Historic First for GAA Rounders – Croke Park Championship Launch

Intermediate Women

Interesting statistic number 1 – three of the four semi-finalists were playing Junior Rounders in 2025

That’s impressive – 2025 All-Ireland winners, Inniskeen Grattans, Runners-up, Elphin, and semi-finalists, Castletown Liam Mellows, join 2024 All-Ireland Runners-up Galway City Rapparees as the top four Intermediate Women’s teams for this year. No matter the results on Saturday, or Sunday 30 August in Abbotstown on Women’s Finals day, those are facts to be proud of ladies!

Our year started with two geographical groups, where all teams played each other, and the top two teams from each group qualified to Semi-finals. Group A was topped by Castletown Liam Mellows (Wexford) with Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan) in second place while Group B winners were Galway City Rapparees, followed by Elphin (Roscommon).

Galway Rapparees women’s team

First up, at 12pm, will be Galway City Rapparees vs Inniskeen Grattans

Both teams can boast a Junior All-Star (Clodagh Naughton in 2024, Julianne Smith in 2025). Both teams have strong pitchers (Katie Jessop and Julianne Smith).

Both teams can bat (96 and 69 runs scored over the season) but the stand-out statistic in Rapparees’ favour is that their fielding is far sharper (17 runs conceded over four games, to Inniskeen’s 49).

Rapparees pitcher/catcher/first base out rate is very strong with over half of their outs from their past two games involving Foul outs, third good ball outs or throws from Sorcha Dowd or Hazel Kilduff behind the batter to Mel Mannion on First.

While Inniskeen’s Back Catcher, Catherine Deery, gets her share of outs, and Julianne Smith’s pitching leads to foul outs in every game, their rate of outs on First Base is low. Siobhán Cunningham and Carol McKeown are both accurate with catches to outfield and infield, but most of Inniskeen’s outs come from catches or foul outs and this likely explains their high rate of runs scored against them.

To contain the Rapparees they will need to ensure that outs on bases are improved as fast runners like Clodagh Naughton, Hazel Kilduff and Eimear Cuddy will punish an inability to do that. For their part, the Galway women will have to watch Julianne Smith’s excellent fast pitching, and minimise the number of foul outs.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Referee: Shirley Lennon

Our second Women’s game will be at 2pm and will be Castletown Liam Mellows vs Elphin

Interesting statistic number 2 – this is a rematch of last year’s Junior Semi-final, in the same venue and on the same pitch

While Castletown will be aiming to shake off the bad memories of that loss, Elphin will be hoping for a repeat performance. Strong all season, Castletown only lost to Emo but took every other game comprehensively. Their pitcher, Mandy Callanan, has been consistently strong and accurate, while Sarah Kavanagh on Second Base is a powerhouse to catch and ensure outs on her base. Short Stop Edel Coade Morris has had a great season with multiple outs in several games and any ball hit high and infield is likely to land in her hands. Back Catcher Sandra Nugent has similarly had great success this year punishing clips and back hits.

Elphin’s first year in Intermediate didn’t start as they would have liked with a comprehensive defeat to Galway City Rapparees but they regrouped and won the rest of their games well, defeating established Intermediate sides Michael Glavey’s, Kilmeena and St. Clare’s.  Pitcher Áine McDermott, Catcher Ciara Butler and Second Base Georgina McDermott are consistently reliable, while the experience of Avril Coyne and Gretta Davis, and their excellent communication on the pitch making sure everyone knows where every ball should go, have contributed immensely to Elphin’s confidence and strength this year. Twins Katie and Kirsten Cronin are both strong fielders, and even stronger batters and base runners, and should be watched for their ability to clear bases and, on occasion, score home runs!

From a statistics viewpoint, Castletown have been the stronger batters this season, scoring 86 runs to Elphin’s 63 (although they have batted more innings), but both teams have similar numbers of runs conceded (Elphin – 57; Castletown – 54, with two more innings fielded) and the winner on Saturday is likely to be the team that manages to get the outs on base and contain base running as much as possible.

Prediction: Elphin

Referee: Jay Hall

Intermediate Men

The last four standing in Intermediate Men are Emo, Kilmore, St. Senan’s and St. Clare’s – two brand new to Inter teams and two teams seasoned at the grade.

One of each will play in each semi-final, Kilmore vs St. Clare’s at 2pm and Emo vs St. Senan’s at 4pm

Interesting statistic number three – both of these games are rematches of league games that took place during the first two weeks of July

Kilmore Intermediate Men

Kilmore and St. Clare’s met when both played away from home in Mullahoran. That day the victory was Kilmore’s and they won 21-14 with a bat in hand. Seven of the 15 outs that day involved pitcher Aidan Carr who is integral to Kilmore’s success. His fast and accurate pitches – with a few wayward ones thrown in to keep batters on their toes! – are hard to hit and lead to multiple foul outs or pop ups which he or Third Base Kevin White mopped up in that game.

