GAA Rounders Championship Preview – 2 August 2026

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After a two Sunday break – while we let the limelight fall on some county hurlers and footballers – we’re back to league action and the last two Sundays of games before we start Intermediate and Senior knockout stages.

While last Saturday was a fantastic day of quarter-finals, our Junior teams can take this weekend off and we’ll focus on our Intermediate and Senior grades.

13 games will take place in Wexford, Carlow, Mayo and Galway and Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams will all take to the pitch to fight it out for semi-final places in those six competitions.

The West Is Most Definitely Awake!

After a fantastic Junior Mixed win in Dublin last weekend, no rest for Galway City Rapparees as their Senior Men, Intermediate Mixed and Intermediate Women all line out this Sunday. Hosting neighbours Kilmeena, slightly further away neighbours Michael Glavey’s and not neighbours at all Erne Eagles, this promises to be a brilliant day of Rounders in Galway – never mind Race Week, this is the Galway sporting action everyone will be watching!

Galway City Rapparees Senior Men

With two pitches on the go for the day, action starts at 12pm with Senior Men when the hosts take on Erne Eagles. Undefeated this season, the Cavan side are the team to beat. Just showing up on Sunday will take them to the top of the table while a win for Rapparees will put them on level points with Breaffy. As Breaffy won their head-to-head match, they’ll still be higher placed. However, for a team in their debut year at Senior, that would be some achievement. A loss on Sunday will leave the Galway men dependant on whether Carrickmacross Emmets beat Glynn Barntown on 9 August to see if they qualify in third or fourth place out of the group for Semi-finals.

The second Senior match of the day in Galway, at 1.45pm, will be between Erne Eagles and Kilmeena in Senior Mixed. In April, who would have predicted that Eagles, last year’s beaten finalists, would find themselves at the bottom of the table in July? With both teams propping up the table, this game will be played for pride and not having the ignominy of finishing last!

Galway City Rapparees Intermediate Women

Galway City Rapparees’ Intermediate Women have had a fairly quiet summer up to now, not having played since May. Having beaten Elphin and St. Clare’s, their season got off to a great start but will the two-month break, as well as playing two games in the same afternoon, mean that they’re fired up and ready to march on to semi-finals or that they’ve lost their edge? Smart money is probably on the first option! Kilmeena have had a disappointing year, and injuries and player unavailability has left them struggling. A win at the end of the season would definitely boost confidence for next year and for their Senior Mixed game which follows the Women’s game. No matter the result of this game, the Galway girls will have to keep their heads high and their gamefaces on and get ready for a second Women’s game against Roscommon’s Michael Glavey’s at 3.30pm. Another side that hasn’t had the best season, Glavey’s would undoubtedly love to record a win and sneak up the table to match St. Clare’s on points. With neither Kilmeena nor Glavey’s in a position to qualify out of the group, wins on Sunday will just make everyone feel a bit happier and will end the season on a high. Normally so kind and positive, it seems unlikely that Rapparees will grant those wishes!

Erne Eagles Intermediate Mixed

The final Intermediate game of the day, at 1.45pm, features Galway City Rapparees’ and Erne Eagles’ Mixed teams. Another group where Rapparees have had a quiet summer – they haven’t played an Inter Mixed game since May either – they still have two games to play to finish out their league fixtures. They also play St. Senan’s next Tuesday and losing to both the Limerick and Cavan sides would mean that Rapparees would be out of the Championship. Erne Eagles lost to St. Senan’s but beat both St. Clare’s and Michael Glavey’s and will be hoping for a third win in a row to bring them into their second consecutive semi-final.

Predictions:

  • Senior Men – Erne Eagles
  • Senior Mixed – Erne Eagles
  • Intermediate Mixed – Galway City Rapparees
  • Intermediate Women – Galway City Rapparees to win both

Referees:

  • Senior Games – Seán Bailey
  • Intermediate Games – Shirley Lennon

Also in Connacht there will be one game at 1pm in Mayo – where they’ll probably still be celebrating – when The Heath head to Breaffy for both sides’ final game of this year’s league. Undefeated Breaffy meeting ‘yet to register a win’ The Heath looks predictable but, sometimes, it’s those very games that surprise everyone and, while the ladies from The Heath have struggled with player availability and the jump from Intermediate to Senior this year, they have a fantastic never-say-die attitude that has served them well this year. It would be great to see a really good contest here and for both sides to play their best and show what they can do!

Prediction: Breaffy

Referee: Gretta Davis

Sunny South-East Showdown!

370km away, in southern Wexford, Glynn Barntown will be hosting their near neighbours Raheen in Senior Men’s and Women’s, and Intermediate Mixed games. Starting at 12.30pm with Men, form would suggest that the hosts will be victorious. Raheen have yet to win a match this year and, while Glynn Barntown’s performances haven’t always been amazing, a win would bring them to midtable and, with Carrickmacross Emmets still to travel to them next weekend, would give them a fighting chance of qualifying for semi-finals.

Raheen Rounders

Senior Women is still a bit difficult to predict qualifiers from, and with two games each left to play, Glynn Barntown and Raheen have more opportunities than most to work their way up the table. Raheen won’t qualify but Glynn Barntown, if they can win this Sunday and the following weekend against Carrickmacross, will hope to make a semi-final. Raheen’s Women’s team this year has seen plenty of new faces who have stuck with it all season and are improving but it will likely take until next year before they start winning against seasoned Senior Women’s sides. But, for a team only in their second year at Senior, they are holding their own, have fielded every game and played their best.

The middle game in Wexford on Sunday is between both club’s Intermediate Mixed teams. A win for Raheen will guarantee them a semi-final place while a loss will leave three teams – Dublin Metropolitans, Glynn Barntown and Raheen – on 16 points and every run scored on Sunday could prove vital. Raheen know a defeat would see them eliminated on Run Rate, while Glynn Barntown would need to record a double-digit victory to overtake Dublin Metropolitans and claim a semi-final spot.

Predictions:

  • Senior Men – Glynn Barntown
  • Senior Women – Glynn Barntown
  • Intermediate Mixed – Raheen

Referee: PJ Lalor

Leinster Clashes: Carlow vs Dublin & Laois vs Wexford

And finally, to Carlow, where Cúchulainn are giving Galway City Rapparees a run for their money in the hosting stakes and putting on four games, starting at 11am. Dubliners Limekiln will head south and the day will start with Senior Men. This is the Carlow men’s final group game while Limekiln still have to host Raheen next weekend. While Erne Eagles, Breaffy and Galway City Rapparees all qualify for semi-finals, the fourth place is between Glynn Barntown and Carrickmacross Emmets and will be decided next weekend. Neither Cúchulainn nor Limekiln will qualify but this won’t stop them from playing a competitive match for the five points and a higher place on the table.

Men’s game over, the Mixed teams will take to the pitch at 12.30pm. As with Men, Breaffy and Glynn Barntown have definitely qualified, so the rest of the pack is chasing third and fourth places and a win here would keep both sides in the mix. The only thing separating both teams now is Run Rate with Cúchulainn’s keeping them ahead for now. Expect neither side to give anything in this must-win game.

Cuchulainn Senior Women

The final Senior game of the day will be between both sides’ Women’s teams at 2pm. Limekiln’s Women have played so well this season – for a side containing so many players who never played together before this year. Cúchulainn’s last outing – against The Heath – was a masterclass in excellent batting, with four Home Runs scored, and they’ll be looking for a similar performance again on Sunday. Unlikely that Limekiln will give them that opportunity, but it should be a great game between two well-matched sides.

Predictions:

  • Senior Men – Cúchulainn
  • Senior Women – Limekiln
  • Senior Mixed – Limekiln

Referee: Michael Dowling

And that’s it for our penultimate week of league action. ‘Must-win’ games, ‘result doesn’t matter at all’ games and ‘last day out this season’ games – all will be played with the same heart and determination that our players have shown all season. And all will be worth heading out to watch and support our players give it their all.

Whether you’re on a sideline in Connacht or Leinster, we hope you enjoy Sunday’s games and whether you’re playing on a pitch in the west or the south-east we wish you all the very best of luck!

