Junior Rounders Knockout Race Heats Up After Galway Showdown
After a whirlwind weekend of ten fiercely contested games in Galway, and some vital matches in Leinster and Ulster the frontrunners are beginning to emerge in the Junior Men’s, Mixed, and Ladies Rounders Championships.
With big names delivering and a few surprises thrown into the mix, the knockout picture is starting to take shape—though a handful of teams still have it all to play for.
St Senan’s and Galway Rapparees shake hands after their match.
🥎 Junior Mixed Rounders Championship – Group Updates
🔹 Group A
The top two teams clashed in a thrilling encounter, with Inniskeen Grattans coming out on top to secure first place in the group. Wolfe Tones or finish as runners-up and also progress to the knockout stages.
🔹 Group B
St Senans recorded wins over both Galway City Rapparees and Kilmore, cementing their place in the quarter-finals and maintaining their status as title favourites.
Galway Rapparees defeated Kilmore, meaning they are likely to qualify as runners-up – unless they suffer a shock heavy loss to Na Pairsaigh in their final game.
🔹 Groups C & D
These groups were already decided:
- Group C: Gusserane top the group, with Dublin Mets in second.
- Group D: Ballinagore finish first, with Kilmeena in second.
🏆 Likely Quarter-Final Fixtures (Sunday, 27th July – Clonguish, Co. Longford )
- Inniskeen Grattans v Galway Rapparees
- St Senans v Wolfe Tones
- Gusserane v Kilmeena
- Ballinagore v Dublin Mets
Vishal Pathare hits three home runs in Galway on Sunday.
🥎 Junior Men’s Rounders Championship
With just two teams progressing directly to the semi-finals, this grade has been incredibly competitive – and arguably the most improved in GAA Rounders this year.
🔹 Group A
Kilmore beat St Senans, and Galway Rapparees edged Kilmore in another cracker – both matches separated by just one run.
As it stands:
- Kilmore are confirmed as qualified.
- The Galway Rapparees v St Senans clash on 20th July at the Rapps’ home ground will probably decide the second semi-finalist unless Galway suffer a shock defeat at home to Na Pairsaigh on Sunday.
🏆 Likely Semi-Final Pairings August 9th in Galway
- Myshall v Kilmore
- Galway Rapparees v Inniskeen Grattans
👱♀️ Junior Ladies Rounders Championship
Elphin ladies after their win.
With 22 teams competing in this year’s Junior Ladies Championship, it’s one of the most competitive and tightly contested divisions in GAA Rounders. After a dramatic round of fixtures in Galway, the picture is starting to come into focus.
🔹 Group A
There are still plenty of games left to play, but early signs suggest Drumhowan, Inniskeen Grattans and Carrickmacross will end up on the same points. So it could go down to run rate. Maybe favouring Drumhowan and Carrickmacross.
🔹 Group B
Three games took place in Galway this weekend, and the results have brought clarity. Kilmore are definitely through after wins over St Kieran’s and Knockainey. Elphin look set to top the group based on current form.
🔹 Group C
St Martin’s and Dublin Mets have already qualified for the knockout rounds. They’ll face off next Sunday to decide who takes top spot—though the edge might just go to the Mets.
🔹 Group D
Unless there’s a shock result between Castletown Liam Mellows and Ferns St Aidan’s, Castletown should top the group, with Leighlinbridge finishing in second place.
🏆 Likely Quarter-Final Fixtures (Sunday, 27th July – Clonguish, Co. Longford )
- Drumhowan v Kilmore
- Elphin v Carrickmacross
- Dublin Mets v Leighlinbridge
- Castletown Liam Mellows v St Martin’s
