GAA Rounders Weekend Preview – Sunday 24 May 2026

GAA ROUNDERS • WEEKEND PREVIEW

GAA Rounders Weekend Preview – Sunday 24 May 2026

Senior clashes, Intermediate battles and huge Junior games headline another massive Sunday of championship Rounders across Ireland.

It’s the second last weekend of May and we have a fantastic selection of matches across all grades and levels to look forward to on Sunday. Ulster and Leinster both host Senior, Intermediate and Junior games while there is one Junior match in Connacht. With several teams taking to the field for the first time this season, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening this weekend.

Ulster – Clash of Champions

Kicking off the action at 11am in Breffni Park, Cavan on Sunday morning will be the Junior Women of Kilmore and Drumhowan. The Roscommon ladies won their first match and had their second conceded so now sit at the top of the table. Drumhowan had a commanding win over local rivals Inniskeen and will hope to take that momentum into Sunday’s game but are they strong enough to win this?

Prediction: Kilmore
Kilmore Ladies Rounders Team

Kilmore Ladies Rounders Team

Intermediate action starts in Cavan at 1pm when Galway City Rapparees’ Mixed team takes on hosts St. Clare’s. Both former Junior All-Ireland Champions – St. Clare’s in 2021 and Rapparees in 2024 – both teams are taking to the pitch for the first time this season, but the Galway players have the advantage of having played both Intermediate Women’s and Senior Men’s games already this month so will they be sharper or will St. Clare’s be more rested and ready to take the win? Last year’s game in Galway saw the Connacht side take the victory – will home advantage work for St. Clare’s this year?

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

At 3pm it will be the turn of both clubs’ Intermediate Women to finish the day’s games, and this looks likely to be an interesting contest. Rapparees’ women comprehensively defeated Elphin earlier this month and St. Clare’s struggled at the end of the 2025 season with injuries. Never a team that can be written off, can they come back stronger this year and win?

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees
Refereeing all three matches in Cavan will be Elphin’s Gretta Davis.
Galway Rapparees Ladies Team

Galway Rapparees Ladies Team

All Ulster Battles in Inniskeen

Inniskeen Grattans will host Derry side Slaughtneil and Antrim club Wolfe Tones in an Ulster Junior Mixed derby from 11.30am.

Playing two games the same day and having beaten Elphin’s Junior Mixed team already this season, Inniskeen will be hoping that home advantage will help them to defeat both visiting teams.

Prediction: Inniskeen to win both games
Galway City Rapparees’ Craig Davis will take charge of both matches in Inniskeen.

All-Ireland Final Reply in Carrickmacross

10 minutes away, in Carrickmacross, what looks like being the clash of the day will start at 2.30pm between last year’s Senior Men’s All-Ireland Final pairing of Carrickmacross Emmets and Erne Eagles.

With one win and one loss this season, Carrickmacross are hitting their stride. Erne Eagles have already beaten Glynn Barntown and Cúchulainn and will be looking to make it three from three to secure their place at the top of the table.

Prediction: Erne Eagles

After the dust settles on that great battle, at 4pm, it will be the turn of the Mixed teams from both clubs to face off. Carrickmacross have had two losses already this season and will be anxious to turn things around. Eagles beat Cúchulainn but lost to Glynn Barntown and will want to take the points to move up the table.

Prediction: Erne Eagles

At 5.30pm the final match of the day in Platinum Tanks Park will be between the Senior Women of both clubs. Newly promoted to Senior this year, Carrickmacross fought hard last Sunday and beat The Heath. Eagle have won one game and drawn one so will be trying to avoid their first loss of the year.

Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets
Referee for the afternoon in Carrickmacross will be Limekiln’s Áine McLaughlin.
Carrickmacross Ladies

Carrickmacross Ladies

Leinster Round-Up

Starting proceedings in Leinster at 11am will be the Senior Women of The Heath hosting Glynn Barntown. Having struggled in their first two matches of the season, will home advantage help the Laois side, or will the 2025 All-Ireland finalists manage to take their first win of the year?

Prediction: Glynn Barntown
GAA Rounders Vice-President Michael Dowling will referee in The Heath.

Also at 11am, in Carlow, Wexford’s Kilanerin Ballyfad will play Leighlinbridge in their Junior Women’s match. Leighlinbridge’s Mixed team have been very strong so far this season and their Women will be hoping that they continue this in their first match of the year. Kilanerin have also started well with one win under their belt so they will be aiming to make things difficult for their hosts.

Prediction: Leighlinbridge
Glynn Barntown’s Cathy Kearns will be in charge of this game.

Also at 11am the Women of Raheen will travel to Ballon to take on Cúchulainn. Raheen struggled in 2025 in their first year at Senior but this is a new year and their first time out – have they got what it takes to beat the Cúchulainn side which held Erne Eagles to a draw but lost to reigning Champions, Breaffy?