 

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2026 GAA Rounders Transfers: Full List of Player Moves

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2026 GAA Rounders Transfers

Although the new GAA Rounders Constitution has removed the traditional 28 February deadline, the start of the year has remained a busy time for players looking to pull on new jerseys. Let’s take a closer look at who is moving where and how these signings might shift the balance of power in 2026!

Everyone is moving to Limekiln!

Dublin Senior Club Limekiln, based in Tymon Park, has been incredibly active, recruiting a mix of fresh talent from across Leinster and Ulster.

Serena Costelloe, Erica Meslin & Merilin Neiland have all made the short move from Crumlin to Walkinstown. The former Kevin’s ladies were left teamless when Kevin’s didn’t enter the All-Ireland Championship this year. Serena played in Limekiln’s Mixed win over Kilmeena in Galway on 19 April and had a starring role as Pitcher in Limekiln Senior Women’s defeat over newly promoted The Heath, making it home three times and being involved in seven outs. Erica’s first appearance for Limekiln came in that same Senior Women’s game and she also proved what a versatile and skilled player she is, getting home each of her five times up to bat while also playing her part in five outs.

Back row, left – Colette McCaul; fourth from left, Serena Costelloe. Front row, left – Erica Meslin

Not content with signing Leinster female players, Limekiln have also recruited former St. Clare’s player and former Junior All-Star Colette McCaul. With her strength at bat, her speed and her ability to catch any ball at Left Outfield, Colette has shown that several years away from the sport hasn’t dimmed her abilities or talents and was a force to be reckoned with during the Senior Women’s win over The Heath.

Limekiln’s final signing – so far – this year is The Heath’s Peter Salmon. A versatile player who can contribute outfield or on base, batting and fielding, Peter also joined the Limekiln crew for his first match on 19 April in Galway where he had a brilliant first Senior Men’s match in blue and yellow, contributing three runs and five outs.

Limekiln v Galway Rapparees

Peter Salmon, right – J98Media

Other Senior & Intermediate Transfers

Also leaving The Heath, who this year have no Mixed or Men’s teams in the Championship, is Austin O’Meara who is staying in the same county and moving to 2025 Intermediate Men’s and Mixed Finalists Emo. Emo’s first Intermediate Men’s outing this year will be on 10 May when they host Kilmeena and we look forward to seeing Austin on the pitch that day.

Leaving Kilmeena for a move to the blue and white of St. Clare’s is Katie McLoughlin. St. Clare’s will welcome Katie to their Mixed and Women’s Intermediate teams and will hope her addition to the squad will help their chances of an Intermediate title in 2026.

Moving the other direction, to Kilmeena, is Breaffy’s Gerard Walsh while also in Connacht, former Michael Glavey’s Intermediate Women’s pitcher, Gretta Davis, has moved the short distance to newly Elphin. Gretta’s experience as a pitcher and Intermediate player will be seen as a major coup for Elphin as they navigate the jump to the Intermediate grade.

Gretta Davis

Gretta Davis – moving from Michael Glavey’s to Elphin

The final player moving to Connacht is Erne Eagles’ Tríona Moran who moved west to play Junior Mixed and Intermediate Women with Galway City Rapparees.

Junior Transfers

Unfortunately, Mayo Gaels did not affiliate for 2026 and two of their players have made the move to local rivals Garrymore. Both Joel Carter and Paul Murphy played on the Mayo Gaels Junior Mixed team in 2025 and have now transferred to assist the Garrymore Junior Mixed side this year. The third Mayo Gaels player to move is Gerard Scahill who has made the trip to Senior club Breaffy.

The only Munster transfer for 2026 is that of Sophie Moroney from All-Ireland winners St. Senan’s to Kildimo Pallaskenry.

In Ulster, Sachin Krishnan has left Monaghan’s Inniskeen Grattans to go to Antrim’s Wolfe Tones where he will join their Junior Mixed squad.

Meanwhile in Leinster five ladies are on the move as follows:

  • Liz Fitzgerald – Glynn Barntown to Kilanerin Ballyfad
  • Grace Power, Lisa Power, Lorna Byrne – Skryne to Dunsany
  • Shirley O’Neill – Fethard St. Mogue’s to Gusserane

With no official closing date for transfers this year, these are unlikely to be the last moves we’ll see in 2026…so keep an eye on our website and socials for more information on acquisitions and defections!

Paste this into a Custom HTML block in WordPress:

Full GAA Rounders Transfer List 2026

A total of 26 player transfers have been recorded for the
2026 season. Seven of these transfers took place after 24 April 2026.

26
Total transfers
7
After 24 April
19
Before 24 April

Transfers After 24 April 2026

Date Player Previous Club New Club Grade Change
25 April Aidan Jayne Glynn Barntown — Senior Dublin Metropolitans — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
25 April Katarina Prazakova Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
3 June Gillian Nolan Cuchulainn — Senior Myshall — Junior Senior → Junior
3 June Margaret Simpson Cuchulainn — Senior Myshall — Junior Senior → Junior
15 July John Michael Nolan Cuchulainn — Senior Myshall — Junior Senior → Junior
23 July Aaron Keane The Heath — Senior Emo — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
5th May Jason Curran Fenagh — Intermediate Leighlinbridge — Junior Intermediate → Junior

Transfers Before 24 April 2026

Player Previous Club New Club Grade Change
Serena Costelloe Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Erica Meslin Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Merilin Neiland Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Colette McCaul St Clare’s — Intermediate Limekiln — Senior Intermediate → Senior
Peter Salmon The Heath — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Austin O’Meara The Heath — Senior Emo — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
Katie McLoughlin Kilmeena — Senior St Clare’s — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
Gerard Walsh Breaffy — Senior Kilmeena — Senior Senior → Senior
Gretta Davis Michael Glavey’s — Intermediate Elphin — Intermediate Intermediate → Intermediate
Tríona Moran Erne Eagles — Senior Galway Rapparees — Senior Senior → Senior
Joel Carter Mayo Gaels — Junior Garrymore — Junior Junior → Junior
Paul Murphy Mayo Gaels — Junior Garrymore — Junior Junior → Junior
Gerard Scahill Mayo Gaels — Junior Breaffy — Senior Junior → Senior
Sophie Moroney St Senan’s — Intermediate Kildimo Pallaskenry — Junior Intermediate → Junior
Sachin Krishnan Inniskeen Grattans — Intermediate Wolfe Tones — Junior Intermediate → Junior
Liz Fitzgerald Glynn Barntown — Senior Kilanerin Ballyfad — Junior Senior → Junior
Grace Power Skryne — Junior Dunsany — Junior Junior → Junior
Lisa Power Skryne — Junior Dunsany — Junior Junior → Junior
Lorna Byrne Skryne — Junior Dunsany — Junior Junior → Junior
Shirley O’Neill Fethard St Mogue’s — Junior Gusserane — Intermediate Junior → Intermediate
Note* Players may not have played at the level, it’s just the highest grade the club plays

Galway wraps a blistering month of Go Games

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Galway Brings the Curtain Down on a July to Remember

Some July’s stay with you forever.

The ones where the sun seemed reluctant to set, where every evening felt endless, and where the only real disappointment was hearing someone call, “Time to come home.”

July felt like one of those months again.

Across Ireland, Go Games for Rounders brought children onto sun-drenched pitches to enjoy the kind of evenings many of us remember from our own childhoods. The grass was dry beneath their feet, knees were scuffed instead of muddy, and the only race that mattered was squeezing in one last game before the light finally faded.

On Saturday, 25th July, Clontuskert Community Pitches, near Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, brought the curtain down on another remarkable month for the Go Games for Rounders movement. It was a fitting finale to a July that saw children from Cavan to Limerick, Wexford to Roscommon, and Carlow to Galway discovering the simple joy of spending a summer evening outdoors with friends, a bat and a ball.

Cavan Starts the Adventure

July’s journey began on 4th July in Mullahoran GAA, where six clubs gathered for Cavan’s third Go Games for Rounders blitz of the year.

For some children, it was another chance to wear their club colours. For others, it was their very first swing of a bat. By the end of the evening, nobody was talking about who had won or lost. They were talking about the catch they made, the friend they met and when the next blitz would be.

In Carlow, they played long into the evening.

When Shadows Became Giants

On 8th July, clubs across Carlow took full advantage of one of those perfect summer evenings to launch their 2026 Go Games programme.

