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

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Preview – 31 May 2026

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

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

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

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

Midlands Medley

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Erne Eagles

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

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

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

Prediction: Kilmore

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

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

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

Prediction – Erne Eagles

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

Prediction – Erne Eagles

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

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

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

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

Prediction – Breaffy to win all three

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

Junior Games

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

Prediction – Emo

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

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

Prediction – Leighlinbridge

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

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

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

Prediction – Oulart The Ballagh

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

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

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

Prediction – Gusserane

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

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

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

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets

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

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

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets

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

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

Prediction – Elphin

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

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

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

Prediction – Inniskeen Grattans

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

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

Prediction – Inniskeen Grattans

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

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

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

Prediction – Garrymore

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

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

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

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

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Go Games Gathers Pace

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The revolution continues

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

Galway gets going

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

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

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

Roscommon rows in

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

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

A fantastic day of rounders in the Roscommon sunshine

Laois writes a new chapter

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

Dublin goes again

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

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

Fantastic turn out for the Dublin Go Games blitz

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

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

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

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Historic All-Ireland Success For Bunninadden Rounders Club

A landmark Connacht Rounders achievement remembered

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

Bunninadden Rounders, GAA Rounders, Sligo Rounders

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

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

Historic All-Ireland success for Bunninadden Rounders Club

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

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

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

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

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

U-16 Mixed Team Results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winning Team

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

Other Panel Members

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

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

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

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

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

GAA Rounders Weekend Preview – Sunday 24 May 2026

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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