Monaghan ready to “Go”

Monaghan Ready to Go as Go Games for Rounders Launches

 

Monaghan’s team of Go Games volunteers are ready to bring rounders to a new generation.

Monaghan GAA Rounders is ready to Go this weekend as the county launches its new Go Games for Rounders schedule, bringing the fun, excitement and inclusiveness of Rounders to the youngest members of the community.

The initiative is being driven by a dedicated team of volunteers who are ready to bring the programme to life, creating opportunities for children to experience the game in a fun, player-focused environment and helping clubs introduce a new generation to one of the GAA’s original sports.

The first Go Games for Rounders blitz takes place this Saturday, 20th June at Platinum Tanks Park, with clubs and children ready to get involved and enjoy the action.

Francis Walsh said: “I am proud to support this initiative in Monaghan. The commitment of the volunteer team ready to drive Go Games for Rounders forward is fantastic to see. Bringing the game to our youngest members gives children the chance to enjoy themselves, learn new skills and experience the teamwork and friendships that come with sport.”

Kim Thornton added: “The equipment pack is a brilliant resource and makes getting started so simple. I can’t wait to see children out playing, developing their skills and experiencing all the benefits that Rounders has to offer.”

Monaghan is showing the way with Go Games for Rounders, giving young players the opportunity to discover the game, make memories and be part of its future.

Under 13 Féile – Review and results

GAA Rounders Under 13 Féile 2026 – A Day of Outstanding Action

The future of GAA Rounders was on full display at the Under 13 Féile, with teams travelling from Laois, Carlow, Dublin and Galway for a day of brilliant games, brilliant skill, and plenty of drama.

From the first pitch, it was clear that this would be a Féile to remember.

Boys Féile – A Competition Full of Drama

The boys competition featured Emo (Laois), Myshall (Carlow), Ioma (Laois), Kevin’s (Dublin) and Cuchulainn (Carlow).

The round robin stage produced some fantastic games, with every match capable of swinging either way. Strong batting, excellent fielding and some impressive defensive plays ensured there was very little between the teams throughout the day.

Eventually, the Féile final would see Emo take on Kevin’s, while Myshall and Cuchulainn would meet in the Shield final.

Myshall Claim the Shield

Myshall (Carlow) take home the Féile shield title

The Shield final saw both teams find their rhythm with the bat, producing a high-scoring contest. In the end, it was Myshall who took home the Shield title after an excellent performance.

Emo Edge a Classic Féile Final

Emo retain the Under 13 Féile title

The Féile Championship final brought together two teams who had earned their place there.

Kevin’s had shown all day that they were not there simply to make up the numbers. They were strong in defence, composed under pressure and dangerous with the bat.

Emo came into the final with a proud history in this competition, but they knew nothing would be handed to them. All-Ireland titles are earned, not given.

And both teams had to earn every single run.

The final innings arrived with Kevin’s holding a narrow lead, leaving Emo needing something special to turn the game around. That moment arrived through Barry McDonald, whose home run was enough to put Emo ahead and secure the Féile title.

Emo player, Barry McDonald receives the match ball from referee Sarah McGuiness

Girls Féile – A High Quality Line-Up

The girls competition had a strong local feel, with three Laois teams involved — Emo, The Heath and tournament newcomers Borris Ossory Kilcotton. Cuchulainn of Carlow and Athenry of Galway completed a brilliant line-up.

Borris Ossory Kilcotton showed throughout the day that they could trouble anyone with the bat. Cuchulainn showed that their defensive organisation could match anyone.

The Heath, returning to underage Féile competition after a number of years away, proved they still knew their way around a Rounders pitch.

Athenry and Emo, both highly decorated in recent years, arrived with the reputation of teams to beat — and both would prove to be every bit as competitive as expected.

Round Robin Sets Up Exciting Finals

The round robin did not disappoint. Big hits found gaps, strong defensive teams shut down ambitious base running, and the standard of Rounders on display was excellent.

The Heath Take Shield Honours

The Heath(Laois) win the U13 Féile shield title

The Shield final was a local battle between two sides who know each other well — Emo and The Heath.

The game started with plenty of scoring, but as the innings progressed The Heath began to take control. A strong final innings saw them slow down Emo’s batting order and hold on for a well-earned Shield victory.

Cuchulainn Continue Remarkable Season

Cuchulainn (Carlow) receive the u13 girls Féile title

The Féile Championship final was a repeat of the recent Under 14 final, with Athenry meeting Cuchulainn.

Athenry have built a reputation as one of the toughest defensive teams to score against, while Cuchulainn have developed a defensive system built on communication, awareness and trust.

The final was a tense and tactical contest. Outs came quickly, chances were taken, and before long the game moved into the final innings.

With outstanding coordination between their pitcher, second base and short stop, and a match-winning performance from Eabha O’Byrne, they kept Athenry scoreless in the final innings to secure another Féile title and another set of All-Ireland medals for Carlow.

It is becoming a remarkable season for Cuchulainn.

Eabha O’Byrne receives the match ball from referee Craig Davis

A Huge Thank You to Emo GAA

A special mention must go to Emo GAA for their tireless work hosting the event.

The venue was immaculate, the hospitality was exceptional, and they even managed to arrange some brilliant weather to match the quality of the Rounders on display.

Thank you for your continued support of our underage competitions and for helping make days like this possible.

GAA Rounders Championship Preview: 28 Matches Scheduled Across Ireland This Weekend

Preview 14 June 2026

Welcome to the busiest weekend of the season so far with 28 matches taking place up and down the country. In addition to all the great adult games in store over the weekend, on Saturday, the U13 Féile, our flagship Juvenile event, will take place in Emo, Co. Laois all day Saturday and anyone in the area is encouraged to attend and watch some of our youngest players give it their all in Boys’ and Girls’ Competitions. We have Championship games on Saturday and from 10am to 6pm on Sunday – it’s going to be some feast of Rounders so let’s get started and see who will be playing where and when.