As the sun drifted lower, the children’s shadows stretched across the pitches like giants. There was always one more catch to make, one more race to first base and one more game to squeeze in before the daylight finally gave way to dusk.

For anyone watching from the sidelines, it was impossible not to be transported back to those long summer evenings when time seemed to stand still, when your bike was abandoned somewhere nearby, and home was simply wherever your friends happened to be playing.

The Summer Spread Across the Country

The following weekend, the story continued to unfold across Ireland.

In Limerick, Granagh Ballingarry GAA welcomed the county into the Go Games for Rounders family as it hosted its first-ever blitz. For every child who picked up a bat for the first time, another chapter in the county’s Rounders story began.

At the very same time, children were gathering in Wexford and Roscommon, proving that this wasn’t just happening in one corner of the country—it was happening everywhere.

Different counties. Different clubs. The very same excitement.

Roscommon host another successful blitz under blue skies.

Across Ireland, the soundtrack was remarkably similar. The crack of a bat meeting a ball. Cheers as a runner reached first base. Volunteers offering encouragement after every catch, every miss and every brave attempt. Parents watching from the sidelines, knowing these were the kinds of evenings childhood should be made of.

With no need for anyone to check the score, another summer memory had already been made.

Galway Draws the Curtain

Then came the finale.

On Saturday, 25th July, all roads led to Clontuskert Community Pitches, where children from across Galway gathered for another wonderful Go Games for Rounders blitz.

The July sun still hung high as children filled the pitches with energy, laughter and endless enthusiasm. Parents chatted along the sidelines, coaches quietly celebrated every small success and volunteers kept everything moving with the calm confidence that only comes from doing it for the love of the game.

As the final balls were hit and the equipment packed away, another chapter in the Go Games story came to an end.

Players and volunteers at Galway’s latest Go Games blitz.

Building Memories, Not Just Players

Reflecting on another memorable month, National Children’s Officer Craig Davis said:

“When we started Go Games, we wanted children to fall in love with Rounders. Looking across pitches all over Ireland this July, that’s exactly what we saw. Children staying out until the evening light began to fade, laughing with friends, learning new skills and making memories they’ll carry with them long after the summer is over. None of this happens without our incredible volunteers, coaches and parents. They aren’t just organising blitzes—they’re giving today’s children the kind of childhood summers many of us were lucky enough to have. If we can keep doing that, then the future of Rounders is in very safe hands.”

July may be over, but the story of Go Games for Rounders is only just beginning. Across Ireland, more counties, more clubs and more volunteers are helping children discover a game that has been part of our heritage since 1884.

Years from now, they may not remember every catch they made or every run they scored, but they’ll remember how those long summer evenings made them feel. And that’s exactly what Go Games is all about.

Junior Mixed All-Ireland Quarter-final Previews – 25 July 2026

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Saturday, 25 July 2026 | Tymon Park, Dublin

Much like our Junior Women’s Championship, the Junior Mixed competition featured an action-packed group stage. Across three groups, 18 teams competed in 39 thrilling matches, spanning counties from Galway to Dublin, Derry to Wexford, and Limerick to Roscommon.

These eight teams – Carrickmacross Emmets, Emo, Galway City Rapparees, Inniskeen Grattans, Kilmore, Leighlinbridge, Myshall and Na Piarsaigh  – have all fought hard to earn their quarter-final places in Tymon Park in Dublin on Saturday afternoon, and we look forward to seeing them all showing us just why they’re among the top Junior Mixed teams in Rounders at the moment.

We’ve seen home runs, incredible one-handed catches, masterclass pitching, clinical fielding, and explosive base running. Now, we’re down to the final eight teams fighting for a spot in the semi-finals. Here is how the quarter-final match-ups stack up ahead of Saturday’s action in Tymon Park.

Galway City Rapparees (Galway) vs Emo (Laois)

  • Time: 1pm
  • Referee: Shirley Lennon (Meath)

Galway City Rapparees topped Group A with three wins from three and will now face the third placed team in Group C, Emo. Having beaten their nearest rivals, Na Piarsaigh, with a bat in hand, Rapparees never looked in any danger and cruised comfortably to top spot in their group. Emo had two difficult games against Group winners Leighlinbridge and second-placed Myshall but had comfortable wins over newcomers Dunsany, Naomh Pól and Oulart The Ballagh.

Galway City Rapparees

Emo’s Junior Mixed team is a new addition for 2026 and features some of last year’s All-Ireland winning Minor Men’s team as well as strong players from last year’s Intermediate Mixed team like Michael Slevin, Barry Ryan and Niamh Horgan. Rapparees can call on Senior Men’s team players like Ajay Kumar, Greg Mannion and Dave Gannon as well as 2025 All-Star nominee Cat Carty and you have to feel that the depth and skill of their panel gives them the edge.

However, any squad under Michael Slevin can never be dismissed and Emo teams over the years have consistently shown that their fighting spirit and determination can get them over any difficult patch. Rapparees’ ability to pull together and work as a unit is one of their key strengths and this, as well as their excellent batting and communication on the pitch makes them a formidable opponent.

On the day, expect neither of these sides to give up and we can look forward to a battle to the end!

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Kilmore (Roscommon) vs Myshall (Carlow)

  • Time: 3pm
  • Referee: Danielle Keane (Laois)

This will be the second match of the day for both these clubs and, depending on how their women’s teams have performed in the morning, this game could start with a determination to avenge the morning’s result or a desire to continue a winning streak.

With six wins from six and a perfect 30 points on the table, Kilmore should be quietly confident. With at least one bat in hand from every league game, they proved their superiority at the group stage. Their opponents, Myshall, only lost to group leaders, Leighlinbridge, but won their other games comfortably, although their fellow Group C teams were, in general, less experienced than Kilmore’s Group B conquests.

Both sides have very skilful pitcher, catcher combinations – Myshall’s PJ Lalor and Matthew Roberts and Kilmore’s Aidan Carr and James Jamieson – who work well together and are able to successfully achieve outs both at home base and first. Kilmore’s Mixed team benefits from having some of the strongest women players form their Junior Women’s team in Ana Carr, Joann Sharkey, Ruth McElhone and Nicola Craughwell and the wealth of experience they bring from that team benefits the Mixed no end.

Myshall, on the other hand, have the Senior experience of Gillian Nolan and Margaret Simpson to boost that of their longtime Junior Women such as Alma Rae, Anita O’Donoghue and Mya Farrell.

There really is very little to separate these teams and our guess is that this could well be the match of the day. Expect neither side to give an inch but mostly expect seriously impressive fielding, strong batting, great catches and a tight scoreline.

Prediction: Kilmore

Leighlinbridge (Carlow) vs Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan)

  • Time: 3pm
  • Referee: Áine McLaughlin (Dublin)

Leighlinbridge, the second Carlow side to be involved in two quarter-finals on Saturday come into the knockouts in a very strong position having won all six of their group games, most of them extremely impressively. They will face Inniskeen Grattans of Monaghan, a side not unfamiliar with quarter-finals, having reached this stage in 2025 and lost to Galway City Rapparees. Having only seen defeats this year to local rivals Carrickmacross Emmets and group toppers Kilmore, their league campaign has been steady and well fought.

Inniskeen Grattans

Inniskeen’s Mixed team women all play Intermediate Women’s rounders this year and the extra level of skill this has brought to their game has been evident in their Mixed matches. Julianne Smith in outfield misses very little that come her way while Layla McArdle and Carol McKeown are both very reliable players that consistently perform well. Inniskeen’s Mixed team pitcher/catcher combo of Seán O’Connor and Ciarán McArdle bring their Men’s team expertise to Mixed and all in all, this is a team that, on the day, is well able to produce the goods and win this match.

Leighlinbridge are in their first year at Junior Mixed and, while they have recruited former Intermediate player Jason Curran, their core players are all in their inaugural year at this code and are impressing. While their women – Tracy McNally, Louise Riddell, Chiara Trench and Jen Kelly among others – have been honing their skills at Junior Women for the past two years, this year’s combination of playing both Mixed and Women’s Rounders seems to have given them an extra edge and made their play just that bit sharper.

This has the makings of another game that could go all the way to the wire!