Prediction: Cúchulainn

Next up in Ballon will be the Men of the same clubs and again, for the first time this year, Raheen will be hoping to prove that they have what it takes to play against established Senior teams. Cúchulainn have yet to register a win in 2026 and they’ll be hoping that this is the day when that changes.

Prediction: Cúchulainn

Finally, in Carlow, the grade changes to Intermediate and Raheen’s Mixed team will take on Dublin Metropolitans, who have beaten another Wexford side – Glynn Barntown – already this year, their first at Intermediate Mixed. The Wexford side’s experience at the higher levels should stand to them and make this their first win of the year but Dublin Mets are fighters and can’t be ruled out.

Prediction: Raheen
The Heath’s Philip Keane will referee all three games.

Our final Intermediate game of the day will take place in Emo where the hosts will welcome the men of Kilmore. Both sides have played once and won once – both by high scores – this year so both will be confident that they can do it. Will Emo’s combination of experience and youth be enough to defeat the Roscommon side’s batting and fielding prowess?

Pitching in at 4pm, Limekiln’s Amanda Hoxha will be in charge.

Prediction: Emo
Emo rounders men's team

Emo rounders men’s team

Finally, in Leinster on Sunday, at 11.30am, newly formed Meath side Dunsany will welcome Carlow’s Myshall for their Junior Mixed match. Myshall have proven how strong they are with their Men making it to 2025’s semi-final so they would look to be favourites to take this. Dunsany have some strong batters and fielders and won’t make it easy for Myshall.

Prediction: Myshall
GAA National Secretary Shirley Lennon will referee.

Our only game in Connacht on Sunday will take place at 1pm in Athenry and will feature players from last year’s Junior Mixed and Minor Women’s All-Ireland winning teams when the Galway side welcome St. Senan’s of Limerick. Pitching for the first time from 10m, Louise Kelly of St. Senan’s is likely to make batting very difficult for the Athenry ladies, many of whom have been playing for years as part of the club’s very successful underage programme. Several of the St. Senan’s players are newly recruited this year so will their inexperience make beating these stalwarts of the game a big ask?

Prediction: St. Senan’s
Refereeing will be Breaffy’s Mark Jennings.

With some really exciting games, some first-time ever teams, some first-time this season teams, lots of new players and quite likely some predictions turned upside down, this looks like being another weekend of Rounders not to be missed. Keep an eye on our website and socials for results and up-to-date league tables.

FULL FIXTURE LIST
Time Fixture Grade Venue
11:00am Kilmore v Drumhowan Junior Women Breffni Park, Cavan
1:00pm St. Clare’s v Galway City Rapparees Intermediate Mixed Breffni Park, Cavan
3:00pm St. Clare’s v Galway City Rapparees Intermediate Women Breffni Park, Cavan
11:30am Inniskeen Grattans v Slaughtneil Junior Mixed Inniskeen
TBC Inniskeen Grattans v Wolfe Tones Junior Mixed Inniskeen
2:30pm Carrickmacross Emmets v Erne Eagles Senior Men Platinum Tanks Park
4:00pm Carrickmacross Emmets v Erne Eagles Senior Mixed Platinum Tanks Park
5:30pm Carrickmacross Emmets v Erne Eagles Senior Women Platinum Tanks Park
11:00am The Heath v Glynn Barntown Senior Women The Heath
11:00am Kilanerin Ballyfad v Leighlinbridge Junior Women Carlow
11:00am Cúchulainn v Raheen Senior Women Ballon
TBC Cúchulainn v Raheen Senior Men Ballon
TBC Raheen v Dublin Metropolitans Intermediate Mixed Ballon
4:00pm Emo v Kilmore Intermediate Men Emo
11:30am Dunsany v Myshall Junior Mixed Dunsany
1:00pm Athenry v St. Senan’s Junior Women Athenry

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History made in Athlone.

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From Every Corner, For Every Cause

Celebrating the Volunteers Who Keep GAA Rounders Moving

          

National Volunteering Week 2026

National Volunteering Week 2026 shines a light on the people who give their time, energy and passion to communities all across Ireland. This year’s theme, “From Every Corner, For Every Cause,” perfectly reflects the spirit of GAA Rounders and the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our game growing.

The People Behind the Game

Across every club and county, there are people who rarely look for recognition. They are the first to answer a call and the last to leave a pitch. They organise fixtures late at night, reply to emails early in the morning, arrange equipment, support players, assist clubs and ensure everything continues to run smoothly week after week.

Recognising the Volunteers Who Make Rounders Possible

To begin recognising those volunteers, we are highlighting someone whose contribution to GAA Rounders is impossible to measure — our National Secretary, Shirley Lennon.

For anyone involved in Rounders, Shirley’s name is one that constantly appears at the end of an email, message or phone call. While many see the fixtures, results and events taking place across the country, few see the amount of work happening behind the scenes to make it all possible.

