All-Ireland Senior Ladies Final Preview: Breaffy v Glynn Barntown

 

All-Ireland Senior Ladies Final Preview: Breaffy v Glynn Barntown

📍 NGDC Abbotstown 🗓 Saturday, 6th September – 1.00pm 📺                              Ref – Chris Hughes


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A Familiar Final

For the third year running, the Senior Ladies All-Ireland Final will see Breaffy and Glynn Barntown face off in Abbotstown. Breaffy, chasing a historic fourth consecutive crown, lifted last year’s title, while Glynn, runners-up in 2024, are determined to turn the tables this time.

This rivalry runs deep. It’s the fourth time since 2020 these two sides have met in the decider. Back then, Breaffy denied Glynn a fifth straight title – a win that would have broken Castlebar’s record of four-in-a-row. Even more impressively, since 2016 at least one of these clubs has featured in every Senior Ladies Final, underlining their dominance over the past decade. It’s truly a battle of titans.

Chris Hughes will referee for his second senior final. 

I can’t wait to see both sides leave it all on the pitch and showcase why they’ve been the standard-bearers for so long. – Chris Hughes 

The Road to the Final

Breaffy have been untouchable: five wins from five in the group, 78 runs for and just 31 conceded. Their unbeaten form rolled into the semi-final with a commanding 24–10 win over Cuchulainn.That semi-final showcased why they’re champions: Breaffy scored in every inning, including a decisive 8-run burst in the 6th. Katie Groonell was the star hitter, crossing home multiple times and leading from the front at backstop. Helen Gallagher impressed at 2nd base with both bat and glove, while Michelle Hopkins — one of the championship’s leading ladies and leading bowlers — again played a central role. At 3rd base, Paula Doherty provided her trademark composure and power, steadying the middle order and sharpening the infield.
 
Glynn Barntown finished second in the group with four wins from five. In the semi-final they delivered a composed 11–4 victory over Erne Eagles, landing a crucial 5-run surge in the 4th inning to pull clear. Annmarie Dunphy and Abbie Delaney led a balanced, controlled display that booked a second successive final appearance.


Head-to-Head

  • 2023/4 Final’s: Breaffy beat Glynn Barntown
  • Group Stage (10 Aug 2025): Breaffy 12–5 Glynn Barntown
Recent meetings favour Breaffy, but finals take on a life of their own. Glynn arrive battle-hardened and better equipped to ask serious questions.

The Verdict

Breaffy’s march towards a four-in-a-row makes them deserved favourites: unbeaten season, scoring depth across the lineup, and proven big-game pedigree. Glynn Barntown, however, have tightened up and timed their run. If they can contain Breaffy’s mid-game surges and capitalise early, this could run close.

Team News – Starting team news on Thursday

Glynn Barntown Crest

Glynn Barntown Senior Ladies

Player Name Number Position
Catriona Walsh 14 Bowler
Chloe Doyle 2 Backstop
Síona King 1 1st Base
Mary Roche 21 2nd Base
Alisha Reddy 12 3rd Base
AnnMarie Dunphy 16 Short Stop
Erin Walsh 23 Right Outfield
Abbie Delaney 28 Centre Outfield
Aileen Kelly 15 Left Outfield

Substitutes

  • Emma Reddy (27)
  • Ann Hanley (11)
  • Keira Donnelly (10)

Coaches

Yvonne Roche, Paul Cooper

Breaffy Crest

Breaffy Senior Ladies

Player Name Number Position
Michelle Hopkins   Bowler
Katie Groonell   Backstop
Margaret Fitzgibbon   1st Base
Helen Gallagher   2nd Base
Paula Doherty   3rd Base
Gráinne Gavin   Short Stop
Claire Burke   Right Outfield
Aileen Gavin   Centre Outfield
Katie Kenny   Left Outfield

Substitutes

  • Tracey Cannon
  • Mikaela Foy
  • Megan Frazer
  • Aisling Hughes
  • Paula Lenegan
  • Kelly Roache

Coaches

Colm Jordan, Séamus Lunn