Saturday

Venue: Slaughtneil, Derry
Teams: Slaughtneil, Naomh Trea & Wolfe Tones

Three cracking Junior Mixed matches will take place in Slaughtneil in Derry from 11.30am when three Ulster clubs each play two matches and Naomh Trea, Slaughtneil and Wolfe Tones all meet each other. All three are currently shoring up the bottom of Junior Group B’s table with Wolfe Tones and Slaughtneil both having played two games and Naomh Trea only out for the second time this year. Two wins for 2025 quarter-finalists Wolfe Tones would slide them up to second position on the table and give them a chance to qualify out of the group.

Predictions: Wolfe Tones to beat Slaughtneil and Naomh Trea. Slaughtneil to beat Naomh Trea.

Referee: Shirley Lennon

Sunday’s Senior Games

Venue: Mullahoran, Cavan
Teams: Erne Eagles & Breaffy

The Mayo hard to beat teams of Breaffy will arrive in Cavan on Sunday morning eager to continue their winning streaks and outperform Erne Eagles. The day starts with the Men’s match at 11.30am and this promises to be an excellent display of equally matched Rounders brilliance. Expect outstanding performances from the always reliable Shane Sheridan, Mark Jennings, Colm Jordan and Ger Clerkin to name a few. Darryl Dolan’s pitching this year has been steadily getting back to his best form and this has the potential to be our match of the day.

Following that, the Mixed teams take to the pitch. Breaffy have won five from five, Eagles have lost two of the three they’ve played. Breaffy would appear to have the edge, but Eagles can never be written off.

The final Senior match in Mullahoran will be between both clubs’ Women’s teams. Again, Breaffy are four from four while Eagles have won two, drawn one and lost one. Will home advantage give Erne Eagles the boost to take this match?

Predictions: Men – Erne Eagles; Mixed – Breaffy; Women – Breaffy

Referees: Men & Mixed – Michael Dowling; Women – Seán Bailey

Venue: Glynn Barntown, Wexford
Teams: Glynn Barntown & Cúchulainn

Starting at 12.30pm with Senior Men, Glynn Barntown welcome Carlow’s Cúchulainn for three games. Both teams have played three times this season, but Glynn Barntown have won twice and will hope that another victory this week will keep their semi-finals hopes alive. No doubt Cúchulainn will be thinking the same!

The Mixed teams play at 2pm and again, the Wexford side has fared better this year so far. Finally, at 3.30pm the Women’s teams will line out and Glynn Barntown could really do with a win to ensure that their Championship dreams stay alive.

Predictions: Men – Glynn Barntown; Mixed – Glynn Barntown: Women – Cúchulainn

Referee: Danielle Keane

Intermediate Action

Venue: Mullahoran, Cavan
Teams: Erne Eagles & Michael Glavey’s

Following the Senior extravaganza, two Intermediate teams will close the day’s action when the home side take on Roscommon’s Michael Glavey’s. Both teams have lost their opening match of this year’s Championship and will be anxious to make their way from the bottom of the table.

Prediction: Erne Eagles

Referee: Shane Sheridan

Venue: Tymon Park, Dublin
Teams: Dublin Metropolitans & Emo

Dublin Metropolitans’ home ground for this year is Tymon Park and on Sunday they welcome Laois side Emo for three Intermediate games. The Men start the day at 11am and Emo, playing their penultimate game in this group, will be keen to put last week’s defeat to St. Clare’s behind them and move to top of the table.

The Mixed teams meet at 1pm and while this is Mets last Mixed group game, Emo have only played once, and won. Mets have only lost once so will be keen to win this as well and hope their place as table toppers stays secure for another six weeks.

At 3pm the Women’s teams take to the pitch and a win for either will put them joint top of the table with one match left to play.

Prediction: Men – Emo; Mixed- Emo; Women – Emo

Referee: Chris Hughes

Venue: Elphin, Roscommon
Teams: Elphin & St. Clare’s

St. Clare’s will be busy on Sunday playing matches in two Connacht counties. The ladies’ day starts at 12pm in Elphin, where they’ll take on the newly promoted side. Fresh from great wins last Sunday, both sides should be confident but Intermediate Women’s Group B is at the exciting stage where if Elphin win, they top the table with 18 points but if St. Clare’s win their two games on Sunday they top the table with 18 points. It’s highly likely that on-form Galway City Rapparees will ultimately come out on top of this group so Sunday’s matches could well decide who will come in second and qualify for a semi-final place.

Prediction: St. Clare’s

Referee: Shirley Lennon

Venue: Kilmeena, Mayo
Teams: Kilmeena, St. Clare’s & Kilmore

As soon as the Elphin match finishes, St. Clare’s will be on the road again to Kilmeena to play another Women’s game against the Mayo ladies. Kilmeena have only played once this season and lost but St. Clare’s result against Elphin may well predict their mood coming into this game – and the result. They have what it takes to win but then so have Kilmeena if they play at their best.

The ladies get a chance to sit and watch while St. Clare’s Men then take on the home side. After a winning performance in terrible weather conditions last Sunday, St. Clare’s should be confident they can do this.

Last game of the day is another Men’s match between Kilmeena and Kilmore. The Roscommon side hit the ground running in opening weekend comprehensively defeating Dublin Metropolitans but have struggled in their two games since. Another loss this weekend will make qualification from the group less certain, so they’ll be aiming to win and make knockouts in their first year as an Intermediate side.