Spotlight on Shirley Lennon

Shirley plays with Skryne Rounders Club, coaches with Nobber Rounders, runs committees, coordinates fixtures, organises events, works with venues, attends meetings, supports clubs and continuously helps move every part of the organisation forward.

Much of that work happens quietly and without fanfare, but it is essential to the continued growth of the game.

       

Shirley plays with Skryne Rounders Club, coaches with Nobber Rounders, runs committees, coordinates fixtures, organises events, works with venues, attends meetings, supports clubs and continuously helps move every part of the organisation forward.

Much of that work happens quietly and without fanfare, but it is essential to the continued growth of the game.

Encouraging Clubs to Celebrate Their Volunteers

As part of National Volunteering Week, we encourage clubs around the country to recognise the volunteers within their own organisations.

Every club has people working behind the scenes — coaches, committee members, groundskeepers, referees, mentors, administrators and supporters — whose efforts deserve to be acknowledged.

They are the backbone of our clubs and the driving force behind the continued growth of GAA Rounders.

For more information on Volunteering in Ireland visit www.volunteerireland.ie

Some very happy children after the Wexford blitz

Go Games Gathers Pace

Go Games continues to build momentum across the country, with more clubs and counties introducing young players to GAA Rounders…

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2026 Under 14 Finals

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.

 

Emo Girls lift the 2025 Under 14 trophy

Emo Girls lift the 2025 Under 14 trophy

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 (Roscommon) boys' team arrive at the finals in terrific form.

Michael Glaveys (Roscommon) boys’ team arrive at the finals in terrific form

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.

GAA Rounders Preview: Week 5 Fixtures, Predictions and Senior Showdowns

 

Preview – Sunday 17 May 2026

16 matches across Ireland this weekend

How is it Week 5 of the Championship already? The weeks are flying past and already the league tables are starting to indicate who the front runners for titles might be — and who needs to do a bit of work if they want to be in contention.

With one match on Thursday and 16 matches taking place on Sunday, from Limerick and Waterford to Monaghan and many places in between, let’s take a closer look at who will be playing and who we expect to go home on Sunday with a smile on their faces.

Junior Mixed Action in Athenry on Thursday

It’s always great to kick off a weekend of Championship action with a local derby and Thursday evening’s Junior Mixed clash between Athenry and Galway City Rapparees should provide plenty of entertainment.

Athenry’s move into Junior Mixed adds an interesting dynamic to the competition and they will be expecting to make a strong impression. Galway City Rapparees, meanwhile, will feature several new faces, with a number of players having stepped up to the club’s Intermediate Mixed panel.

With both sides capable of putting up big scores, this could turn into an entertaining and high-scoring contest, but Athenry may just have enough experience coming down from Intermediate level to edge it.

Prediction – Athenry.

Gretta Davis will referee the game.

Senior Action in the Midlands

Six Senior clubs will be headed for the centre of the country, with matches taking place in Athlone and Portlaoise from 11.30am.

In The Heath, Carrickmacross Emmets will set up camp and start their day with a Senior Women’s clash with their hosts. Both teams are newly promoted from Intermediate in 2025 and The Heath will be keen to repeat their win in last year’s All-Ireland final, while Carrickmacross will be aiming to stop them doing just that.

Prediction – The Heath; a full-strength home side should just clinch it.

Carrickmacross’ Mixed team is up next and will take on Mayo side Kilmeena at 1pm. Kilmeena have struggled in their two opening games this season, having been defeated by Limekiln and Breaffy, but they’ll be hoping to turn that around and repeat last year’s win over the same opponents. Carrickmacross have also suffered a loss in the opening round of the 2026 season, so the winner on Sunday will be chalking up their first victory of the season.

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets; Ulster Final day will give the Monaghan side the added spur to take the win.

The final match of the day in The Heath is the hotly anticipated Men’s clash between reigning Senior Champions Carrickmacross Emmets and rising stars and newly promoted Galway City Rapparees. With one win and one narrow defeat behind them, the Galway men are settling nicely into Senior and look very comfortable in the grade. Carrick’s first outing of 2026 resulted in defeat to Breaffy and they’ll be keen to turn that around and move their way up the league table.

This has the makings of the match of the day and will definitely be recommended viewing for anyone in Portlaoise at 2:30pm on Sunday.

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets; the Ulster men’s experience should just give them the edge.

Emo’s Michael Slevin will referee all three games.

An hour up the road in Athlone GAA, two more giants of Senior Rounders will face off in Women’s, Mixed and Men’s games when Mayo’s Breaffy take on Dublin side Limekiln.

Breaffy have been clinical so far this season and have easily brushed aside Carlow side Cúchulainn and Monaghan’s Carrickmacross Emmets, but Limekiln will come ready for battle and won’t be easily intimidated or defeated.

