Senior, Intermediate & Junior: Full Previews for a Defining Weekend in the 2025 GAA Rounders Championships

🟢 John West GAA Rounders Féile 2025: Emo Shine but St Martins Have the Final Say

The John West GAA Rounders Féile 2025 delivered yet another spectacular weekend of underage Rounders. Across Girls, Boys, and Mixed competitions, we saw elite skill, high drama, and rising stars on show — with Emo claiming two titles and St Martins spoiling the treble with a dramatic Mixed final win.

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👧 Girls Féile: Emo Hold Firm as Glynn Barntown Light Up the Group Stage

There was no easing into this year’s Féile. Athenry, Glynn Barntown and Emo pushed each other all the way in a round-robin full of intensity and heart.

The standout clash saw Glynn Barntown come from behind to force a third innings against Athenry in one of the games of the weekend.

In the final, Emo and Athenry went toe to toe, with a brief rain delay adding extra tension. Emo returned sharper — finding gaps with the bat and producing some brilliant outfield catches to seal victory.

• 🏆 Winners: Emo
• 🥈 Runners-Up: Athenry
• 🥉 Third Place: Glynn Barntown

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👦 Boys Féile: A Showcase of Pitching and Composure

The Boys’ competition featured Glynn Barntown, Emo and St Martins, with pitching of the highest order throughout.

Hugo Dempsey of Glynn Barntown impressed, adapting seamlessly to the 10m distance. Despite their efforts, it was Emo and St Martins who reached the final.

The final was fast and fiercely contested, with both teams defending superbly. Emo edged it 3–2 to claim their second title of the day.

• 🏆 Winners: Emo
• 🥈 Runners-Up: St Martins
• 🥉 Third Place: Glynn Barntown
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⚫ Mixed Féile: One Last Twist as St Martins Strike Late

With two titles already secured, Emo were chasing a treble. But St Martins delivered a final twist in an unforgettable decider.

Both pitchers starred, the Emo bowler with precision, the St Martins pitcher with power. With the scores tied in the final innings, Emo’s final run was cut short by a missed base.

In the bottom of the inning, St Martins worked a runner around smartly. A clean hit followed by aggressive base running brought him home — a walk-off win and Mixed Féile glory for St Martins.

• 🏆 Winners: St Martins
• 🥈 Runners-Up: Emo
• 🥉 Third Place: Glynn Barntown

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🔚 Final Word

Emo finish with two titles and a runners-up spot, underlining their depth and skill across all three competitions. Bowlers Jack Slevin and Lily Horgan and both were outstanding for Emo. St Martins showed their class and resilience when it mattered most, while Glynn Barntown were competitive in every grade and hugely unlucky not to take home a trophy and Athenry were full of skill.

This was a Féile that had everything: skill, spirit, and standout performances. The future of GAA Rounders looks very bright indeed.

🏆 U16 GAA Rounders All-Ireland Championship Set for Emo GAA

📍 Venue: Emo GAA, County Laois
📅 Date: Saturday, 5th July 2025
🏆 Categories: U16 Boys & U16 Girls Championships

Emo GAA Grounds will be the centre of Irish underage rounders this July as it hosts the eagerly awaited U16 All-Ireland Championship.
The event will feature the best of Ireland’s rising stars in both the U16 Girls and U16 Boys competitions.

With teams travelling from across the country to compete for national titles, this promises to be one of the most exciting youth events of the GAA Rounders season. The standard of play continues to rise each year, and 2025 is expected to showcase some of the best young talents the sport has to offer.

Organisers are encouraging supporters, families, and rounders fans to come along and enjoy what is sure to be a thrilling day of action, teamwork, and sporting pride.

“The Under 16 Championship is a key part of our development pathway. It’s brilliant to see so many clubs nurturing their future stars.”

🎟 Entry: Free for all supporters. Everyone is welcome to attend and cheer on the next generation of GAA Rounders athletes.

