Glory awaits

 

The battle for the first All-Ireland titles of the season takes centre stage this Saturday as the best young talent in the country heads to Athlone GAA for the Under 14 GAA Rounders Championship Finals.

 

Rivalry renewed in the Girls Championship 

 

 

With rivalries renewed, champions defending their crowns and ambitious challengers determined to make their mark, all the ingredients are in place for a thrilling afternoon of Rounders.

In the Girls competition, Athenry finally get the opportunity they were denied last year after scheduling difficulties prevented their participation in the championship. The Galway side arrive as three-in-a-row Connacht champions and will be desperate to turn provincial dominance into national success.

They face fierce opposition from Cuchulainn of Carlow, a side full of confidence and determination, while defending champions Emo return eager to prove that last year’s triumph was no one-off. With quality and experience spread across all three teams, the girls title race looks too close to call.

 

Mouthwatering

 

The Boys championship is equally mouthwatering. Emo will attempt to defend the title they captured during an historic afternoon in Monaghan last year, but they know every opponent will be targeting the champions.

Michael Glaveys come armed with motivation and unfinished business. After falling agonisingly short in last year’s semi-final, the Connacht champions will be determined to go one step further this time around.

Lurking dangerously in the background are Cuchulainn, whose boys side has shown enough grit and quality to punish even the slightest lapse in concentration. Any hint of complacency could prove costly.

The future, today!

 

For anyone wanting a glimpse of the future stars of GAA Rounders, Athlone is the place to be this Saturday. The standard at Under 14 level continues to rise year on year, and the passion, skill and intensity on display promises to make this a fantastic occasion for players and supporters alike.

First pitch throws in at 12:30pm and, by tea time, the first All-Ireland champions of the new season will be crowned.