Breaffy’s Women’s team has been a force to be reckoned with for several years now, but will this be the year that they meet their match with the strengthened Limekiln 2026 crew? We should know by lunchtime on Sunday.

Predictions: Senior Women – Limekiln; Senior Men & Mixed – Breaffy.

Philip Keane will be the man in charge for all three matches in Athlone.

Intermediate Women’s Action

Two Intermediate Women’s matches are also up for decision on Sunday in Laois and Roscommon.

In Group A, table toppers Castletown Liam Mellows will be hosted by Emo, who will be hoping that home advantage will give them their first win of the season. Having defeated Inniskeen Grattans and Dublin Metropolitans, the Wexford women will be confident of making it three from three on Sunday and, if Sarah Kavanagh on 2nd Base, Pitcher Mandy Callanan and Catcher Sandra Nugent are on form, it would be hard to predict otherwise.

Glynn Barntown’s Mary Roche will referee in Emo.

Prediction: Castletown Liam Mellows.

The second Intermediate Women’s match of the day will be between local rivals Michael Glavey’s and Elphin. Glavey’s have yet to get their 2026 campaign started and Elphin will be smarting from their 28-6 defeat by a clinical Galway Rapparees two weeks ago, so it’s all to play for.

Elphin’s impressive performances in the 2025 Junior Championship saw them promoted, but is the step up to Intermediate proving too challenging? Have Glavey’s managed to replace their pitcher, Gretta Davis, who has moved to Elphin and will line out on Sunday against her former club?

Prediction: Elphin.

Second up in Michael Glavey’s is a Junior Men Group A game between Elphin and Galway City Rapparees. Elphin haven’t played Junior Men yet this year while Rapparees impressed with a 43-5 annihilation of Sporting Limerick in their first game.

With Home Runs from players on both teams last Sunday, we should hopefully be in for a game of big hitting and great catches.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees.

GAA Rounders Vice-President Michael Dowling will referee both matches in Roscommon.

Junior Games Round-Up

With several Junior teams setting out on their 2026 campaigns this weekend, the highlights look likely to be in Monaghan, where hosts Inniskeen Grattans will welcome Roscommon’s Kilmore for both Mixed and Women’s games.

Kilmore’s women’s experience looks likely to see them take this one comfortably, while the Mixed game should be a much closer affair with talent and serious skill on both teams.

Predictions: Junior Women – Kilmore; Junior Mixed – Inniskeen Grattans.

Amanda Hoxha will referee both games.

National Secretary Shirley Lennon will be busy on Sunday, starting her day in Nobber where she will referee the Junior Women’s match between first-time team Nobber and Carrickmacross Emmets.

With a very impressive display against Skryne in their first ever Championship match midweek, Nobber will be confident and excited to play, and this could be tighter than might be expected.

Prediction: Carrickmacross’ experience to just sneak them through.

Next up in Nobber is the turn of the Carrickmacross Junior Men to face Carlow’s Myshall. This pairing in 2025 was a cracker of a game with no quarter given by either side, eventually won by Myshall.

This is both sides’ first game of the season so it’s hard to predict which way it might go.

Prediction: Myshall, fresh from their Mixed victory at Junior Day, to take the win.

Following that match, up the road in Dunsany, Shirley will referee her third match of the day in a Junior Mixed game between two brand-new Championship sides, Dunsany and Oulart The Ballagh.

Both clubs had teams in the recent Junior Day so both have that experience under their belt. Oulart The Ballagh made it to the Shield Final, quite the achievement for a brand-new club, and will hope that experience will stand to them after their long drive to Meath.

Prediction: Oulart The Ballagh.

Two further Junior games will take place in Limerick and Waterford on Sunday morning.

Junior Women’s sides Knockainey and Kildimo Pallaskenry will play a Limerick derby — one of many this season — while in Waterford City, local side Naomh Pól will take on Carlow’s Leighlinbridge, who enjoyed two successes last Sunday in their first foray into the Mixed Championship.

Predictions: Kildimo Pallaskenry and Leighlinbridge.

We’re still building up to our crazy and insanely busy summer Sundays in June and July, but this weekend looks set to provide some great matches, some interesting introductions to the All-Ireland competition and, if the past four weeks are anything to go by, some unexpected results.

Follow along on our website and socials for the latest scores and updates.