🔵 Intermediate Men – Standings & Top Four Battle

As we head into the final rounds of the Intermediate Men’s Championship, all eyes are on Kilmeena and Galway City Rapparees, who are on a collision course in what could be the group decider. Both sides have impressed so far — Kilmeena remain unbeaten, while Galway likely to bounce back strongly after their narrow loss to Emo when they were playing with an under strength team.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	RF	RA	Points
1️⃣	Kilmeena	3	3	0	0	82	29	15
2️⃣	Galway City Rapparees	2	1	0	1	45	32	8
3️⃣	Emo	3	1	0	2	46	74	11
4️⃣	Dublin Metropolitans	3	1	0	2	33	64	11
5️⃣	St Clares	1	0	0	1	15	22	3

🔮 Predicted Top Four

1st – Galway City Rapparees / Kilmeena A massive clash awaits on June 29th. Both teams have been dominant, and whoever wins this may well top the group. If it ends in a draw, Kilmeena will retain first on points. This one is simply too tight to call. 3rd – Emo Should seal qualification with a win over St Clares. Run rate may dictate their final place. They have lost to Mets so they can’t end up level with them. 4th – St Clares/Dublin Mets  St Clare’s have a path to the top four. Their tie with Dublin Metropolitans will be crucial. A win there will decide who claims the final semi-final spot.

📅 Key Fixtures Remaining

• 29 June – Kilmeena vs Galway City Rapparees
• 29 June – St Clares vs Dublin Metropolitans
• 13 July – Emo vs St Clares
• 20 July – Galway City Rapparees vs St Clares

It’s all still to play for in the Intermediate Men’s Championship, with five teams battling for four semi-final places. Expect fireworks in the coming weeks!

🔵 Senior Mixed Previews – 15 June 2025

The Heath vs Breaffy – 1pm @ The Heath

Breaffy are flying high with two wins from two and a massive scoring record—35 scored and only 18 conceded. They edged a tight one against Limekiln and then dismantled Kilmeena 28–13.
The Heath impressed with a comeback win over Kilmeena in their opener but haven’t played since. Sitting on 5 points, this is a huge test of their credentials against one of the championship favourites.

Key Battle: The Heath’s infield structure vs Breaffy’s explosive running game.

Prediction:
Breaffy to win by 4–6 runs. Their momentum and firepower may be too much for a rested but untested Heath.

Kilmeena vs Cuchulainn – 3:30pm @ Clann na nGael

Kilmeena have had a rough start, losing heavily to Breaffy and just falling short to The Heath. Their run rate sits at –2.2 and defensively they’ve been too open.
Cuchulainn, the Carlow-based outfit, rebounded from a tough opening loss to Erne Eagles with dramatic one-run victory over Limekiln. They’ve scored 37 but conceded 52—so high risk, high reward.

Key Battle: Kilmeena’s outfield coverage vs Cuchulainn’s ability to find gaps and pile pressure.

Prediction:
Cuchulainn to edge it by 2. Expect drama and a few errors both ways—but the Carlow side has shown more grit in close games.

Erne Eagles vs Limekiln – 1:30pm @ Mullahoran

Erne Eagles burst onto the scene with a commanding win over Cuchulainn but have since slipped to a defeat against Glynn Barntown. A loss here puts them in a real dogfight for a top-four place.
Limekiln have had little luck—beaten 7–5 by Breaffy and 8–7 by Cuchulainn in games they could have won. One more defeat and qualification hopes could fade fast.

Key Battle: Erne’s power hitting vs Limekiln’s efficient base control.

Prediction:
Limekiln to win by 1. This time, they finally get over the line.

 

🔵 Senior Men Previews

Erne Eagles vs Limekiln – 12:00pm @ Mullahoran

Erne Eagles come into this clash with two wins from two and an impressive run rate of 3.4. Their latest victory, a gritty 9–5 away win at Glynn Barntown, showed composure and defensive strength. Their confidence is high.
Limekiln sit mid-table after a bruising 15–6 loss to Carrickmacross and a 25–8 bounce-back win over Cuchulainn. They’ve shown they can score but are vulnerable when pressure builds early.