Prediction: Women – St. Clare’s; Men – St. Clare’s; Men – Kilmore

Referee: Shirley Lennon

Junior Round-up

Venue: Skryne, Meath
Teams: Skryne, Carrickmacross Emmets, Na Gaeil Nua & Gusserane

Three matches in Skryne get underway at 10.30am with the home side’s Junior Women taking on Carrickmacross Emmets. Table toppers Carrickmacross will hope to win this and beat a Skryne side who have yet to be tested this season.

At 12.30pm the Carrickmacross men take on Dublin side Na Gaeil Nua. Carrickmacross’s pitcher and catcher team of Paul Boylan and Darren Hughes have played brilliantly all season and if they, and Carrick’s strong outfielders, can manage to keep that going this Sunday, they can overcome the super batting of Na Gaeil Nua.

Carrickmacross will only have a short while to recover before they have to then take on Junior Day Men’s winners Gusserane in another Men’s match. Performing strongly in Men and Mixed this year, it will be hard to predict which of the two teams will come out on top…but we’ll try!

Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets to win all three

Referee: Amanda Hoxha

Venue: Nobber
Teams: Nobber & Clonguish

Nobber will host Longford side Clonguish at 3pm and for a brand new to the Championship side, only formed five months ago, the Meath ladies are certainly impressive. Narrowly losing their first match and then winning their third and drawing with veteran side Drumhowan last weekend, it’s clear that there’s talent in abundance in this squad. Clonguish have struggled with numbers and have had to concede two matches this season but it’s great to see them back again this year and working hard.

Prediction: Nobber

Referee: Colm Birdy

Venue: Oulart The Ballagh
Teams: Oulart The Ballagh, Myshall & Castletown Liam Mellows

At 11.30am in Wexford, new team Oulart The Ballagh take on Carlow neighbours Myshall in a Junior Mixed match. Myshall have been performing well all season and look strong but for their first year in the Championship, Oulart have done well and their excellent result at Junior Day will have given them confidence in their abilities.

At 1.30pm Myshall’s ladies will play Castletown Liam Mellows’ newly formed Junior team. The Wexford ladies have struggled in their first year out but their recent win over Kilrush Askamore shows their talent. Myshall are two from two and will be hoping to make that three from three.

Prediction: Mixed – Myshall; Women – Myshall

Referee: Cathy Kearns

Venue: Coláiste Muire Máthair, Galway
Teams: Galway City Rapparees & Na Piarsaigh

The two table topping teams will meet at 1pm in Galway in the first of their home and away games this season. Both have won both their games so far although Rapparees’ run rate is higher due to the 57 runs they’ve scored over both games.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Referee: Jay Hall

Venue: Garrymore, Mayo
Teams: Garrymore & Na Piarsaigh

One game done and then Na Piarsaigh will be on the road to Mayo to meet Garrymore for a Junior Mixed game. This is only the second game this season for both sides with both taking the win in their first outing.

Prediction: Na Piarsaigh

Referee: Craig Davis

Venue: Ballybrown, Limerick
Teams: Sporting Limerick, St. Kieran’s, St. Senan’s & Knockainey

Sporting Limerick will host three Junior Women’s games on Sunday from 10am when Knockainey travel to take on St. Senan’s. While St. Senan’s is a newly formed team this year, they can rely on experienced players like 2025 Junior All-Star Louise Kelly and it would be fair to assume that they’ll have what it takes to win this match.

At 12pm St. Kieran’s will meet home side Sporting Limerick. Performing well this year, opening the season with a win against Athenry, St. Kieran’s will be favourites to win this.

Finally, at 2pm, Sporting Limerick will be on the pitch again to play St. Senan’s. Again, on paper, St. Senan’s would appear the stronger side and the more likely to take the win.

Prediction: St. Senan’s, St. Kieran’s & St. Senan’s

Referee: Michael Sheahan

With no adult games taking place on Sunday 21st – due to the U15 National Féile in Laois GAA Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise – this Sunday is your big chance to get out, watch some excellent Rounders and support our players. With games from Derry to Wexford, Dublin to Mayo and many place in between, there’s never been a better opportunity to grab your camping chair, pack a picnic, put on some sunscreen and immerse yourself in our favourite game for several hours. Wherever you watch your games, we hope you enjoy them! Ádh mór to all our players!

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Cavan run second Go Games blitzz

Cavan Runs Another Successful Go Games Blitz

 

The afternoon may have brought grey skies and rain, but spirits remained high in Mullahoran on Saturday 6th June as Cavan hosted its second Go Games for Rounders blitz of the year.

Getting to grips with it.

Young players from across the county braved the elements to enjoy an action-packed day of Rounders, proving that a little rain is no match for the excitement of the game. The Go Games format provided the perfect opportunity for children to learn new skills, build confidence and experience the fun of Rounders in a positive and inclusive environment.

Fantastic atmosphere 

Players from Mullahoran GFC, Lacken GFC, Lavey GFC, Ballyhaise GFC, Gowna GFC and Ballinagh GFC all took part, with every club contributing to a fantastic atmosphere. There were brilliant catches, determined batting displays and plenty of enthusiastic support from teammates and spectators alike throughout the afternoon.

“To see kids coming out and enjoying the game in this weather is amazing,” remarked Amanda Fitzsimmons, Cavan Go Games for Rounders Champion. “The smiles on their faces tell you everything you need to know. The players threw themselves into every game and it was fantastic to see so many clubs represented.”

 

As Go Games for Rounders continues to grow across the county, more and more young players are discovering the enjoyment of one of the GAA’s most accessible and exciting sports.

Go Games volunteers on hand when needed

Get involved

Go Games events are taking place in Cavan every month. Clubs, coaches and parents interested in learning more or getting involved can email gogames.cavan.rounders@gaa.ie for further information.

GAA Rounders Honoured at oneills.com GAA World Games Launch

The oneills.com GAA World Games launch took place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, at the SETU Arena, Waterford, and GAA Rounders was honoured to be officially invited to take part.