Prediction: Leighlinbridge

Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) vs Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan)

  • Time: 3pm
  • Referee: Shirley Lennon (Meath)

Two more teams in their second contest of the day make up the pairing for our final Junior Mixed quarter-final. Na Piarsaigh’s men and Carrickmacross’ women won’t have much time to recover from their earlier games before they need to be on their best form again for this game.

Having lost only to group toppers Galway City Rapparees, Na Piarsaigh have won two games. Carrickmacross Emmets, qualifying from the larger Group B, have four wins under their belt.

Once again, Carrickmacross is a team with an excellent pitcher/catcher team in Paul Boylan and Darren Hughes and, when on top form, Paul Boylan is among the best Junior pitchers in the country. Rachel Boylan at Short-stop misses very little and is a fantastic leader on the pitch, constantly aware of where the play is heading.

Carrickmacross Emmets

Na Piarsaigh’s outfield are accurate and punish pop-ups with some great catches. At bat they can place balls into outfield gaps but Carrickmacross’s greater experience and teamwork would indicate that they have what it takes to get this over the line and take the victory.

Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets

Once the last out is called on our 3pm Mixed games on Saturday we’ll have our full Junior Semi-final line-ups across our Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Championships and we’ll be one step closer to knowing who will contest our Junior Finals in August and September.

We wish the very best of luck to every player, mentor, and supporter across the 13 clubs competing this weekend. Reaching an All-Ireland quarter-final is a fantastic achievement—play hard, leave it all on the pitch, and enjoy the occasion!

Finally, our very special thanks to Limekiln Rounders for hosting our quarter-finals and for ensuring that the day goes smoothly for all our teams. Rounders truly is an amazing community and, on days like this, there’s nowhere any of us would rather be!

 

 

 

Junior Men’s Quarter-final Previews – 25 July 2026

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Saturday, 25 July 2026 | Tymon Park, Dublin

Our Junior Men’s competition began this year with ten teams split across two groups. Group A featured Carrickmacross Emmets, Gusserane, Inniskeen Grattans, Myshall, Na Gaeil Nua, and Castleknock (who unfortunately withdrew in May). Group B comprised Connacht and Munster sides Elphin, Galway City Rapparees, Na Piarsaigh, and Sporting Limerick (who also withdrew prior to the end of the league campaign).

With Group B consisting of only four teams, sides played each other twice in home-and-away fixtures. The group winners—Myshall and Galway City Rapparees—advance directly to the semi-finals on 9 August in Edenderry. Meanwhile, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th placed teams from Group A, along with the 2nd placed team from Group B, head to Tymon Park this Saturday to battle it out for those final two semi-final spots.

Here is how our two Junior Men’s quarter-finals shape up!

Quarter-final 1: Gusserane (Wexford) vs Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan)

  • Time: 1pm
  • Referee: Danielle Keane (Laois)

Although Gusserane finished level on points with Myshall at the top of Group A, Myshall claimed top spot via their head-to-head victory. Nevertheless, Gusserane finished all three of their league wins with a bat in hand, boasting an impressive 2.5 Run Rate—by far the highest in their group. Having also captured the Junior Men’s title at Junior Day in May, there is no doubting the Wexford side’s pedigree.

Opposing them are Inniskeen Grattans—Junior Men’s semi-finalists in 2025 and finalists in 2024—who have been a consistent power at this grade for years. With their Women’s squad earning promotion to Intermediate this season, the Men will be eager to stake their own claim for 2027. Following a steady campaign of two wins and two losses, Inniskeen have been reliable, though perhaps not yet peaking. The combination of pitcher Seán O’Connor and catcher Ciarán McArdle works seamlessly to create opportunities for outs on first base and off foul tips, while Trevor Hilliard brings relentless work rate and lightning speed to the Short-stop position.

For Gusserane, pitcher Karel van der Merwe has been in fine form, while Morgan Nash Colfer in the outfield and Conor Murphy at Short-stop form an intimidating defensive barrier.

While this tie could easily go either way on the day, Gusserane’s players gaining extra sharpness through Intermediate Mixed play, alongside their strong group form, gives them a razor-thin edge… though we are fully prepared to be proven wrong!

Prediction: Gusserane

Quarter-final 2: Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) vs Na Gaeil Nua (Dublin)

  • Time: 1pm
  • Referee: Chris Hughes (Dublin)

Group B was always expected to be a tussle between Galway City Rapparees and Na Piarsaigh for top spot. After the Rapparees took a convincing victory in the first leg and the sides drew their second encounter, the Connacht club secured automatic semi-final qualification. Na Piarsaigh defeated Elphin at home and were awarded a walkover in the reverse fixture, meaning they come into the knockouts with one played win under their belts.

Dublin newcomers Na Gaeil Nua also hold one win, having dramatically defeated Carrickmacross Emmets with a bat in hand. While both sides mirror each other in overall league wins, Na Piarsaigh bring vastly superior competitive experience. The Limerick club fields teams across all three Junior grades, with their Mixed squad also featuring at Tymon Park this Saturday.

Na Gaeil Nua boast plenty of athletic raw talent—hitting, catching, and batting with real power—though they are still navigating the finer tactical nuances of the game. Na Piarsaigh, on the other hand, feature game-smart veterans who know every inch of a Rounders pitch.

This match promises to be a thrilling battle of experience and tactical composure vs raw talent and enthusiasm—definitely one not to be missed!

Prediction: Na Piarsaigh

That wraps up our Junior Men’s preview! Our final piece—analysing the Junior Mixed Quarter-finalists—will be released tomorrow evening.

 

Junior Women’s Quarter-finals Previews – 25 July 2026

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Saturday, 25 July 2026 | Tymon Park, Dublin

Our Junior League games for 2026 have now concluded, with the results of 57 Junior Women’s matches collated and analysed. Group tables have been double-checked, and of the 22 teams that set out in May, we are now down to the final eight.

These eight teams – Carrickmacross Emmets, Gusserane, Kilmore, Leighlinbridge, Myshall, St. Kieran’s, St. Senan’s, and Skryne – will take to the pitches at Tymon Park in Dublin on Saturday morning, each giving their all in a bid to secure a place in the Junior Semi-finals on 9 August. We are very grateful to Limekiln Rounders for hosting all ten matches on Sunday and are looking forward to a wonderful day of Rounders!

Let’s take a closer look at how these four quarter-final pairings match up!

St. Senan’s (Limerick) vs Myshall (Carlow)

  • Time: 11am
  • Referee: Áine McLaughlin (Dublin)

St. Senan’s topped Group A (consisting of Limerick and Galway sides) with a maximum 25 points. Myshall finished third in a highly competitive Group C featuring Carlow and Wexford teams. Although Myshall equalled Gusserane on 26 points, the Wexford side took second place owing to their head-to-head victory.

St. Senan’s hold a significant asset in pitcher Louise Kelly, who also plays Intermediate Mixed. Accustomed to the 12m pitching distance, her delivery from the 10m Junior Women’s mark comes in faster and harder than many batters are used to facing. Teammates Josephine Hickey, Kyra Hogan, Gráinne Noonan, and Dorothy Cullagh have also played Intermediate Mixed this season, giving St. Senan’s a battle-tested edge.

Myshall, meanwhile, recently secured the transfers of former Senior players Gillian Nolan and Margaret Simpson, whose expertise will inject huge confidence into the squad. Alongside established stalwarts like Alma Rae, Mya Farrell, Anita Donoghue, and Audrey Roberts, Myshall possess a wealth of big-game experience.

The key test for Myshall will be handling the pace and power coming off Louise Kelly’s pitches. Their fielding is strong and their base-minders remain calm under pressure. On the flip side, St. Senan’s have rarely had their fielding or batting fully tested this year – aside from close encounters with St. Kieran’s and Athenry, their wins were comprehensive. Despite an impressive Run Rate five times higher than Myshall’s, St. Senan’s have batted seven fewer innings overall, meaning their comfortable path to the last eight may leave them with something to prove when tested in a high-stakes knockout.

Prediction: Myshall

Kilmore (Roscommon) vs Gusserane (Wexford)

  • Time: 11am
  • Referee: Shirley Lennon (Meath)

Like St. Senan’s, Kilmore topped Group B with a perfect 30 points, defeating teams from Monaghan, Meath, and Longford. Gusserane edged past Myshall to secure second place in Group C.