Full Match Predictions

  • Senior Women: The Heath v Carrickmacross Emmets — The Heath
  • Senior Mixed: Carrickmacross Emmets v Kilmeena — Carrickmacross Emmets
  • Senior Men: Carrickmacross Emmets v Galway City Rapparees — Carrickmacross Emmets
  • Senior Women: Breaffy v Limekiln — Limekiln
  • Senior Mixed: Breaffy v Limekiln — Breaffy
  • Senior Men: Breaffy v Limekiln — Breaffy
  • Intermediate Women: Emo v Castletown Liam Mellows — Castletown Liam Mellows
  • Intermediate Women: Michael Glavey’s v Elphin — Elphin
  • Junior Men: Elphin v Galway City Rapparees — Galway City Rapparees
  • Junior Women: Inniskeen Grattans v Kilmore — Kilmore
  • Junior Mixed: Inniskeen Grattans v Kilmore — Inniskeen Grattans
  • Junior Women: Nobber v Carrickmacross Emmets — Carrickmacross Emmets
  • Junior Men: Carrickmacross Emmets v Myshall — Myshall
  • Junior Mixed: Dunsany v Oulart The Ballagh — Oulart The Ballagh
  • Junior Women: Knockainey v Kildimo Pallaskenry — Kildimo Pallaskenry
  • Junior Mixed: Naomh Pól v Leighlinbridge — Leighlinbridge

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Cavan Kicks off Go Games for Rounders 2026

It’s all systems “Go” in Cavan

 

After the success of pilot events in 2025, the expanded Go Games for Rounders programme got underway in style on Saturday, 9 May, with the first blitz of the year taking place at Mullahoran GAA.

Organised by the dedicated Go Games volunteers of Erne Eagles Rounders Club, the event welcomed close to 100 children from several local clubs for a brilliant day of fun, games, and rounders action. Clubs represented on the day included Gowna GFC, Killygarry GFC, Lacken GFC, Cavan Gaels GFC, Ballinagh GFC, Drumgoon GFC, Mullahoran GFC and Granard GFC.

GAA Rounders President, Paula Doherty delivers the first pitch of Go Games 2026

Guest of Honour

In attendance was Paula Doherty, President of GAA Rounders, who officially launched the 2026 activities by delivering the ceremonial first pitch of the year. Before play began, Paula also presented the Cavan Go Games for Rounders programme with a comprehensive kit of bats, helmets, sliotars and training equipment, helping create a simple “turn up and play” experience for all involved.

Also attending the event were Shirley Lennon, National Secretary of GAA Rounders, and Craig Davis, the organisation’s Children’s Officer, both of whom spent the day meeting participants and supporting the programme.

Accessibilty is key for growth and development

Speaking about the initiative, Paula Doherty said that GAA Rounders is committed to making the sport more accessible for the youngest members of the GAA community, and that investment in the Go Gamesinitiative is an important step in helping achieve that goal.

Events led locally

The blitz was coordinated by Go Games champion Amanda Fitzsimons, alongside a fantastic team of volunteers from Erne Eagles Rounders Club. Members of the club’s underage section were also on hand throughout the day, helping children learn the rules, practise their skills, and settle into games straight away.

Amanda Fitzsimons, with Paula Doherty, Shirley Lennon and the Cavan Go Games for Rounders volunteers

Played in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, the day flew by as children quickly picked up the basics of rounders while enjoying plenty of games and activities with new friends. The enthusiasm and energy on display highlighted the growing excitement around Go Games for Rounders and made for a hugely successful opening blitz to the 2026 season.

A second Go Games blitz in Cavan is already planned for 6 June. Any club interested in attending can contact Amanda at gogames.cavan.rounders@gaa.ie for further information.

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Junior Day 2026 Starts The Season With A Bang

Junior Day 2026 Starts The Season With A Bang

Clubs from across Ireland descend on Ferns for a brilliant Bank Holiday celebration of GAA Rounders

19 Clubs
23 Teams
3 Competitions
4 Provinces
9 Counties
40+ Games

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.

Eight pitches, dozens of teams, hundreds of players — and one massive reminder of how bright the future of Rounders can be.

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

Gusserane 19–14 Emo

Emo led 6–5 with two outs, but Morgan Nash Colfer produced a huge home run to force extra innings. Gusserane then powered home with nine runs in the final innings.

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.

Women’s Plate Final

Gusserane edge Kilanerin Ballyfad

In a tight all-Wexford final, Gusserane held their nerve late on, with Trish Kehoe crossing the mat for the winning run.

Finals Summary

Competition Winners Finalists
Mixed Cup Kilmore Inniskeen Grattans
Mixed Shield Myshall Oulart The Ballagh (2)
Men’s Cup Gusserane Emo
Women’s Shield Dublin Metropolitans Carrickmacross Emmets
Women’s Plate Gusserane Kilanerin Ballyfad

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.

 

Thank You

No event of this scale happens without a huge amount of work behind the scenes. Thanks are due to everyone who helped organise, referee, support, set up, clean up and keep the day moving.

Special thanks to all volunteers, referees and organisers, and to Uachtarán Tofa GAA Derek Kent, who attended during the morning games.

GAA Rounders President, Paula Doherty, GAA Uachtaran Tofa, Derek Kent, and GAA Rounders National Secretary, Shirley Lennon

Junior Day 2026 was a serious success — and already, 2027 has a lot to live up to.