The day began in Waterford city with official photographs of the World Games ambassadors—Limerick hurler Dan Morrissey, Galway footballer Shane Walsh, Cork camóg Saoirse McCarthy, Tyrone footballer Sarah Donnelly, and Galway handball player Ciana Ní Churraoin—alongside GAA Presidents Jarlath Burns, Paula Doherty (Rounders), Brian Molloy (Camogie), and Trina Murray (LGFA). This was followed by the official launch in the SETU Arena Conference Room.

The games will take place in Waterford from 13–17 July and will feature football, hurling, camogie, and handball. Marking our first time to be officially involved in the tournament, GAA Rounders will host three exhibition matches on Thursday, 16 July. We are incredibly excited to be invited to take part in such a prestigious event.

A Celebration of Global Gaelic Games

The World Games take place every three years in Ireland, bringing together over 2,000 players from Europe, the US, Africa, South America, Canada, Britain, Australasia, Asia, and the Middle East to compete and experience Irish culture.

Thursday, 16 July is a designated rest day for many tournament players. We will be actively encouraging them to come to SETU to watch the best of our athletes showcase the skill, speed, and excitement of a game that has been a core part of the GAA since the original charter in 1884.

Speaking at the launch, Paula Doherty, President of GAA Rounders, said:

“On behalf of GAA Rounders, I want to wish all participants the very best of luck. The absolute best of our sport will be on display, and we encourage everybody during their downtime to take in a match and see what GAA Rounders—a code experiencing massive growth—can offer their club.”

Further details regarding teams, times, and exact locations will be available soon. For now, keep the date free – Thursday, 16 July – and prepare to be treated to some world-class Rounders at the GAA World Games!

GAA Rounders – 7 June 2026 Preview

Preview 7 June 2026

GAA Rounders Championship Preview

Hard to believe but we’ve now entered our third month of All-Ireland games and we’re into Week 8 of the 2026 Championship. League tables are starting to take shape and the braver among us are starting to put bets on who’ll be reaching All-Ireland finals in August and September. But Rounders is nothing if not unpredictable and there’s still plenty of time to turn things around. We have 14 matches on Sunday so let’s have a look at who’ll be lining out and how they might fare.

Senior

Our only Senior action on Sunday will be in Carrickmacross where the Monaghan club welcomes Dublin visitors Limekiln. The men will start the day at 12pm, followed by the Mixed teams at 1.30pm and Women at 3pm.

Limekiln have had mixed fortunes so far this year. Their Women have won two games and only lost one. Their combined experience would have to make them favourites against the relatively inexperienced at Senior Carrickmacross ladies. However, Limekiln’s team has enjoyed a number of new transfers this year and are still gelling as a group. Carrickmacross beat both The Heath and Erne Eagles and will be confident of making this three in a row.

Limekiln’s Mixed team started the year strong with a win over Kilmeena but haven’t had another victory since. Carrickmacross started slow but won two weeks ago beating Erne Eagles. Limekiln’s Men are yet to get a win on the board, while Carrickmacross narrowly beat Galway City Rapparees. Will home advantage mean that Carrick can take all three games?

Predictions: Senior Men – Carrickmacross Emmets; Senior Mixed – Limekiln; Senior Women – Carrickmacross Emmets
Emo’s Michael Slevin will referee all three Senior games

Closing out Sunday’s action in Carrickmacross will be their Junior Women who welcome Longford side Clonguish. Carrick’s ladies are having quite the season, having only lost to Kilmore and are sitting comfortably in second place on the table. This is only Clonguish’s second game of the year and they’ll be hoping this will give them their first win.

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets
National Secretary Shirley Lennon will be in charge for this game

Intermediate

We have five Intermediate games in three venues nationwide to look forward to. First up in Cavan, St. Clare’s welcome Laois side Emo for an Intermediate Men’s game at 11am. Emo have played twice and won twice, beating Connacht sides Kilmore and Kilmeena. Will their winning streak continue against an Ulster team? St. Clare’s have only played once and lost to St. Senan’s

Prediction – Emo

Next up in Cavan will be Intermediate Mixed and this clash sees table toppers St. Clare’s take on bottom of the table Michael Glavey’s. To be fair to Glavey’s this is their first outing this year and they’ll be looking to get points on the table and move their way up.

Prediction – St. Clare’s

Final match of the day will be St. Clare’s Women vs Michael Glavey’s women. Both teams have played once and lost – St. Clare’s unable to match the skill and batting power of Galway City Rapparees and Glavey’s losing out to local rivals Elphin.

Prediction – St. Clare’s
Referee in Cavan for the day will be National Secretary, Shirley Lennon.

In Connacht at 11.30am Mayo’s Kilmeena will head east to play Elphin in Roscommon. Kilmeena have yet to start their 2026 campaign while Elphin have had two outings, beating Michael Glavey’s but losing to Galway City Rapparees.

Prediction – Kilmeena
Erne Eagles’ Darryl Dolan will referee in Elphin.

Our final Intermediate match of the day will be in Wexford where Gusserane will welcome Dublin Metropolitans. Gusserane are stepping onto an Intermediate pitch for the first time since their promotion to the grade and will take on the Mets who have beaten Glynn Barntown but lost to Raheen already this year. This is Dublin Mets first year at Intermediate Mixed but their men have played at this level for the past year. Will this experience stand to them and give them the win?

Prediction – Dublin Metropolitans
Our Referee in Gusserane will be Glynn Barntown’s Mary Roche.

Junior Round-up

Other Junior games taking place on Sunday are:

Junior Women

At 11am in Drumhowan, the hosts welcome new Meath side Nobber who took their first win of the season last weekend against Inniskeen Grattans.