Rather than relying on a single standout, Kilmore boast a well-balanced, cohesive squad whose players have built strong chemistry over several seasons. Pitcher Irene Reynolds and Catcher Nicola Craughwell form a dynamic duo, complemented by Ana Carr – an exceptional Short-stop who reads the game brilliantly and covers huge ground. Joann Sharkey is rock-solid on 2nd Base, while their outfielders attack long balls fearlessly and at bat the entire squad is able to place their hits smartly into outfield gaps.

Gusserane launched their 2026 season in style by winning at Junior Day before the Championship even began, followed by an opening win against Myshall. Defeats to group leaders Leighlinbridge and St. Martin’s slowed their momentum, but Gusserane responded strongly with victories over Kilanerin Ballyfad and Castletown Liam Mellows. While injuries have tested their squad depth this term, they will hope to be back at full strength for the weekend.

Several Gusserane players feature in Intermediate Mixed, which will stand to them in tense moments. However, Kilmore’s dugout is guided by Intermediate Men’s pitcher Aidan Carr, whose calm tactical leadership and ability to get the best out of his team cannot be underestimated.

Prediction: Kilmore

 

 

Leighlinbridge (Carlow) vs Skryne (Meath)

  • Time: 11am
  • Referee: Jay Hall (Galway)

Leighlinbridge, the second Carlow side in the last eight, became the third team to reach maximum league points, cruising through Group C with an outstanding Run Rate of 8.8.

Their opponents, Skryne, qualified from a contrasting Group B that featured a mix of seasoned contenders and new teams in their debut Championship season. Having competed in Junior Women since 2021, Skryne possess plenty of experience, though they had to battle hard in an opening match win over newcomers Nobber before reaching the knockout stages for the very first time.

Leighlinbridge reached this exact stage in 2025 before being halted by Dublin Metropolitans. However, their technical development and team cohesion over the past 12 months have been clear to see. They look every bit a side that learned from last year’s setback and is now primed to go further.

To disrupt Leighlinbridge’s momentum, Skryne’s outfielders must react quickly to get the sliotar back to home base rapidly and limit multi-run innings. They will also need clinical, aggressive display at the batting mat to keep pressure on the scoreboard.

Prediction: Leighlinbridge

 

 

St. Kieran’s (Limerick) vs Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan)

  • Time: 11am
  • Referee: Mary Roche (Wexford)

The second-placed side from Group A meets the third-placed finisher from Group B in what looks, on paper, to be the most evenly balanced tie of the round.

St. Kieran’s enjoyed a fantastic group campaign, dropping points only to group winners St. Senan’s. Carrickmacross Emmets similarly pushed hard, with their only setbacks coming against Kilmore and Skryne. Both clubs feature seasoned players, astute coaching, and the big-match temperament required when knockouts arrive—making this a strong candidate for game of the morning!

Carrickmacross can call on key game-changers in Rachel Boylan, Sinéad Murphy, Emma Fay, Mary Lambe, and Tracy McMahon. St. Kieran’s rely on a proven core – Deirdre Ambrose, Ellie Bucke, Caitriona Hough, and Steph Downes – who have driven their success all season long. Both management setups will be backing their leaders to produce their best performances when it matters most.

Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets

By lunchtime on Saturday we’ll know who’s taken one step closer to becoming our 2026 Junior Women’s All-Ireland Champions. Best of luck to all eight teams – beir bua agus go mbuafaidh na foirne is fearr!

Tomorrow we’ll be looking at our Junior Men’s Quarter-finalists and on Thursday it will be the turn of our Junior Mixed qualifiers – you won’t want to miss either of those!

GAA Rounders World Games Exhibition Matches

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GAA World Games – 16 July 2026

No two days in the Rounders world are ever the same, but some days really are very special. They remind us why we do what we do and what makes the game we all love so wonderful. Thursday, 16 July was one of those days for everyone involved in the GAA Rounders Exhibition Games as part of the GAA World Games.

Back in January, GAA Rounders was invited to be involved in the 2026 GAA World Games, and we jumped at the opportunity to be part of this fantastic collaborative event involving GAA players from all over the world. Although we couldn’t be included in the competitive tournament proper, we submitted a proposal to showcase our sport through three high-calibre Exhibition Games featuring our best players from across the country.

Once the plan was accepted by the World Games Committee, we sent personal invitations to 100 of our 2025 All-Star winners, nominees, and players who narrowly missed out due to injury. An astonishing 70 players accepted, and the real planning began.

After months of hard work, Thursday, 16 July dawned sunny and warm. Fabulous new kits – including specially designed black or white jerseys, teal shorts, and white and teal socks – were generously sponsored by the GAA World Games Committee and gifted to all players. Those involved began arriving from 10.30am and very shortly Pitch 8 at the SETU Arena, Waterford, was buzzing with players looking sharp and ready for action.

Game 1: Women’s Exhibition Match (12pm)

  • Referee: AnnMarie Brennan (Cúchulainn)
  • Final Score: Celtic Crushers 25 – 13 Shamrock Sluggers

 The Teams

  • Shamrock Sluggers:
    • Captain: Emma Reddy (Glynn Barntown) | Vice-Captain: Katie Groonell (Breaffy) | Manager: PJ Lalor (Myshall)
    • Squad: Pamela Brennan (Glynn Barntown), Shirleen Burns (Erne Eagles), Geraldine Goldrick (Erne Eagles), Aileen Kelly (Glynn Barntown), Sheena King (Glynn Barntown), Alisha Reddy (Glynn Barntown), Mary Roche (Glynn Barntown), Irene Scanlon (Erne Eagles), Caroline Waters (Cúchulainn), Marie Whelan (Carrickmacross Emmets)
  • Celtic Crushers:
    • Captain: Kim Thornton (Carrickmacross Emmets) | Vice-Captain: Louise Kelly (St. Senan’s) | Manager: Mark Jennings (Breaffy)
    • Squad: Maggie Brady (Erne Eagles), Abbie Delaney (Glynn Barntown), Chloe Doyle (Glynn Barntown), Lisa Flood (Erne Eagles), Helen Gallagher (Breaffy), Aileen Gavin (Breaffy), Gráinne Gavin (Breaffy), Michelle Hopkins (Breaffy), Holly Kavanagh (The Heath)

 Match Highlights

First to bat were the Celtic Crushers, and right from the start, spectators were treated to impressive catches and sharp base outs from both sides. At the end of the first inning, the score was deadlocked at 2–2. In the second inning, the Crushers settled into a rhythm, bringing seven home to build a 9–2 lead, which they expanded to a 25–13 victory by the fifth inning.

However, the real winner of the match was Rounders itself. Impressive catches from Caroline Waters, Lisa Flood, Aileen Kelly, Katie Groonell, and Chloe Doyle secured key outs, while the teamwork, rock-solid catches, and sharp throws on base from Pamela Brennan, Alisha Reddy, Maggie Brady, and Louise Kelly were fantastic to watch. Pitchers rotated throughout, with Michelle Hopkins, Emma Reddy, Irene Scanlon, and Louise Kelly, all doing themselves and their clubs proud.

A special mention goes to Cúchulainn’s AnnMarie Brennan, who returned from maternity leave – brining baby Oisín along for his very first Rounders event! We were thrilled to have her experience and officiating skill on the pitch.

Player of the Match: Caroline Waters (Cúchulainn) — Chosen by the match officials for her impressive batting and calm, composed catching at Short-stop, which yielded two double outs.

Game 2: Men’s Exhibition Match (2pm)

  • Referee: PJ Lalor (Myshall)
  • Final Score: Turf Titans 17 – 13 Bog Warriors

The Teams

  • Bog Warriors:
    • Captain: Billy Connors (Cúchulainn) | Vice-Captain: Justin Burns (Carrickmacross Emmets) | Managers: Michael Slevin & JP Tynan (Emo)
    • Squad: Aidan Carr (Kilmore), Paul Cooper (Glynn Barntown), Declan Finnegan (Carrickmacross Emmets), Mark Jennings (Breaffy), Gary Jordan (Glynn Barntown), Aaron Keane (The Heath), Barry Lambe (Carrickmacross Emmets), Eddie O’Connor (Raheen), Ili Tuimauga (Galway City Rapparees)
  • Turf Titans:
    • Captain: Shane Sheridan (Erne Eagles) | Vice-Captain: Eddie Healy (Limekiln) | Manager: Emma Reddy (Glynn Barntown)
    • Squad: Paul Delaney (Glynn Barntown), John Gibbons (Breaffy), Colm Jordan (Breaffy), Ronan Kiernan (Carrickmacross Emmets), Euan Matthews (Carrickmacross Emmets), Aidan McDonald (Raheen), Owen Roe O’Reilly (Erne Eagles), Peadar Waters (Cúchulainn), Ciarán Weldon (Limekiln).