GAA Rounders Preview 10th May: Senior Clashes & Junior Action Starts

Senior Showdowns, St. Senan’s Marathon & Galway Test Headline Sunday Action

Another packed Sunday of GAA Rounders championship action takes place on 10 May, with Senior fixtures in Athlone and Mullahoran, a major triple-header in Tymon Park, and Galway City Rapparees hosting Sporting Limerick in one of the standout Junior Men games of the weekend.

After a couple of weekends full of shocks, big scores and a few predictions that aged badly, the championship picture is starting to take shape. Some teams already look like serious contenders, while others badly need a win before the tables begin to stretch.

This Sunday brings action across Senior, Intermediate and Junior grades, with fixtures in Athlone, Mullahoran, Tymon Park, Emo, Athenry, Kilmore, Castletown Liam Mellows, Galway and Drumhowan.

Prediction disclaimer: after last weekend, nobody should be betting the parish hall on these calls. But here we go again.

Senior Action In Athlone & Mullahoran

Breaffy v Cuchulainn — Senior Women

Athlone
12pm
Referee: Danielle Keane

Breaffy have made their usual strong start in Senior Women and already look like retaining the championship. Cuchulainn will bring plenty of fight, but Breaffy’s scoring threat and experience should give them the edge.

Prediction: Breaffy

Erne Eagles v Glynn Barntown — Senior Women

Mullahoran
12pm
Referee: Aine McLaughlin

This could be one of the tighter Senior Women games of the day. Erne Eagles will fancy their chances in Mullahoran, but Glynn Barntown have enough quality and composure to edge a close one.

Prediction: Glynn Barntown

Breaffy v Cuchulainn — Senior Men

Athlone
3pm
Referee: Danielle Keane

Breaffy sit top of the Senior Men table and look very settled already. Their ability to score heavily while staying organised in the field makes them difficult to oppose. They have had big wins versus Carrick and Galway.

Cuchulainn will need a huge performance to drag this into a contest, but Breaffy look the safer call.

Prediction: Breaffy

Erne Eagles v Glynn Barntown — Senior Men

Mullahoran
3pm
Referee: Aine McLaughlin

This has the feel of a proper Senior Men battle. Glynn Barntown are always dangerous, but Erne Eagles have opened well and may have enough momentum to make home advantage count.

Prediction: Erne Eagles

Breaffy v Cuchulainn — Senior Mixed

Athlone
1.30pm
Referee: Danielle Keane

Breaffy have started Senior Mixed in ruthless fashion and already look like a side with serious championship intentions. Cuchulainn will battle, but Breaffy’s balance across the plate gives them the advantage.

Prediction: Breaffy

Erne Eagles v Glynn Barntown — Senior Mixed

Mullahoran
1.30pm
Referee: Aine McLaughlin

Another excellent Senior Mixed fixture. Erne Eagles will make this awkward, but Glynn Barntown’s structure and consistency may be enough to get them over the line.

Prediction: Glynn Barntown

St. Senan’s Face A Huge Day In Tymon Park

Dublin Metropolitans v St. Senan’s — Intermediate Men

Tymon Park
12pm
Referee: Amanda Hoxha

St. Senan’s begin a demanding day with a tricky Intermediate Men fixture against Dublin Metropolitans. The Mets will be competitive in Tymon Park, but St. Senan’s look capable of taking the opener.

Prediction: St. Senan’s

St. Clare’s v St. Senan’s — Intermediate Men

Tymon Park
2pm
Referee: Amanda Hoxha

This may be the tougher assignment for St. Senan’s. St. Clare’s should arrive fresher and that could matter as the game goes on. A close contest, but St. Clare’s get the nod.

Prediction: St. Clare’s

St. Clare’s v St. Senan’s — Intermediate Mixed B

Tymon Park
4pm
Referee: Amanda Hoxha

By the time this one begins, tired legs may be a real factor. Still, St. Senan’s have the depth to finish the day strongly and this could be a valuable Mixed win if they manage the workload well.

Prediction: St. Senan’s

Kilmeena Look For A Response In Emo

Emo v Naomh Pól — Junior Mixed C

Emo
12pm
Referee: Michael Dowling

Emo begin their day with Junior Mixed C action against Naomh Pól. With home advantage and a settled group, they look well placed to pick up the win.

Prediction: Emo

Emo v Kilmeena — Intermediate Men

Emo
2pm
Referee: Michael Dowling

Kilmeena badly need a response and this trip to Emo feels like an important early-season test. Emo will not make life easy at home, but Kilmeena have enough firepower to get their campaign moving.

Prediction: Kilmeena

Junior Fixtures Spread Across The Country

Athenry v St. Kieran’s — Junior Women A

Athenry
12pm
Referee: Sean Bailey

Athenry will be eager to make home advantage count in Junior Women A. St. Kieran’s should test them, but Athenry look the stronger pick.