Key Battle: Erne’s home infield vs Limekiln’s running game and base aggression.

Prediction:
Erne Eagles to win by 3–5 runs. Home form and consistency should keep them unbeaten.

Carrickmacross Emmets vs Raheen – 1:00pm @ Ballinagore

Carrickmacross are top of the table and flying. Three wins from three, including a 17–1 demolition of Michael Glavey’s, have them joint-top with Breaffy but ahead on run rate. Their fielding has been elite, conceding just 20 runs across three games.
Raheen, by contrast, sit bottom of the table. One match, one loss—13–7 to Breaffy—and a run rate of –1.2 suggests a big gap in quality. They’ll need a massive defensive effort to keep this close.

Key Battle: Can Raheen contain Carrick’s aggressive fast-pace approach?

Prediction:
Carrickmacross to win comfortably by 10+ runs. Expect this to be one-sided unless Raheen pull out something extraordinary.

Michael Glavey’s vs Cuchulainn – 2:00pm @ Clann na nGael

This one has the feel of a relegation battle. Glavey’s have lost both games by heavy margins—most recently 17–1 against Carrickmacross. Their run rate is a grim –6.2.
Cuchulainn, meanwhile, are also winless after three, having managed just 9 runs while conceding 41. Their most recent outing was a comprehensive 8–2 loss to Limekiln. Both teams are desperate to kick-start their season.

Key Battle: Cuchulainn’s base discipline vs Glavey’s infield. Whichever team makes fewer mistakes likely wins.

Prediction:
Michael Glavey’s to sneak it by 1. A scrappy, tense affair—but Glavey’s may just edge it.

 

🟣 Intermediate Ladies Preview – 15 June 2025

Galway City Rapparees vs Carrickmacross Emmets – 11:30am @ Ballinagore

Galway City Rapparees have only played twice so far this season. They were beaten 30–13 away to Emo, but showed big improvement in their second game, running Glynn Barntown close before falling 17-13. Still settling into Intermediate grade, they’ll be targeting a strong performance here as they try to stay in the qualification picture.

Carrickmacross Emmets are the benchmark team so far — 4 wins from 4, top of the table with a healthy run rate of 1.9. They’ve beaten Kilmeena, Emo, St Clares and Michael Glaveys and have looked sharp across the board. A win here would all but secure a semi-final place.

Key Battle: Galway’s improving  vs Carrickmacross’s deep batting order. Can Galway keep it tight early?

Prediction:
Carrickmacross to win by 8–10 runs. Galway are on the rise, but Carrick are just too polished right now.

 

🟣 Junior Ladies Previews – 15 June 2025

11:00am – Inniskeen Grattans vs Naomh Trea (Inniskeen)

Inniskeen got off the mark after a 13–6 win over Carrickmacross but suffered a surprising narrow 11–10 loss to Drumhowan Geraldines last Sunday. They’re still in the top-four race in Group A. Naomh Trea, meanwhile, have had two walkovers games but are still searching for their first on-field win. Their scoring and defensive ability remain a mystery.

Prediction:
Inniskeen by 8+. Too much firepower and match sharpness.

12:00pm – Carrickmacross Emmets vs Skryne (Carrickmacross)

Carrickmacross are 2nd in Group A with 13 points from three games and a positive run rate. Their only loss came against Innishkeen. Skryne have just one match played so far — a 17–12 loss to Sean Connolly’s — and are fighting from the back foot, but they have had a break and could perform better.

Prediction:
Carrickmacross to win by 6–10. Skryne need a major turnaround to stay alive in the group but don’t be surprised to see a shock result.

12:00pm – Gusserane vs Dublin Metropolitans (Gusserane)

Gusserane are coming off 30–6 defeats to St Martins. Dublin Metropolitans, meanwhile, beat Myshall 21–13 and Naomh Éanna 24–6. Huge match for quarter-final implications.