 Match Highlights

The Bog Warriors batted first, getting off to a flying start with two runners home, but three swift outs from both fielding teams kept the score tied 2–2 after the first inning. The Turf Titans pulled ahead with six runs in the second, leading 12–8 by the fifth inning. This thrilling contest went the full seven innings, with the Turf Titans eventually sealing a 17–13 win.

The quality of play was second to none: breathtaking one-handed catches from Billy Connors and Eddie O’Connor, lightning-fast reflexes from backcatchers Ciarán Weldon and Gary Jordan, and pinpoint pitching from Barry Lambe, Peadar Waters, and Aidan McDonald.

We have to mention Kilmore’s Aidan Carr, a late call-up and the only non-Senior player on either men’s panel. Nobody watching his quality at bat or on the pitch would ever have guessed – his contribution was equal to that of any senior veteran on the field!

Player of the Match: Barry Lambe (Carrickmacross Emmets) — Awarded for a stellar pitching performance, smart tactical batting throughout, and a fantastic Home Run.

 A big thank you to Myshall’s PJ Lalor for officiating a fast-moving, competitive game with great control!

The Skills Challenge

Following the Men’s match, the Skills Games took centre stage. Organised by Peadar Waters and PJ Lalor, five stations tested players’ running, throwing, and pitching accuracy. Station assistance was kindly provided by Caroline Waters, Marion Sheir, Louise Riddell, Lorraine Pugh, and Kamil Walczak.

Special thanks to StrikeZone (Dublin), who brought personnel and specialised equipment to measure the speed of the fastest pitches. The competitive rivalry was high, and the skills showcase proved to be a brilliant addition to the day’s entertainment.

Game 3: Mixed Exhibition Match (4.30pm)

  • Referee: Peadar Waters (Cúchulainn)
  • Teams: Celtic Chaos vs. Emerald Avengers

The Teams

  • Celtic Chaos:
    • Captain: Danielle Keane (The Heath) | Vice-Captain: Nakita O’Connor (Raheen) | Manager: Paul Cooper (Glynn Barntown)
    • Squad: Gary Boland (Glynn Barntown), Tyra Brennan (Glynn Barntown), Leanne Carroll (Cúchulainn), Aidan Jayne (Dublin Metropolitans), Dwayne Keane (The Heath), Mick Kelly (Glynn Barntown), PJ Lalor (Myshall), Leah Mullins (Cúchulainn), Kamil Walczak (Cúchulainn).
  • Emerald Avengers:
    • Captain: JP Tynan (Emo) | Vice-Captain: Tomás Kenny (Galway City Rapparees) | Manager: Ronan Kiernan (Carrickmacross Emmets)
    • Squad: Aoife Birney (Glynn Barntown), Danny Broderick (Cúchulainn), Ryan Dennis (Galway City Rapparees), Aisling Ginnitty (Carrickmacross Emmets), Michelle McDonnell (Carrickmacross Emmets), Justin Perrin (Erne Eagles), Niall Sheehy (St. Senan’s), Marion Sheir (Cúchulainn), Michael Slevin (Emo), Julianne Smith (Inniskeen Grattans).

Match Highlights

Our final game highlighted the unique mixed-gender element of adult GAA Rounders – and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Both teams gave their all in a display of speed, dexterity, tactical confidence, and teamwork.

Huge hits straight into outfielders’ hands, rapid infield bunts thrown accurately on the run to base, alert backcatchers pouncing on clips, and tricky pitching that forced hits to go foul: this game truly had it all. Despite being under the beating sun at SETU since early morning, the players brought incredible energy, keeping the pace fierce and competitive until the end.

Backcatchers included Tyra Brennan, Niall Sheehy, Leah Mullins, and Michelle McDonnell, while pitching duties were expertly handled by Ryan Dennis, Danielle Keane, PJ Lalor, and Michael Slevin. In the outfield, Mick Kelly, Kamil Walczak, Justin Perrin, Danny Broderick, and JP Tynan pulled down outstanding catches, backed by stellar infield work from Nakita O’Connor, Gary Boland, Aisling Ginnitty, and Aoife Birney.

Player of the Match: Tomás Kenny (Galway City Rapparees) – honoured for two magnificent catches for outs and excellent, timely batting that advanced teammates and brought runners home.

 Celebrations & Acknowledgments

After nine action-packed hours on Pitch 8 at SETU Arena, it was time to pack up the equipment, load the cars, and head to The Reg in Waterford City for a well-earned evening out. With finger food, great analysis of the day’s play, music provided by DJ Mick Kelly, and brilliant company, it was the perfect end to an unforgettable day.

An event of this scale does not happen without enormous dedication, time, and hard work. While the ultimate reward was a landmark day for our sport, special thanks must be extended to:

  • GAA World Games Organising Committee: Séamus Blake, David Britton, Paul Fitzpatrick, Shauna Fox, Charlie Harrison, Paul Morrissey, Nora Rahill, and Niamh Sauvage
  • Match Officials, Crowd Control, Skills Games & Event Support: Danny Broderick, Mag Doyle, Gráinne Gavin, Ciara Groonell, Eddie Healy, Mark Jennings, Nakita O’Connor, Lorraine Pugh, Louise Riddell, Mary Roche, Marion Sheir, Chiara Trench, Kamil Walczak, and Caroline Waters
  • Live Streaming Commentators: Shirley Lennon and Emma Perrin
  • Club Secretaries: From all 15 participating clubs – your administrative support in the buildup was invaluable!
  • GAA Rounders President: Paula Doherty
  • Event Sponsor: ID Pal, for your generous support which helped fund the event
  • Our Players & Managers: Without your commitment and passion, none of this would have been possible
  • The Organising Committee: Peadar Waters, PJ Lalor, and Shirley Lennon. This was a true labour of love – the countless hours spent planning, discussing, and organising were worth every second when we saw what was achieved on 16 July. We set out to show the world what GAA Rounders is all about, and anybody watching could not help but be impressed by the show put on by our community. Until 2029, our heartfelt thanks to you all!

 

GAA World Games Rounders Exhibition Matches LIVE | SETU Waterford 2026

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GAA World Games 2026

Welcome to the GAA World Games Rounders Exhibition Matches – Live from SETU Waterford

Ireland’s leading rounders players come together for a fantastic day of exhibition action.

Today brings together some of the best rounders players in Ireland for three exhibition matches showcasing the Women’s, Men’s and Mixed games.

The action begins with the Women’s Exhibition Match at 12:00pm, followed by the Men’s Exhibition Match at 2:30pm, before the day finishes with the Mixed Exhibition Match at 5:00pm.These games are all about celebrating the players and the sport. You’ll see All-Ireland winners, All-Stars and international players representing clubs from across the country in what promises to be a fantastic day of rounders.
Whether you’ve followed GAA Rounders for years or are watching for the first time, we hope you enjoy today’s action.A huge thank you to ID-Pal for sponsoring today’s live stream and helping bring these matches to supporters around the world.Enjoy the games.

Watch the Women’s Exhibition live

Celtic  Crushers v Shamrock Sluggers

Women’s teams at World Games for GAA Rounders

Women’s teams at World Games for GAA Rounders


Watch the Men’s Exhibition live
Bog Warriors v Turf Titans

Men’s Rounders teams for the World GAA Games

Men’s Rounders teams for the World GAA Games

 

Watch the Mixed Exhibition live

Celtic Chaos v Emerald Avengers

Watch the Mixed Exhibition live Celtic Chaos v Emerald Avengers

Mixed GAA Rounders teams for the World GAA Games

GAA Rounders at World Games

GAA Rounders at World Games

GAA Rounders at World Games

GAA Rounders Championship Preview: All the Key Games This Sunday (12 July 2026)

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Sunday 12 July 2026

We’ve done it folks….we’ve reached our final Sunday of Junior league games for 2026! From Slaughtneil in Derry to Waterford City, from Castletown in Wexford to Coolcappagh in Limerick and almost everywhere in between, we’ve played Junior Women’s, Men’s and Mixed games.