Prediction – Nobber Referee – Emma Perrin of Erne Eagles

At 10am in Limerick, Kildimo Pallaskenry will host Galway’s Athenry

Prediction – Kildimo Pallaskenry Referee – St. Kieran’s Michael Sheahan

Also at 10am, our second Meath side of the day, Skryne will play Inniskeen Grattans at home. The new Inniskeen side are still finding their feet but will they manage to get their strategy together enough to beat Skryne?

Prediction – Skryne Referee – Limekiln’s Amanda Hoxha

Our only Junior Men’s game of the day will take place at 12pm in Skryne when Inniskeen Grattans meet Myshall. Inniskeen have yet to play a Men’s match this season while Myshall narrowly lost to Carrickmacross Emmets in May.

Prediction – Myshall Referee – Limekiln’s Amanda Hoxha

Our last Junior game of the day is Mixed and will feature a third Meath team when Dunsany travel to Carlow to play Leighlinbridge. The Carlow side’s performance this year has been solid with four wins from four and it would seem like a safe bet that newly formed team Dunsany won’t trouble them too much in their attempt to make a quarter final next month.

Prediction – Leighlinbridge Referee – Cathy Kearns

With eight matches in Ulster, four in Leinster and one each in Connacht and Munster, there are lots of opportunities to go watch some great Rounders this Sunday. By the end of the day some of our quarter and semi-finalists should be very clear and a few teams might find themselves with quite the uphill battle to qualify out of their groups. Final scores will be on our website and socials on Sunday evening.

Thank you to all our players, managers, Referees and Club Secretaries for the ongoing work to ensure that games are played and our Championship is kept on track. It is all very much appreciated!

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Under 14 Mixed review

Emo Claim Under 14 Mixed All-Ireland Title

Despite challenging weather conditions, the Under 14 Mixed Championship brought plenty of excitement to Clann na nGael, Roscommon, on Saturday, 30th May, as four clubs battled it out for national honours.

Representing four counties were Emo (Laois), Cuchulainn (Carlow), holders Erne Eagles (Cavan), and newcomers to GAA Rounders, Clontuskert of Galway.

Lighting up the place

 

The morning round-robin stage lit up Clann na nGael with some excellent displays of juvenile rounders. Sharp catches, disciplined fielding, and intelligent game management ensured that matches were decided on the field rather than by the clock, with scores proving difficult to come by throughout the morning.

Cuchulainn keep momentum 

Cuchulainn picked up where they had left off in the Under 14 Boys and Girls Championships earlier in the month. Built on a strong defensive foundation, the Carlow side proved incredibly difficult to break down and consistently kept opposition scoring opportunities to a minimum.

Cuchulainn continue to impress at all grades

Emo show quality

 

Emo showed their quality throughout the group stages. Powerful batting, combined with equally impressive fielding, saw the Laois side emerge from the round robin unbeaten and secure their place in the All-Ireland Final.

Clontuskert make progress 

 

For Clontuskert, the day began with understandable nerves as they made their championship debut. However, the Galway side improved dramatically with every innings they played. Their standout performance came against Cuchulainn, where they became the only team to truly unlock the Carlow defence during the group stages, scoring ten in a single innings and pushing the eventual finalists all the way before narrowly losing out in the third innings.

Eagles return

 

Defending champions Erne Eagles also made life difficult for every team they faced. A thrilling group-stage encounter with Cuchulainn could have gone either way, with the Cavan side agonisingly missing out on the opportunity to defend their crown. Instead, they would face Clontuskert in the Shield Final.

After three hard-fought matches each, the stage was set. Emo and Cuchulainn would contest the Championship Final, while Erne Eagles and Clontuskert would battle for Shield honours.

Clontuskert make a final on debut.

Clontuskert after receiving their silver medals

 

The progress made by Clontuskert throughout the day was evident for all to see. Their field became increasingly organised, while their batting line-up grew in confidence and understanding. However, Erne Eagles had also found another gear as the day progressed. Defensive errors had become rare and scoring opportunities were difficult to find. Clontuskert battled bravely and earned their three bats, but silver medals in the Shield Final would be their reward. Erne Eagles, meanwhile, added yet another trophy to a clubhouse already familiar with success.

 

Paula Doherty presents the Erne Eagles captain with the under 14 shield trophy

 

A final of the highest standard

 

The Championship Final proved a fitting finale to a superb day’s action.

As had been the case in the Shield Final, a full morning of rounders had sharpened both teams’ attacking and defensive play. Scores were hard-earned throughout, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage. Emo edged the early innings and carried a narrow lead into the final exchanges, but Cuchulainn remained firmly in contention.

With the advantage of fielding first in the closing stages, Cuchulainn succeeded in keeping Emo relatively quiet, but knew they would need scores of their own to bring home a second national title of the season.

Emo, however, were not prepared to surrender their advantage. Their well-organised field restricted Cuchulainn’s scoring opportunities and held firm when it mattered most. The Carlow side fought until the very end, but could not find the scores needed to overturn the deficit.

When the final out was confirmed, it was Emo who emerged as Under 14 Mixed All-Ireland Champions, adding another chapter to a proud history in the competition and once again seeing their name engraved on a trophy that has become a familiar destination for the Laois club.

Emo win the Under 14 All Ireland Mixed title

Congratulations to all four clubs for an excellent day of juvenile rounders and for showcasing the skill, determination, and sportsmanship that continues to drive the growth of GAA Rounders across the country.

GAA Rounders Preview: Full Fixtures and Predictions for 31 May 2026

Preview – 31 May 2026

It’s the June Bank Holiday Weekend and, while the rest of the country’s thoughts are turning to barbeques and an extra day off work, true Rounders fans are planning how many matches we can take in and what’s the quickest way to get from Athlone GAA to Clann na nGael and back again to catch as much of the action as possible in the seven games taking place between both venues on Sunday afternoon.

