What A Day In Wexford

Junior Day 2026 delivered everything that makes GAA Rounders special: new teams, nervous first innings, big hits, clever fielding, plenty of learning, and a brilliant community atmosphere.

Held at the Halo Tiles Wexford GAA Centre of Excellence in Ferns on Bank Holiday Saturday, 2 May 2026, the day brought together clubs from all four provinces for a packed programme of Women’s, Men’s and Mixed action.

From 9.30am, teams began arriving in the Model County. By 10.30am, the venue was buzzing. The anthem was sung at 10.55am, the klaxon sounded at 11am, and Junior Day was officially underway.

Mixed Competition: Kilmore Take The Cup

The Mixed competition captured the real spirit of Junior Day, with brand-new teams sharing the field with clubs who already have knockout championship experience.

Kilmore received a bye to the Cup final after an unusual afternoon reshuffle, while Inniskeen Grattans defeated Oulart The Ballagh (1) by 20–4 to book their place in the decider.

Junior Day 2026 Mixed Cup Winners – Kilmore (Roscommon)

Mixed Cup Final

Kilmore 16–10 Inniskeen Grattans

Kilmore’s experience told in the final as they brought the Mixed Cup back to Roscommon. Player of the Match was Sinéad Beirne.

Mixed Cup Final Player of the Match Sinead Beirne (Kilmore, Roscommon) presented by Peadar Waters

Mixed Shield Final

Myshall 21–18 Oulart The Ballagh (2)

Oulart pushed hard, but Myshall’s huge second innings proved decisive as the Carlow side claimed the Shield.

Junior Day 2026 Mixed Plate Winners – Myshall (Carlow)

Special mention must go to Oulart The Ballagh, who entered two teams, reached two semi-finals, and had one side make the Shield final. Na Gaeil Nua also impressed, despite only forming in 2025.

Men’s Competition: Gusserane Edge A Thriller

The Men’s competition returned for the first time since 2021, with Emo, Gusserane and Passage all taking part.

Passage, from Waterford, gave a strong account of themselves despite only taking up Rounders a few months ago. The final then came down to Emo and Gusserane — and it turned into one of the games of the day.

Junior Day 2026 Men’s Cup Finalists – Emo (Laois) and Gusserane (Wexford)

Men’s Cup Final Player of the Match Morgan Nash Colfer (Gusserane, Wexford) presented by Peadar Waters

Player of the Match went to Morgan Nash Colfer, after a match-winning display when it mattered most.

Women’s Competition: Dublin Mets, Gusserane And Kilanerin Shine

The Women’s competition was the biggest of the day, with twelve teams entered from across the country. From new clubs such as Nobber and Passage to established sides like Dublin Metropolitans and Skryne, it was a superb mix of fresh energy and proven quality.

GAA Rounders President, Paula Doherty & GAA Uachtaran Tofa, Derek Kent with Gusserane (Wexford) and Skryne (Meath) Women’s Teams

Junior Day 2026 – Nobber (Meath)

Nobber deserve huge credit, with two teams reaching semi-finals despite only forming in 2026. Kilanerin Ballyfad, Carrickmacross Emmets, Athenry, Gusserane and Dublin Mets all made their presence felt throughout a competitive afternoon.

Women’s Shield Final

Dublin Metropolitans beat Carrickmacross Emmets

Junior Day 2026 – Women’s Shield Final Player of the Match Katie Flynn (Dublin Metropolitans) presented by Shirley Lennon

Dublin Mets pulled clear after a tight opening innings, with Katie Flynn named Player of the Match after stepping up to pitch for the first time.

Finals Summary

A Proper Celebration Of Rounders

Junior Day 2026 finished shortly after 6pm, with players, referees, managers and organisers heading home tired but happy after a brilliant day of sport.

Win, lose or draw, the day showed exactly what Rounders is about: community, collaboration, commitment and competition.

It gave new players their first taste of competitive action, gave developing teams valuable matches, and gave established clubs another chance to show leadership within the game.