We’ve played in sun, rain and hail, we’ve played during the day and into the evening, weekends and weekdays and we’ve had the best time. Brand new teams, established squads, Referees taking on epic journeys, hundreds of cups of tea made and a thousand sandwiches eaten…this is GAA Rounders Championship Sunday stuff and the Junior league is where it’s at its busiest.

While the end of the league is the beginning of the off-season for some clubs, for the qualifiers, the hard work is just beginning.

Next week, we’ll have all the information on the Junior quarter-final pairings but let’s not forget that Intermediate and Senior clubs still have another month to complete their league games. But that’s all ahead of us – for now, let’s dive right in and see who’s playing this Sunday.

Senior Championship

Senior action takes place in Dublin and Laois with six of our top teams braving the summer heat to try to take the points home.

The Heath, Laois

The Heath will host Cúchulainn for the day and start proceedings with a Senior Women’s game at 11.30am. Still chasing their first victory of the year, the Laois women gave Erne Eagles a good competitive game last Sunday and will be hoping for more of the same at home. Cúchulainn Ladies come into this weekend after facing Carrickmacross last week. Still a bit early to predict semi-final qualifiers but Cúchulainn know they need to secure wins from their last two games to put themselves in the best position to get to knockouts.

Next up will be Cúchulainn’s Mixed team taking on Mayo side Kilmeena. Both are sitting at the bottom of the table and, while qualification is still possible both teams will be heading into this game aiming for a win in this and their final league games of the season on 2 August. Cúchulainn’s win last Sunday over Carrickmacross Emmets will give them confidence. Kilmeena also beat the Monaghan side but it’s six weeks since that win – is it time to get another victory on the board?

Rounding off the day in Portlaoise will be the Senior Men’s meeting of Cúchulainn and Galway City Rapparees. Cúchulainn will fancy their chances of winning both of their final two league games while Rapparees know that they need to win this week as their final game against “yet to lose this season” Erne Eagles will be their toughest this year so far. Expect neither side to give an inch and say a prayer for the Referee!

Predictions

Senior Women: Cúchulainn
Senior Mixed: Cúchulainn
Senior Men: Galway City Rapparees

Referee: National Secretary Shirley Lennon

Tymon Park, Dublin

In Dublin’s Tymon Park, Wexford’s Raheen and Monaghan’s Carrickmacross Emmets will meet for Senior Men’s and Women’s games from 1pm.

Neither Raheen team has yet secured a win this year and, while Carrickmacross have had good days and bad days this season, their form would suggest that they will take both games without much trouble.

Predictions

Carrickmacross Emmets to win both

Referee: Glynn Barntown’s Sarah McGuinness

Intermediate Championship

On to Intermediate action, with key fixtures in Laois and Monaghan.

Emo, Laois

Also in Laois, Emo host Women’s, Men’s and Mixed matches when Glynn Barntown and St. Senan’s come to visit for a trio of games. Starting the day will be Men when Limerick side St. Senan’s come on a mission, knowing they must win or their Intermediate Men’s challenge for 2026 is over. A win will see them top the group, while a loss will see them finish bottom, or almost. Neither of these two teams can ever be written off and both will fight to the end, so this is guaranteed to be a cracking game.

Wexford side Glynn Barntown have had a slow season and are still seeking a win for either Intermediate team. Emo’s Women need to win to keep their hopes of qualifying alive. In Mixed, Emo will also want to win on Sunday to keep themselves well placed on the table going into their final game on 2 August.

Predictions

Men: St. Senan’s
Mixed: Emo
Women: Emo

Referee: The Heath’s Philip Keane

Inniskeen Grattans v Dublin Metropolitans

Also in Intermediate Women, Inniskeen Grattans welcome Dublin Metropolitans for both sides’ final league game of the year. Both teams moved to Intermediate in 2026 and both have acquitted themselves well, but this will be the end of the road for Mets for now. Inniskeen, however, can still qualify but will need to win convincingly on Sunday to keep that dream alive. With Emo and Castletown both expected to win, qualification could ultimately be decided on run difference.

Prediction

Inniskeen Grattans

Referee: Erne Eagles’ Emma Perrin

Junior Championship

The final day of the Junior League promises drama across four counties, with quarter-final places still to be decided.

Myshall, Carlow

Myshall will host Dublin and Waterford sides in Men’s and Mixed clashes. First up at 12pm will be Na Gaeil Nua in, for them, a must-win game. For a new side, Na Gaeil Nua have been impressive all year. They have already secured qualification, at worst in fourth place, thanks to their head-to-head win over Carrick. A victory this weekend could lift them as high as third.

A Myshall win will put them top of the table (as they beat both Inniskeen and Gusserane), which will give them a better draw into the quarter-finals. As three from this group will progress it’s still all to play for. In the same group, at 1pm, Gusserane host Inniskeen Grattans and, whoever wins here will also be guaranteed to qualify, so again, another high-stakes match!

At 2pm in Myshall, Naomh Pól arrive in Carlow for even more high-stakes Rounders. Myshall have already qualified thanks to their superior run rate. If Naomh Pól beat Myshall, the final qualification order will come down to run rate between Naomh Pól and Emo. Some achievement for a club only formed at the end of 2025!

Predictions

Junior Men: Myshall & Gusserane
Junior Mixed: Another can’t-predict nail-biter, but for experience we’ll give it to Myshall

Referees: Myshall – Glynn Barntown’s Mary Roche
Gusserane – Glynn Barntown’s Emma Reddy

Na Piarsaigh, Limerick

Our final Limerick games of 2026 will take place in Na Piarsaigh’s new pitch from 1pm when Galway side Athenry travel to take on the hosts in Junior Women and Mixed. With the two Women’s group qualifiers decided, this game is being played for pride! In Mixed, if Athenry win, both teams will be identically matched on points, so there really is all to play for!

Qualification Watch

  • If Na Piarsaigh win, they will finish second and qualify
  • If Athenry win, depending on the number of runs they score, they could finish second

Predictions

Junior Women: Na Piarsaigh
Junior Mixed: Na Piarsaigh

Referee: Breaffy’s Mark Jennings

Clonguish v Drumhowan

Our final game of the day will be in Longford when Clonguish welcome Monaghan’s Drumhowan. Clonguish have been valiant all season with injuries and reduced player numbers, but they have shown up when they can and they’ve played some great games.

With additional numbers and continued hard work and training, we know these ladies can pull it together for 2027. Drumhowan have had a mixed year as well but will be hoping to end it on a high. This result will have no bearing on the table, but we hope both teams have an enjoyable game and the always excellent Clonguish post-match hospitality will be highly anticipated.

Prediction

Drumhowan

Referee: Erne Eagles’ Emma Perrin

League Table Reminder

Once a team has conceded three matches, they are eliminated from the championship

Clubs should also be reminded that run rate calculations differ depending on whether a walkover result affects a side with which you are on level points

So there we have it, the run-down on all 15 games taking place on Sunday. We’ll have a break for the following two Sundays – All-Ireland Hurling and Football Final Days – but Junior Quarter-finals will take place on Saturday 25 July in Tymon Park, Dublin, and league action will resume for Intermediate and Senior teams on 2 August.

So make the most of this Sunday, get out and support our players if you can.

Thank You

As always, thank you to the players, the Referees, the managers and the Club Secretaries – let’s continue to work together to make sure the remaining weeks of our 2026 season are competitive, fun, respectful and a credit to our brilliant sport!

🌐 gaarounders.ie

📘 facebook.com/GaaRounders

📱 @gaaroundersoff

Games 5th July: GAA Rounders Championship Preview

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July already! We’re into our fourth month of Rounders Championship fixtures for 2026 and this is Week 11 of our season

18 matches will take place this Sunday in six counties across three provinces and many of them promise to be crackers with quarter-final and semi-final places still up for grabs. Predictions have never been easy but this week, for some games, they’re almost impossible! Let’s preview the action nationwide.

Over half of Sunday’s action will take place in Ulster with six games in Monaghan and four in Cavan – with Senior, Intermediate and Junior teams all taking part.