With multiple matches in Monaghan and Carlow, and one each in Mayo and Wexford, there’s no excuse not to be on your nearest pitch watching Bank Holiday Rounders this weekend.

Before we dive in, just a reminder that our U14 Mixed All-Ireland Competition will take place in Clann na nGael, Athlone, on Saturday, 30 May, from 10am, with the promise of some excellent Rounders from the stars of the future.

Clubs from Ulster, Connacht and Leinster will be vying for the title of U14 Champion – will Cavan’s Erne Eagles retain their title, or will the cup be going home with underage superstars Emo, newly formed Galway club Clontuskert, Roscommon contenders Elphin, or recent U14 Girls’ All-Ireland title winners Cúchulainn of Carlow?

Midlands Medley

With two pitches – one each for Senior and Intermediate games – on the go in Athlone GAA for the day, it will be a busy afternoon.

Starting proceedings at 12pm will be last year’s Intermediate Mixed winners, Erne Eagles, taking on newly promoted Intermediate side and last year’s Junior Mixed winners, St. Senan’s.

With rumours that Darryl Dolan was hoping to play Intermediate this year firmly quashed after his substitution onto the Senior team last weekend, we’ll have to wait until Sunday to see who lines out for the Cavan side.

While St. Senan’s were powerfully impressive at Junior last year, will they find the jump to playing what should now be a Senior-standard side a step too far?

Prediction: Erne Eagles

Our second Intermediate match will feature St. Senan’s Men, this time taking on Roscommon side Kilmore, also in their first year at Intermediate.

Kilmore have performed strongly so far this year. Having beaten Dublin Metropolitans on opening weekend and narrowly losing 14-10 to last year’s Intermediate Men’s finalists, Emo, their move to Intermediate is going well.

St. Senan’s have also played twice this season – losing to Dublin Mets and beating St. Clare’s – and both sides will be keen to make their way into top position on the league table heading into June.

Prediction: Kilmore

Athlone’s Intermediate games will be refereed by Myshall’s PJ Lalor.

Also in Athlone, two Senior games – both involving Cavan’s Erne Eagles and Wexford’s Raheen – will take place from 1.30pm.

First up will be both sides’ Senior Men. Raheen played last Sunday and lost to Cúchulainn, while Erne Eagles also played last Sunday and beat reigning All-Ireland Champions Carrickmacross Emmets – no prizes for guessing who will go into the game more confident.

Prediction – Erne Eagles

Final game in Athlone, at 3pm, will be the two Senior teams’ Women. Raheen will be bruised following a comprehensive defeat to Cúchulainn, while Eagles, who also lost to Carrickmacross’ Women last weekend, will be keen to get back to winning ways and take the victory.

Prediction – Erne Eagles

Our Senior Referee in Athlone GAA will be Galway City Rapparees’ Craig Davis.

Still in Athlone, but moving from Co. Westmeath to Co. Roscommon, Clann na nGael will host three more Senior games, this time between Breaffy and Glynn Barntown.

Starting at 12.30pm with a replay of the 2025 Senior Women’s final, followed at 2pm by the Senior Mixed clash and ending the day at 3.30pm when the men of both clubs square up on the pitch.

So far this season, in all three grades, Breaffy are the team to beat, and Glynn Barntown will need to be at their best to upset the Mayo side in their quest to continue to top the groups and make three All-Ireland finals.

Prediction – Breaffy to win all three

Refereeing in Clann na nGael will be The Heath’s Danielle Keane.

Junior Games

Starting at 11am in Leighlinbridge is the first of three Junior matches being hosted by the Carlow club. To start, they will take on Emo. With neither side yet suffering a defeat in a Junior Mixed match in 2026, nobody will want to lose that perfect record.

Prediction – Emo

At 1pm, Leighlinbridge’s Women will take on Wexford side Castletown Liam Mellows.

As a newly formed team this year, Castletown are finding their feet and will be hoping this is the day they manage to get their first win. Leighlinbridge, who beat Kilanerin Ballyfad by 29 runs in their opening Women’s game, are aiming to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Prediction – Leighlinbridge

Finally in Leighlinbridge on Sunday, the hosts can take a break and watch Naomh Pól take on Oulart The Ballagh in a Junior Mixed game between two “new to the Championship” sides.

This is both teams’ third fixture of the season, but Oulart are ahead on points having received a walkover in their first game.

Oulart performed well on Junior Day, reaching a Shield Final, but Naomh Pól also showed great promise in the Munster Winter League. This should be an exciting game between two well-matched teams.

Prediction – Oulart The Ballagh

Our Leighlinbridge Referee for the day will be Glynn Barntown’s Sarah McGuinness.

Staying in the South East, Gusserane and Na Gaeil Nua’s Junior Men’s teams both start their Championship campaigns when they travel to Castletown Liam Mellows to play at 12pm.

At Junior Day, Gusserane’s Men’s team came away with the Cup, while Na Gaeil Nua, a brand-new team formed this year, played Mixed and showed that they have great potential.

Prediction – Gusserane

Cathy Kearns of Glynn Barntown will be in charge for this game.

Much further north, in Carrickmacross, three more exciting Junior games will take place in Platinum Tanks Park, starting at 11am when the hosts take on Slaughtneil.

After a few years away from Championship action, the Derry side have returned this year and played their first match last Sunday in Inniskeen. Although they lost, the experience gained will stand to them against this Carrick side, who will be keen to put their opening defeat by Kilmore behind them and get some winning points on the scoreboard.

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets

Next up, at 1pm, the hosts will welcome Elphin for another Junior Mixed game.

Elphin have played twice this season and lost both games – to Inniskeen and Kilmore – and will want to ensure they break the cycle. Will Carrick’s second game of the day mean they’re finely tuned and ready to win, or will Elphin’s fresh legs give them the advantage?