Prediction: Athenry

Kilmore v Carrickmacross Emmets — Junior Women B

Kilmore
11am
Referee: Jay Hall

Kilmore and Carrickmacross meet in the first part of a double-header. Carrickmacross will be competitive, but Kilmore’s home setting and organisation should give them the advantage.

Prediction: Kilmore

Kilmore v Carrickmacross Emmets — Junior Mixed B

Kilmore
1pm
Referee: Jay Hall

The second Kilmore-Carrickmacross meeting of the day could be just as tight, but Kilmore again look the stronger call.  The would be everyone’s early favourites to win the 2026 All Ireland.

Prediction: Kilmore

Castletown Liam Mellows v Kilanerin Ballyfad — Junior Women C

Castletown Liam Mellows
11am
Referee: Cathy Kearns

Castletown Liam Mellows have home advantage and will look to make that count early. Kilanerin Ballyfad will need a strong start, but Castletown get the vote.

Prediction: Castletown Liam Mellows

Oulart The Ballagh v Leighlinbridge — Junior Mixed C

Castletown Liam Mellows
1pm
Referee: Cathy Kearns

Leighlinbridge face the first of two Junior Mixed C games and will know this is a big chance to build serious momentum. Oulart The Ballagh will test them, but Leighlinbridge are tipped to edge it.

Prediction: Leighlinbridge

Leighlinbridge v Na Fianna — Junior Mixed C

Castletown Liam Mellows
3pm
Referee: Cathy Kearns

The turnaround will be the challenge for Leighlinbridge, but if they manage the day properly, they have enough quality to complete a strong Sunday.

Prediction: Leighlinbridge

Galway City Rapparees v Sporting Limerick — Junior Men A

Galway
1pm
Referee: Craig Davis

One of the headline Junior fixtures takes place in Galway, where Galway City Rapparees welcome Sporting Limerick.

Rapparees will hope for a strong start, but Sporting Limerick are dangerous and will travel west believing they can cause problems. Sporting Limerick won this fixture last season. Expect energy, hard hitting and a few nervous innings along the way. Rapparees would be fancied to have a big year.

Galway get the vote, but this could be one of the higher quality games of the day.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Inniskeen Target Two Results In Drumhowan

Drumhowan v Inniskeen Grattans — Junior Women B

Drumhowan
10am
Referee: Shirley Lennon

Inniskeen Grattans begin their day in Junior Women B against Drumhowan. The hosts will make this awkward, but Inniskeen’s recent progress gives them the edge.

Prediction: Inniskeen Grattans

Elphin v Inniskeen Grattans — Junior Mixed B

Drumhowan
12pm
Referee: Shirley Lennon

Inniskeen then return for Junior Mixed B action against Elphin. Two games in quick succession is never simple, but they have enough squad depth to leave Drumhowan with another positive result.

Prediction: Inniskeen Grattans

Sunday Fixtures At A Glance

Time Grade Fixture Venue Prediction
10am Junior Women B Drumhowan v Inniskeen Grattans Drumhowan Inniskeen
11am Junior Women B Kilmore v Carrickmacross Emmets Kilmore Kilmore
11am Junior Women C Castletown Liam Mellows v Kilanerin Ballyfad Castletown Liam Mellows Castletown LM
12pm Senior Women Breaffy v Cuchulainn Athlone Breaffy
12pm Senior Women Erne Eagles v Glynn Barntown Mullahoran Glynn Barntown
12pm Intermediate Men Dublin Metropolitans v St. Senan’s Tymon Park St. Senan’s
12pm Junior Mixed C Emo v Naomh Pól Emo Emo
12pm Junior Women A Athenry v St. Kieran’s Athenry Athenry
12pm Junior Mixed B Elphin v Inniskeen Grattans Drumhowan Inniskeen
1pm Junior Mixed B Kilmore v Carrickmacross Emmets Kilmore Kilmore
1pm Junior Mixed C Oulart The Ballagh v Leighlinbridge Castletown Liam Mellows Leighlinbridge
1pm Junior Men A Galway City Rapparees v Sporting Limerick Galway Galway Rapparees
1.30pm Senior Mixed Breaffy v Cuchulainn Athlone Breaffy
1.30pm Senior Mixed Erne Eagles v Glynn Barntown Mullahoran Glynn Barntown
2pm Intermediate Men St. Clare’s v St. Senan’s Tymon Park St. Clare’s
2pm Intermediate Men Emo v Kilmeena Emo Kilmeena
3pm Senior Men Breaffy v Cuchulainn Athlone Breaffy
3pm Senior Men Erne Eagles v Glynn Barntown Mullahoran Erne Eagles
3pm Junior Mixed C Leighlinbridge v Na Fianna Castletown Liam Mellows Leighlinbridge
4pm Intermediate Mixed B St. Clare’s v St. Senan’s Tymon Park St. Senan’s

Another Proper Championship Sunday

There are long road trips, double-headers, early-season pressure and a few fixtures that could already shape the knockout picture. Some clubs will leave Sunday looking like contenders. Others may be wondering where the first win is coming from.