Prediction:
Dublin Metropolitans by 20. Gusserane’s defence is leaking too many.

1:00pm – Sean Connolly’s vs Clonguish (Sean Connolly’s)

Sean Connolly’s have rebounded well since losing to Drumhowan, with wins over Skryne. Clonguish sit bottom of Group A after heavy losse to group leaders Drumhowan.

Prediction:
Sean Connolly’s by double digits. Clonguish may need more time to settle in championship mode.

1:45pm – St Kieran’s vs Elphin (Galway)

In Group B, St Kieran’s are looking solid. A 23–6 win over Knockainey and a thrilling 13–13 draw with Sporting Limerick show they’re balanced in attack and defence. Elphin have played one and won one, having conceded only  8 against Kildimo. This really is must win for both sides with the winner leaving themselves in a great position to reach the quarter-finals

Prediction:
St Kieran’s to win by 5. They may have too much firepower for Elphin but the game could go either way.

3:00pm – Skryne vs Naomh Trea (Inniskeen)

Both teams are playing to stay alive in the group in this second fixture of the day. With Skryne already facing Carrickmacross earlier and Naomh Trea playing Inniskeen in the morning, this will test depth and stamina. Expect some rotation.

Prediction:
Skryne by 3. A close battle, but Skryne’s match sharpness might tell.

3:00pm – Sporting Limerick vs Kilmore (Na Piarsaigh)

Sporting Limerick are well placed after a win over Kildimo and a thrilling draw with St Kieran’s. Kilmore, however, are still to play their first Junior Ladies match, leaving their form totally unknown. The double-header for Kilmore makes this a tough ask first up.

Prediction:
Sporting Limerick by 7–9. Experience and rhythm should be enough.

6:00pm – Kildimo Pallaskenry vs Kilmore (Na Piarsaigh)

Second match of the day for Kilmore. Kildimo are top of Group B with one win from three. They’ve posted 27 runs and conceded 27, with a tight loss against Elphin and a solid 13–4 victory over Knockainey. If Kilmore come off a victory earlier expect them to win again here. Coming off a loss may change things

Prediction:
Kilmore by 10+. Kilmore will be hoping for a deep run the championship.

 

🟢 Junior Men

11:00am – Sporting Limerick vs Kilmore (Na Piarsaigh)

It’s a must-win for both: Sporting Limerick and Kilmore both won their opening games and in one of the most competitive grades a loss will really dent semi-final prospects. Sporting Limerick had a surprise win over Rapparees while Kilmore had an easy win over Elphin. It’s gonna be close but I don’t think home advantage will be enough for Sporting Limerick. Kilmore will be hoping for an All-Ireland semi place come the end of the group stages.

Prediction: Kilmore by 9 runs.

11:00am – Sean Connolly’s vs Myshall (Sean Connolly’s)

Sean Connolly’s have one game and one loss with Myshall having managed a huge win over Innishkeen, Connolly’s conceded 31 in their opener and unless they have players added to the squad it could be a tough day at the base. Expect the home team to battle but Myshall to win.

Prediction: Myshall by 3. 

 

3:45pm – Galway City Rapparees vs Elphin (Galway)

Galway City Rapparees have only played once so far and need a win to get their campaign moving. Elphin are unpredictable and havent managed a win from their three. With home support behind them, the Rapparees will be hoping to find their stride.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees to win by 4 runs.

4:00pm – Carrickmacross Emmets vs Myshall (Carrickmacross)

Carrickmacross need to win this to stay in the hunt. Myshall might catch them on the hop, but Emmets are likely to have enough to get over the line if they keep their focus.

Prediction: Carrickmacross to win by 2.

4:30pm – Na Piarsaigh vs Kilmore (Na Piarsaigh)

Na Piarsaigh have started well and are unbeaten so far. Kilmore look one of the tops seeds in Junior men’s. Na Piarsaigh home advantage and their experience of playing at a higher grade for the past few seasons could make this one of the games of the day.

Prediction: Draw 

🟢 Junior Mixed