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets

The final Junior Mixed game in Monaghan on Sunday will be between Elphin and Antrim side Wolfe Tones.

For the second week in a row, Wolfe Tones will be making the journey to Monaghan, but will their narrow defeat to Inniskeen last Sunday have them ready to take it up a notch this week and win? Or will Elphin, with their Intermediate Women players, have the edge in their second match of the day?

Prediction – Elphin

Refereeing all three matches in Carrickmacross will be National Secretary Shirley Lennon.

Not far away, in Inniskeen, there will be another Junior Mixed game at 11am when Inniskeen Grattans once again welcome a Derry team, Naomh Trea, in Junior Mixed.

While Inniskeen have three wins already under their belt this season, Naomh Trea have yet to play a competitive match.

Prediction – Inniskeen Grattans

Longford’s Clonguish will take to the pitch at 1pm to play Inniskeen’s Junior Women.

Clonguish lost to Skryne midweek in their first game of the season and will be aiming to reverse the result for this match. Inniskeen’s Junior Women are a newly formed side with lots of potential and, if they can get their fielding in order, this could be an interesting game.

Prediction – Inniskeen Grattans

Local legend, Carrickmacross Emmets’ Colm Birdy, will referee this match.

Our final venue for the day will be our most westerly when Athenry travel to Garrymore in Mayo to play a Junior Mixed game.

This will be Garrymore’s first time to play this season, while Athenry lost narrowly to Galway City Rapparees in their first outing.

Prediction – Garrymore

Galway City Rapparees’ Jay Hall will be in charge of this match.

With all except one of last week’s predictions correct – and the very surprising revelation that people actually read these articles! – the pressure is on to see if all 16 of this week’s winners will have been revealed in advance!

You know what you have to do to prove us wrong!! Final scores will be on our website and socials on Sunday evening.

Enjoy the long weekend and go out and support our players if you can.

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Go Games Gathers Pace

The revolution continues

The Go Games revolution continued to gather serious momentum this weekend, as GAA Rounders blitzes lit up venues around the country, delivering a festival of fun, skill development and excitement for hundreds of young players.

Galway gets going

At Liam Mellows GAA in Galway, the next generation of Rounders stars from Liam Mellows GAA and Castlegar GAA spent the afternoon diving into the game with huge enthusiasm, quickly mastering new skills through play. Galway Go Games Champion Gwen Redmond was hugely encouraged by what she saw.

“They got straight into it, they were very excited to use the new bats. It was great seeing the kids learning new skills, having fun and falling in love with our great sport”

Children after the Galway blitz (including a few future Go Gamers)

Roscommon rows in

Also in Connacht, four clubs soaked up the Roscommon sunshine at Roscommon Gaels GAA, where Michael Glaveys GAA, Elphin GAA, Kilmore GAA and Roscommon Gaels GAA all fielded teams in a brilliant afternoon of action. Sean Bailey of Michael Glaveys GAA and Roscommon Go Games Champion reflected on just how significant the day felt.

“The first ever Go Games for Rounders pilot was held in Roscommon over two years ago. It’s fantastic to see it finally becoming a reality.”

A fantastic day of rounders in the Roscommon sunshine

Laois writes a new chapter

In County Laois, a county with a proud and storied Rounders tradition, another landmark moment arrived as Emo GAA hosted the county’s first ever Go Games for Rounders blitz. With six clubs and more than 70 children filling the grounds with energy and excitement, it was clear to everyone present that the future of the initiative in the county is incredibly bright.

Dublin goes again

Meanwhile on Mobhi Road, Na Fianna hosted Dublin’s second Go Games blitz of the year, with Under 10 and Under 12 blitzes running side by side in a packed day of Rounders action. The incredible turnout even caught Dublin Go Games Champion Michael Carr by surprise.

“To get well in excess of 100 children all playing Rounders here today has certainly exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to see them all back for the next blitz.”

Fantastic turn out for the Dublin Go Games blitz

And if the laughter, smiles and nonstop chatter from the young players leaving venues around the country this weekend were anything to go by, this is only the beginning. Go Games Rounders is building something special — giving children the chance to learn new skills, make new friends and fall in love with a game that is growing bigger with every passing week.

Bunninadden Rounders, GAA Rounders, Sligo Rounders, Connacht Rounders, All-Ireland Rounders, Féile competition, Rounders history, Mosney, Community Games, Irish Rounders, Kenneth Kerins, Alan Hannon, Shane Kerins, Conor Gormley, Shane Kilcoyne, Niamh McGetrick, Aileen Hannon, Niamh O’Flaherty, Aishling Frizzell, Noelle Gormley, Kelly Sonery, Sandra Scanlon, Sarah Perry, Anne Leamy, Rhona Gilhooly, Tara Murray, Amanda Keenan, Breege McManamy, Patrick Rogers, Kevin Doohan, Tom Doohan, Cathal Scanlon, Ronan Killoran, Patrick Coen, Thomas McLoughlin, Michael Gormley, Donal Gallagher, Tadhg Brennan, Stephen Anderson, Damien Flannery, Eamonn Coen, Limekiln Rounders, Erne Eagles, Breaffy Rounders, Sligo sport, Connacht sport, Rounders Ireland, All-Ireland champions

Flashback – Historic All-Ireland success in 2000 for Bunninadden Rounders Club

 