Updates and scores will be available through GAA Rounders channels throughout the day.

Rounders Preview: Galway Triple-Header Headlines Crucial Sunday Action

Intermediate & Senior Rounders Action Takes Centre Stage

While most of Weekend 1’s predictions were close, last weekend was a tough one with too many calls going wrong. Time to reset and take a proper look at who’s performing and who still has work to do.

This is the last weekend before mid-July without Junior action, so the focus shifts fully to the Intermediate and Senior games taking place across three provinces on Sunday.

Raheen v Emo – Intermediate Mixed

First up in Raheen, Wexford, at 11am is the Intermediate Mixed clash between Raheen and Emo. Raheen, winners of the Intermediate Men’s and Women’s titles in 2024, will be eager to add the Mixed crown to their collection. Emo, meanwhile, bring a fresh group stepping up from Minor and will be keen to make an impact.

Both sides had players involved in the CWL Winter League, so fitness won’t be an issue. Expect strong performances from the ever-reliable JP Tynan and Chloe and Gillian Keenan, while young talents like Liam Horgan, Raife Eogan and Joshua Suda look ready to rise to the Intermediate challenge for Emo. Raheen’s Aidan McDonald, Eunan Furlong, Nakita Martin and Seamus Bourke remain threats both at bat and in the field.

Myshall’s PJ Lalor takes charge of this one for his third consecutive week refereeing at Intermediate level.

Prediction: Emo to just shade it

Intermediate & Senior Action in Galway

Galway Rapparees are on sandwich making duty again this week as they host three games, one Intermediate and two Senior showdowns.

Galway City Rapparees v Elphin – Intermediate Women

The day begins at 12pm with their Intermediate Women facing newly promoted Elphin. The Galway side are said to have added a new pitcher and will be quietly confident on home turf.

Elphin, however, arrive with Gretta Davis — well capable at this level and an experienced pitcher — and will be eager to make a statement in their new grade. With a year of Intermediate experience behind them, Rapparees look slightly better placed, but this won’t come easy.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Kilmeena v Breaffy – Senior Mixed

At 1.45pm, Kilmeena return to Galway to face fellow Mayo side Breaffy in Senior Mixed. Breaffy come in off the back of a strong win over Carrickmacross and look settled early in the campaign.

Kilmeena, on the other hand, will be keen to bounce back after their opening loss to Limekiln. If they can stay composed at bat and tighten up defensively, they could make this competitive — but Breaffy’s form suggests they should have enough.

Prediction: Breaffy

Galway City Rapparees v Breaffy – Senior Men

The final game in Galway sees the hosts’ Senior Men take on Breaffy at 3.30pm. After an impressive opening against Limekiln, the Galway side appear to have adapted quickly to life at Senior level.

Breaffy’s outfield strength will test them, but the Rapparees’ defence looks equally solid. Colin Cannon impressed last time out, but Ryan Dennis has shown he can match any Senior pitcher. Expect strong batting, sharp fielding and a game that could go right down to the wire.

One of GAA Rounders’ top referees, Philip Keane of The Heath, will officiate all three games.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Monaghan vs Wexford Battle in Intermediate Women

Inniskeen Grattans v Castletown Liam Mellows

The final venue is Inniskeen, where two newly promoted sides meet at 1pm looking to secure their second win of the campaign. Castletown Liam Mellows opened with a win over Dublin Metropolitans, while Inniskeen Grattans followed up with a strong result against Emo last weekend.

The winner here could well find themselves topping the table, and it promises to be a tight contest. Both teams bring strong hitters and solid fielders, so composure on the day will likely decide it.

National Secretary Shirley Lennon will take charge.

Prediction: Inniskeen Grattans

There may only be five games this Sunday, but every one of them looks tight — and tough to call. If they all go wrong again, you’ve been warned!

Either way, expect high-quality Rounders across the board. If you’re in Galway, Inniskeen or Raheen, get out and watch — this is exactly what the championship is about.

Updates and scores will be available at
gaarounders.ie,
Facebook
and @gaaroundersoff.

Sunday Rounders Fixtures & Preview

Intermediate and Senior action takes centre stage across three provinces.

Sunday Fixtures

11:00 – Raheen vs Emo
Intermediate Mixed
12:00 – Galway Rapparees vs Elphin
Intermediate Women
13:00 – Inniskeen Grattans vs Castletown LM
Intermediate Women
13:45 – Kilmeena vs Breaffy
Senior Mixed
15:30 – Galway Rapparees vs Breaffy
Senior Men