Catcher James Jamieson was pinpoint accurate with catches and throws that day too and was involved in three outs, while the last out of that day was an unbelievable catch from Centre Outfielder Oisín Boland. St. Clare’s top fielder that day was Back Catcher PJ Kelly who proved that playing with a broken finger was no obstacle and nothing got past him, with six clean catches for outs.

For their part, the Cavan side had a few spectacular catches from Bryan Dolan outfield and Jason Cawley at Short Stop. Darragh Johnston pitched well and, while Kilmore managed to hit balls into the outfield for their runs, there were no walk-ons from either side. Looking at both teams’ statistics over the season, Kilmore have scored 80 runs to St. Clare’s’ 67, with one less inning batted. Runs conceded is much closer, with four less for St. Clare’s who fielded one more innings.

Both sides will have learned from their July encounter, and both will know the key players to contain, where to strike and, hopefully, how to make the most of the opportunities that come their way on the day.

Prediction: Kilmore

Referee: Michael Slevin

St. Senan’s Intermediate Men

The 4pm match will be between Limerick’s St. Senan’s and Laois’ Emo who, although they came bottom and top of the table respectively, are only sitting two points apart.

St. Senan’s lost their first game at Intermediate to Dublin Metropolitans and lost a subsequent game to Mayo’s Kilmeena but beat St. Clare’s and Kilmore while Emo only lost one game to St. Clare’s. Most interesting, when these teams met in July in Emo, the result was a 14-14 draw.

From a statistics point of view, Emo scored eight more runs, over three less innings, than St. Senan’s but conceded 86 runs to Emo’s 58, which points to the skilled fielding for which the Laois men are renowned.

Emo’s 2026 Intermediate Men’s team is made up of several of last year’s All-Ireland winning Minor team and particularly strong this year have been pitching and catching duo Liam Horgan and Dan White, both only 16 years old, and impressing all season with their in-sync pitching, catching and throws for outs on base. Also habitually strong for Emo are JP Tynan and Barry Ryan who, no matter what position they line out in, are likely to catch anything that comes their way. St. Senan’s pitcher, John Paul Mulvihill has had a great year with multiple foul outs and, together with Back Catcher, Niall Sheehy, has been responsible for outs in every game. John Hanlon on First and Ian Sheehy on either Second or Third are clinical with catches for outs on base and Kevin Doody outfield rarely misses a high ball sent his direction.

This has the makings of a very close contest and is likely to be won, and lost, on the teams’ ability to bat smartly and field fast.

Prediction: St. Senan’s

Referee: Shirley Lennon

Intermediate Mixed

Contested by two clubs playing in other Intermediate Semi-finals – Galway City Rapparees and Emo along with a club who has involvement in three of the Senior Semi-finals over the next two Sundays – Erne Eagles; and one with no other involvement in any other qualifier – Dublin Metropolitans – our Mixed semi-finals will take place at 12pm and 4pm.

Interesting statistic number four is that Intermediate Mixed Semi-final Number 1 is a replay of the 2025 Intermediate Mixed Final in Dunganny which was won, by a single run, by Erne Eagles

As Eagles already have a Senior Mixed side, this team did not move up to Senior but have continued their Intermediate journey for another year.

Back in Galway only two weeks after they lost to Rapparees, Erne Eagles will be hoping that this journey into the west will lead to a better result for the Cavan side.  Captained by Emma Perrin and Damien McArdle, they have had a mixed season with two losses – to Galway City Rapparees and St. Senan’s – and two wins – over Michael Glavey’s and St. Clare’s.

Pitcher Karl Dolan is consistently accurate and reliable and while Back Catching duties have been shared by David Dolan, Ronan Halton and Damien McArdle, all three have been successful in getting outs from catches and throws to base. Rachel Reilly on First Base is cool and collected and Gerard Clerkin at Short Stop is a powerhouse, that very few balls pass. Owen Roe O’Reilly is a phenomenon – his catches this season have been nothing short of amazing and the other mainstays of the team – Emma Perrin, Maggie Brady and Geraldine Goldrick – have performed well all year, while newcomers Ayeisha Lonergan, Amy Lynch and Dylan McKeever have slotted seamlessly into the existing lineup.

Emo’s Intermediate team is a perfect mix of youth and experience with the Men’s pitcher/catcher duo of Liam Horgan and Dan White controlling home base while the experienced JP Tynan, Barry Ryan, Claire Suda, Catherine O’Keeffe and Gillian Keenan manage the game both infield and outfield.