Historic All-Ireland Success For Bunninadden Rounders Club

A landmark Connacht Rounders achievement remembered

Bunninadden Rounders, GAA Rounders, Sligo Rounders, Connacht Rounders, All-Ireland Rounders, Féile competition, Rounders history, Mosney, Community Games, Irish Rounders, Kenneth Kerins, Alan Hannon, Shane Kerins, Conor Gormley, Shane Kilcoyne, Niamh McGetrick, Aileen Hannon, Niamh O’Flaherty, Aishling Frizzell, Noelle Gormley, Kelly Sonery, Sandra Scanlon, Sarah Perry, Anne Leamy, Rhona Gilhooly, Tara Murray, Amanda Keenan, Breege McManamy, Patrick Rogers, Kevin Doohan, Tom Doohan, Cathal Scanlon, Ronan Killoran, Patrick Coen, Thomas McLoughlin, Michael Gormley, Donal Gallagher, Tadhg Brennan, Stephen Anderson, Damien Flannery, Eamonn Coen, Limekiln Rounders, Erne Eagles, Breaffy Rounders, Sligo sport, Connacht sport, Rounders Ireland, All-Ireland champions

Bunninadden Rounders, GAA Rounders, Sligo Rounders

Bunninadden Rounders Club etched their name into Connacht sporting history in 2000 when they became the first club from the province to capture the Comhairle Cluiche Corr Féile competition in Mosney, Co. Meath.

For a small rural Sligo club, competing against some of the strongest Rounders teams in Ireland, it was a remarkable breakthrough and one of the great early success stories for the sport in Connacht.

Historic All-Ireland success for Bunninadden Rounders Club

BUNNINADDEN Rounders club made history last weekend by becoming the first club in Connacht to win the Comhairle Cluiche Corr Féile competition in Mosney, Co. Meath.

Last year they were the first Sligo team to enter in its 10 year existence. This is a competition whereby the best clubs in the country are asked to attend. Bunninadden were invited to participate in this competition in 1999 for the first time due to the excellent display by their U-13 girls and U-15 boys at Connaught Community Games finals in Galway.

The U-15 boys took part that year and ended up runners-up. This was only their second year competing and on this occasion they became the All-Ireland champions beating Limekiln of Dublin in the final.

There are only a few clubs in the county taking part in Rounders competition and some of these were interested in participating in Féile. Because they felt Rounders in Sligo was not up to National standard. So Bunninadden decided to go it alone, and they got their reward.

Throughout the groups Bunninadden competed against sometimes county teams rather than individual clubs. Bunninadden entered three teams this year – U-15 boys, U-15 girls and U-16 mixed. Both the U-15 boys and girls got to the final stages of their groups.

U-16 Mixed Team Results

  • Bunninadden 17–16 Erne Eagles
  • St. Michaels 12–5 Bunninadden
  • Bunninadden 7–6 Limekiln
  • Semi-final: Bunninadden defeated Breaffy/Castlebar
  • Final: Bunninadden defeated Limekiln

The U-16 mixed team surprisingly came out of a group that consisted of the Ulster champions, Erne Eagles (Cavan) and Leinster runners-up Limekiln. They started the group games against Erne Eagles (Cavan) and beat them on a scoreline of 17-16.

They went on then to meet St. Michaels (Derry) and were defeated in this match 12-05.

The next game was then vital and in order to remain in contention Bunninadden had to win. They took on the might of Dublin (Limekiln) and won by the narrowest of margins 7-6.

Bunninadden then qualified for the semi-finals and here they were to meet old rivals Breaffy/Castlebar whom they never previously were able to overcome. Bunninadden stayed in touch as is always the case for the first 2 innings but on this weekend they fielded excellently and batted to precision scoring 4 in the last inning and getting Breaffy/Castlebar all the heartache of losing Connaught titles, at Community games level.

They then faced All-Ireland success for the first time and entered the final against Limekiln (Dublin) with confidence as they had already beaten them in the group stages.

Bunninadden, although confident of success, could hardly believe it when they were crowned All-Ireland champions for the first time in the club’s short history. This is something Sligo teams are not familiar with and Bunninadden was no different due to the fact that their club is one of the smallest in the county.

“The endless hours of training over the past five months paid off for this team.”

The “endless” hours of training over the past five months paid off for this team. Due credit goes to their Manager and player Kenneth Kerins for his commitment and dedication.

The victorious team were met on their return home at 2.30a.m. Tuesday morning by bonfires which blazed into the morning. Further celebrations are to be held in the near future.

Bunninadden Rounders Club etched their name into Connacht sporting history in 2000 when they became the first club from the province to capture an All-Ireland Féile Rounders title at Mosney

Bunninadden Rounders Club etched their name into Connacht sporting history in 2000 when they became the first club from the province to capture an All-Ireland Féile Rounders title at Mosney

Winning Team

Kenneth Kerins (player/manager), Alan Hannon (captain), Shane Kerins, Conor Gormley, Shane Kilcoyne, Niamh McGetrick, Aileen Hannon, Niamh O’Flaherty, Aishling Frizzell (subbed in), Noelle Gormley.

Other Panel Members

Kelly Sonery, Sandra Scanlon, Sarah Perry, Anne Leamy, Rhona Gilhooly, Tara Murray, Amanda Keenan, Breege McManamy, Patrick Rogers, Kevin Doohan, Tom Doohan, Cathal Scanlon, Ronan Killoran, Patrick Coen, Thomas McLoughlin, Michael Gormley, Donal Gallagher, Tadhg Brennan, Stephen Anderson, Damien Flannery and Eamonn Coen.

The team and coach would like to sincerely thank the three parents who travelled with the team Helen Hannon, Joe Doohan and Seamus Anderson. Also to the bus driver Michael Kielty.

Bunninadden Rounders club thank the people who sponsored them over the previous months.

They participated in three competitions, the U-15 boys and girls and the U-16 mixed in which we became All-Ireland champions for the first time.

They would also like to thank anyone who in any way helped to make the trip the success it was and the parents who travelled with the team – Joe Doohan, Helen Hannon and Seamus Anderson.