Kicking off the day’s action at 10.30am, the Senior Women of The Heath will travel north to Mullahoran to take on Erne Eagles.

This is Eagles’ final league match while The Heath still have three more games after Sunday. Eagles have had a mixed season with two wins, two losses and two draws but The Heath are still after their first win of the year. With the top four teams in the group making it to semi-finals on 16 August, there’s still all to play for.

Next up in Mullahoran will be Erne Eagles’ Intermediate Mixed team who will take on another Cavan team – St. Clare’s. This will be St. Clare’s final league game and a win will leave them on the top of the table with 18 points. A win in this game, and in their final game against Galway Rapparees in August, will also give Eagles 18 points to top the table. Favourites Galway Rapparees have only played once this year so it’s difficult yet to predict who will qualify from this group.

The Intermediate Mixed game over, St. Clare’s men will be straight back onto the pitch to play Roscommon’s Kilmore, newly promoted to Intermediate in 2026 and proving they deserve their place in the higher grade with some excellent performances all year against more established teams. This is their final league game and they’ll be hoping to make it count. St. Clare’s will be looking to get to semi-finals and go one step further this year and make it to the final.

The final match of a long, brilliant day of Rounders in Mullahoran will be the Junior Women’s clash between Kilmore and Nobber. Kilmore have taken no prisoners all year and are well established on the top of the table. For a brand-new side in their first year in the Championship, Nobber have proved that hard work, determination, good leadership and a positive attitude can move mountains. Currently lying fourth in the table, we honestly expect them to give Kilmore a great game and make them work for their win!

Predictions: Senior Women – Erne Eagles; Intermediate Mixed – St. Clare’s; Intermediate Men – honestly can’t predict this one, on the day either team could just inch this…but possibly the experience of St. Clare’s should just push them through; Junior Women – Kilmore

Referee: National Secretary Shirley Lennon is setting up camp in Mullahoran for the day!

In the next county, Carrickmacross will have two Rounders venues on the go all day. Senior action will take place in Platinum Tanks Park when Carlow side Cúchulainn travel north to play three games in Monaghan.

At 12pm both sides’ Men’s teams will start the day’s proceedings. With both teams having played four times this season, only one point separates them and a win for Cúchulainn would see them edging up into the top half of the table. Fresh from a comprehensive defeat of Glynn Barntown three weeks ago, confidence should be high for the Carlow men.

Next up will be the Mixed teams. Cúchulainn have yet to win a Mixed game this year while Carrickmacross, after a slow start, have been building momentum. With no other Senior Mixed games taking place this weekend, a win for Carrickmacross would have them sitting nicely on the top half of the table, with only one game left to play before semi-finals.

The day will close with the Women’s teams. Again, just one point separates them on the table with four games played each. Carrickmacross will be hoping that home advantage will give them the edge and that a win will move them to within a point of Limekiln and fourth in the table with a shot at semi-finals in August.

Predictions: Men & Mixed – Carrickmacross Emmets; Women – Cúchulainn

Referee: GAA Rounders Vice President Michael Dowling will take charge of all three games.

Around the corner in the grounds of Inver College, three exciting Junior matches will take place from 11am.

Hosts Carrickmacross Emmets will take on their near neighbours Inniskeen Grattans and Belfast side Wolfe Tones in what will be all three clubs’ final league matches in Junior Mixed Group B. The results of these games will give a fairly clear picture of who will be moving on to quarter-finals on 25 July. With Kilmore likely to top the group, Carrickmacross will want to win both games to be secure of one of the three places on offer. If Carrick lose to Wolfe Tones but beat Inniskeen, we could have three teams on 26 points, so it will come down to run rate to decide who will qualify – exciting times ahead in Inver College on Sunday!

Later in the afternoon, the Junior Women of Drumhowan and Skryne will play at 3pm. This will be Skryne’s last game of the league and Drumhowan’s penultimate outing. Kilmore have already secured top spot in the group thanks to their head-to-head victory over Skryne, so first place is settled. However, there is still plenty to play for with Skryne and Carrickmacross battling for second place. A Skryne win would strengthen their position, while a Drumhowan victory would make the final standings even more interesting. Another exciting Sunday evening is in store!

Predictions: Inniskeen Grattans, Carrickmacross Emmets and Skryne

Referee: Limekiln’s Amanda Hoxha will take charge of all three games.

More Senior games take place in Athlone from 1pm when on-a-roll Breaffy take on Raheen in both Men’s and Women’s. With the form that Breaffy have been showing all year, it’s hard to believe that anyone will give them much trouble and they’re likely to continue their winning ways on Sunday. For anyone spectating, it would be great to see Raheen giving them two great matches and making those wins just a bit harder to achieve!

Predictions: Breaffy to win both

Referee: Michael Glavey’s Seán Bailey will take charge in Athlone.

From Athlone we move west to Galway where Galway City Rapparees will take on Roscommon and Mayo in Junior Men and Mixed.

At 1pm Elphin’s Men will challenge the Rapparees, who remain unbeaten this year and have already secured top spot in the group thanks to their head-to-head victory over Na Piarsaigh. That result has already booked their place in the semi-finals, so Sunday’s game is all about maintaining their unbeaten record. With several squad players expected to feature, Rapparees will still be confident of finishing the league campaign with another win, but Elphin may feel this is a game they can take. It should be a very entertaining match.

Following this, at 3pm, Garrymore take on Rapparees’ Mixed team. Again, Rapparees are unbeaten this year and, unless all the stars majorly unalign this weekend, they look set to top the group and progress to the quarter-finals as winners of Junior Mixed Group A. Garrymore, meanwhile, need to win by a good few runs to move ahead on run rate and keep their hopes of qualification alive, adding another layer of intrigue to what should be an excellent contest.

Predictions: Galway City Rapparees to win both

Referee: Galway City Rapparees’ Jay Hall will take charge in Galway.

Finally, back to Leinster for four Junior matches in Carlow and Laois. In Myshall, the home side will take on Leighlinbridge in Mixed and Wexford team Gusserane in Men and Women.

The Men’s clash should be one of the games of the day with both sides well matched. Gusserane are unbeaten and Myshall only narrowly lost to Carrickmacross. With this being the penultimate game for both teams, the winner here will be well placed to qualify from the group to semi-finals next month.

Gusserane’s Women started the year strong but have struggled with injury and player availability. Myshall have only lost to table toppers Leighlinbridge and look strong to finish in second place.

Finally, those Leighlinbridge table toppers who are also flying high in the Mixed group will take on the hosts and this should be another cracking game. This is Leighlinbridge’s final game while Myshall still have to play Emo and while two wins for them will see them top the group, less than that will see run rate coming into play if Emo and Naomh Pól win their remaining games.

Predictions: Mixed – Myshall; Men – Gusserane; Women – Myshall

Referee: Our Myshall Referee will be Glynn Barntown’s Sarah McGuinness

And last, but certainly not least, will be the clash between Emo and Oulart The Ballagh at 11am in Emo. Only having lost to Myshall and Leighlinbridge, Emo’s newly formed Junior Mixed team are playing really well this year. For a new team in this year’s Championship, Oulart The Ballagh have also done themselves very proud with good displays against more established teams.

Prediction: Emo

That’s some line-up of impressive and must-win games for a summer Sunday and we’d be encouraging anyone in the vicinity of any of those venues to head out and watch some games and support our players. By Sunday evening, some of our quarter and semi-finalists will be revealed and we can start looking forward to knockout games and analysing who’ll be playing who.

Finally, just a reminder: GAA Rounders has always prided itself on being a welcoming, family-friendly sport built on respect, and we’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the following:

  • Respect Referees: Match officials are essential to our game and deserve to be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Their decisions must be accepted without abuse or intimidation.
  • Respect your Opponents: Personal insults, foul language, threatening behaviour or attempts to provoke players or mentors have no place in GAA Rounders.
  • Lead by Example: Managers, coaches and team officials set the standard for their players and supporters and are expected to ensure their sidelines remain respectful throughout every match.
  • Know the consequences: Abusive or intimidating behaviour towards referees, players or officials is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the GAA Rounders Constitution. Clubs are asked to ensure that everyone representing them understands this.

Let’s all work together to ensure that the remainder of the 2026 season is remembered for the quality of the competition and the respect shown by everyone involved.

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