The signing of The Heath’s Austin O’Meara has been a great asset to Emo this year and his contribution cannot be underestimated. Recent transfer Aaron Keane, also formerly of The Heath, is rumoured to make his first appearance in the red and white this weekend and will also add significantly to Emo’s outfield strength. Statistically, Emo are the superior batting team having scored 71 runs from 14 innings batted to Eagles’ 57 runs from 17 innings.

Eagles have conceded 45 runs from 20 innings fielded to Emo’s 31 from 15 and Emo’s Run Rate of 3, to Eagles’ 1.1, would suggest superiority in both ends of an innings. What cannot be overlooked from an Erne Eagles point of view is their experience and knowledge of what an All-Ireland semi-final feels like.

Nerves are less likely to bother these players, and this may give them the all-important edge on Saturday.

Prediction: Emo

Referee: Seán Bailey

Galway Rapparees Intermediate mixed team

Our final Galway Semi-final will be played between hosts Galway City Rapparees and Dublin Metropolitans at 4pm

Rapparees topped their group with four wins from four while Dublin Metropolitans were runners-up in theirs with two wins and two losses.

Rapparees are a well-trained, disciplined side who can bat and field. Their women play Intermediate while their men come from both their Senior and Junior sides and this depth of experience shows in their ability to read the game, leave the bad balls, steal bases and field expertly.

The Rapparees have so many high class combinations, it’s impossible to predict who starts. Pitches from both Ryan Dennis and Vishal Pathare are accurate and difficult to hit and fielding from talents like Cathal Creavan, Pakie Killilea, Rory McGarvey, Clodagh Naughton and Tomás Kenny is smart and fast.

Back Catchers Jay Hall and Ili Tuimauga miss nothing, and third good balls not hit are punished with accurate, strong throws to First Base.

Dublin Metropolitans’ Men were promoted to Intermediate in 2025 following their All-Ireland win and their Mixed and Women’s teams followed them up in 2026. Beating Glynn Barntown and Gusserane they lost to Emo and Raheen and their Run Rate of 0.1, to Rapparees’ 2.5, shows their less impressive performances both at batting and fielding. Always strong are the Carley brothers – Beau at Short Stop and Asa outfield – Gráinne Martin, Laura Cuddihy and Jessica Maddock but the overall team performances this year have been hit and miss in places, and they don’t impress in the same way as the Galway side always does.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Referee: Seán Bailey

By Saturday evening, the names of all six Intermediate All-Ireland finalists will be known, and we can add their details to those of the Junior All-Ireland finalists who will take to pitches in Dublin, Offaly and Cork this month and next. GAA Rounders is very grateful to Galway City Rapparees who are hosting our Intermediate Semi-finals, and we very much appreciate the chance to have such an important day in our annual calendar in their venue.

Senior Women

Semi-finalists from Mayo, Dublin, Cavan and Monaghan will all arrive in Monaghan to do battle in our two Women’s semi-finals at 1pm.

Breaffy Senior Women

Group toppers, and reigning (and four in a row) All-Ireland Champions Breaffy come from the group unbeaten and with an impressive Run Rate of 3 from their seven league games.

They will meet fourth place Erne Eagles, whose Run Rate of 1.3 is second best in the group. Both of these sides can rack up scores, but while Eagles have conceded 78 runs all season, Breaffy have only allowed in 2.5 times less than that, with 31 runs home in their games.

Much of this can be attributed to Breaffy pitcher and catcher duo Michelle Hopkins and Katie Groonell who are experienced professionals at home base. However, the entire Breaffy squad is a well-oiled machine that knows how to field, bat and run and it’s no accident that they are chasing their fifth All-Ireland in a row.

Erne Eagles are no strangers to All-Ireland finals and their Women’s team are a slick outfit who can hit and catch with the best of teams. Lisa Flood outfield has a powerful catch and throw, while Eagles’ baseminders are all skilled fielders. Some of Eagles’ women will have played in Galway on Saturday but don’t expect that, whatever the result of that game, to affect their performance on Sunday.

Prediction: Breaffy

Referee: Philip Keane

Semi-final two features local ladies Carrickmacross Emmets and “not seen for a few years in Senior Women knockouts”, Limekiln from Dublin. Newly promoted to Senior this year, Carrickmacross Emmets found their first game tough, losing to Breaffy. They bounced back and beat The Heath – who defeated them in last year’s Intermediate Women’s All-Ireland final – and Erne Eagles, before losing to Limekiln but then winning their remaining games against Cúchulainn, Raheen and Glynn Barntown. The confidence gained from beating five experienced Senior sides cannot be underestimated and it is to the Carrickmacross Women’s credit that they stayed strong and qualified to semi-finals in their first year at the grade.

Having lost to Limekiln already this year, they will be aware of what they need to avoid. Limekiln pitcher Serena Costelloe was responsible for eight outs, mostly foul-outs and her excellent, calm and controlled pitching will be Carrickmacross’ challenge again on Sunday.

