Raheen v Emo – Intermediate Mixed

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

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

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

Galway City Rapparees v Elphin – Intermediate Women

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

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

Kilmeena v Breaffy – Senior Mixed

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

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

Galway City Rapparees v Breaffy – Senior Men

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

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

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

Inniskeen Grattans v Castletown Liam Mellows

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

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

National Secretary Shirley Lennon will take charge.