ve met some of the best people through Rounders. The personalities are incredible—every game, there’s something new. A lot of quirks, a lot of laughs.”
The Role of Connacht Head
As the head of Connacht Rounders, Jennings is focused on growing the sport while balancing his playing commitments. “It’s not easy balancing playing with developing the sport, but I manage,” he says. His approach is simple: “Saturdays are for development, Sundays are for playing. It’s a tight balance, but it works.” He emphasises the need for a full-time Games Development Officer, noting, “If I could have one wish, it would be to have a full-time Games Development Officer—it would add so much.”
Jennings also believes in the importance of connecting junior players with senior teams. “For junior players to truly develop their core skills, they need to watch senior games,” he explains. He sees exposure to high-level play as vital for their growth, stating, “Seeing the techniques and strategies used at the highest level can inspire them and give them a better understanding of the game.”
His goals are simple yet ambitious: more clubs, more teams, and more exposure. “I want to get more Junior teams going, to bring the new players up through the ranks,” he says. “The more clubs, the more teams, the more opportunity for new players to learn, to get better. And, of course, we need more coverage. We’re competing against football and hurling, but we’ve got a good thing going. It’s just about getting the word out.”
Under Pressure
Jennings is the kind of player who doesn’t feel the pressure. “There’s no such thing as pressure to me,” he says. “If I make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world. I just enjoy the game. Finals are big, but the beauty of Rounders is that there’s always another one. You can’t stress about every little thing. Just go out, enjoy yourself, and do what you’ve worked for.”
It’s this mindset that has allowed him to thrive. And it’s clear that for Mark Jennings, Rounders is more than just a sport. It’s a community. A passion. A release.
Looking back over his four-year journey, he’s proud of his personal growth. “I’m proud of myself for only missing five training sessions in four years,” he says with a modest smile. “But what excites me most is the trophies to come. We’ve got a team that’s capable of more.”
As Jennings prepares for the future, one thing is certain: the fire still burns. And if he continues to lead with the same tenacity and humility, the next few years could see him and Breaffy achieve even greater things.
Mark Jennings may have stumbled into Rounders by chance, but now, with his All-Ireland and All-Star awards, it’s clear that he’s become an integral part of its future.
Go n-éirí an t-adh leat, Mark.
If you would like more information on setting up a Rounders club or are interested in helping Mark promote the game throughout the province, please contact connacht.rounders@gaa.ie
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