A Limekiln recruit from Kevin’s, who failed to field a team in 2025 or 2026, Serena and her Kevin’s teammates, Erica Meslin and Merilin Neiland, as well as Colette McCaul who moved from Cavan team St. Clare’s to join the Dublin side this year, have helped Limekiln to back where they belong at the top level of Senior Women’s rounders.

Short stop Erica was responsible for two outs against Carrickmacross while Left Outfield Colette got home an unmatched four times.

If Carrickmacross can steady their nerves and put the June defeat behind them, they can give Limekiln a good run but expect the more experienced and Senior match tested side to produce the goods and win.

Prediction: Limekiln

Referee: Danielle Keane

Senior Men

Erne Eagles Senior Men

Our four Senior Men’s teams take to the pitches at 3pm and while three – Breaffy, Erne Eagles and Carrickmacross Emmets – are tried and tested Senior sides with multiple senior All-Ireland titles to their names, our fourth Semi-finalists – Galway City Rapparees – are making history as the first team from their club to contest a Senior semi-final, in only their first year playing Senior Rounders.

Galway City Rapparees Senior Men

Having qualified fourth in the group, Rapparees will face league toppers Erne Eagles. On a mission after narrowly losing last year’s All-Ireland final to Carrickmacross Emmets, Eagles have only conceded 28 runs all season and their Run Rate of 2.8 is almost double that of their nearest competition. Rapparees lost to Breaffy, Carrickmacross and Erne Eagles, but won well against Limekiln, Glynn Barntown and Cúchulainn showing that their promotion to Senior has been well deserved and breaking the streak of recently promoted to Senior teams who lost most of their first year games.

Erne Eagles have had Darryl Dolan back pitching for most of this season and that has made a great difference to their performance. While other established players like Shane Sheridan, Paul Mollaghan, Karl Dolan and Gerard Clerkin contribute in every game they play, the one to watch from almost every game this season has been Owen Roe O’Reilly at Left Outfield. Responsible for the majority of outs in most games, any ball sent out between Second and Third base is likely to land in his hands and Rapparees will need to ensure that they avoid that where possible.

The Galway side have some powerful fielders of their own – Pakie Killilea, Cathal Creavan, Rory McGarvey and Ajay Kumar have all performed well outfield, while Tomás Kenny on Third Base, Cathal Creavan on Second and Ili Tuimauga on First are a super experienced infield crew. Similar to Carrickmacross Women, if Rapparees can contain the inevitable nerves of being in their first Senior semi-final, facing the legendary Erne Eagles, and play their best, they have the ability to make Eagles work hard and, who knows, maybe even steal a win.

Prediction: Erne Eagles

Referee: Philip Keane

Our second Men’s Semi-final is between reigning All-Ireland Champions, Carrickmacross Emmets and Mayo’s Breaffy. Starting the year strong and winning all around, Breaffy lost their last two games played to Glynn Barntown and Erne Eagles.

They haven’t played a Championship game since June – is there a fear they might be a bit rusty and out of practice?! With Breaffy, the answer is probably no, but certainly Carrickmacross’ win last Sunday in Wexford over Glynn Barntown will have their confidence high that they can retain their title this year. Well matched on paper, statistically there’s very little in it between both sides’ runs conceded and won. Carrick’s pitcher/catcher duo of Barry Lambe and Colm Kiernan are highly experienced and well able for any batter and between foul outs, catches and throws to base are generally responsible for multiple outs per game. Justin Burns on Third, Ronan Kiernan on Second and Frank Duffy on First are all excellent Base Minders who can be relied upon in any tense situation to get the out. Paddy Birmingham at Short Stop is another ever reliable fielder.

Breaffy’s pitcher/catcher Colin Cannon and Jamie Murphy are also ever ready and are powerful at home base while Breaffy’s fielders like Mark Jennings, Colm Jordan and Victor del Rosal can always be relied on to catch and gather. With depth of squad on both sides, this might just come down to who wants it more!

Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets

Referee: Danielle Keane

Wow, even writing all that was so exciting that we just know it’s going to be some weekend of Rounders! By Sunday evening we’ll be one step closer to our All-Ireland line ups and ten more teams will have taken one more step towards their All-Ireland dreams for 2026 coming true.

Just a reminder that, although these are very high stakes games and everyone wants to win, respect is paramount. Our Referees and Match Officials are giving up their time to officiate at these games, and their decisions should be respected. While courteous queries are welcome, nobody should have to tolerate abuse or being shouted at and Referees will issue cards to anyone – players, managers or spectators – who breach the GAA Code of Conduct.

Best of luck to all of you lining out on Saturday or Sunday – reaching an All-Ireland semi-final is some achievement, enjoy the experience and the weekend!