Tag Archive for: Carrickmacross Emmets

Junior Quarter-finals Review – 25 July 2026

Great Day for Connacht & Munster Clubs at Junior Quarter-finals

Saturday 25 July saw 20 Junior Rounders teams from all over Ireland descend on Dublin 12 to play quarter-finals in Tymon Park. Just think about that for a minute – 20 teams all playing on the same day, in the same venue. Before we go any further, we need to sincerely thank Chris, Christy, Eileen and all of the Limekiln Rounders team for hosting the event and for all their help with preparation and planning. GAA Rounders is very lucky to have a club like Limekiln and a facility like Tymon Park available to us.

Junior Women

Our four 11am matches were all Junior Women and were located in close proximity to each other to facilitate spectators making the most of all games.

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

First to start – and finish! – was Carrickmacross Emmets vs St. Kieran’s. With a clash of team colours, Carrickmacross very kindly agreed to wear white for this game. Unfortunately for them, white jerseys didn’t bring them the same luck they brought Mayo the following day. St. Kieran’s first batting innings saw three Home Runs and a total of 13 scored. Carrick were unable to come close to this, scoring just three. The Limerick side added to this in the second innings, with another Home Run and a total of five home, leaving them with 18 on the board. An under par Carrickmacross team struggled to get runners home and only managed a further one until the final innings, when they got six runners in. But it was too little too late and the final score was 18-10 to St. Kieran’s with three bats in hand.

St. Kieran’s Junior Women

Best for St. Kieran’s on the day were pitcher Deirdre Ambrose, involved in four outs, and Short Stop Emma Galvin and 3rd Base Caitríona Hough, both involved in five outs. Back Catcher Siobhán Halligan got home three times, twice on Home Runs.

The Monaghan side’s Pitcher and Catcher, Mary Lambe and Emma Fay, were each involved in two outs while Sinéad Murphy was the only Carrick player not to be put out while batting.

Referee Chris Hughes officiated this “under an hour” game which started with a minute’s silence to remember Carrickmacross Emmets’ GAA player Stephen Gallogly who passed away earlier in the week.

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

St. Senan’s Junior Women

On the other side of the same pitch, Limekiln’s Áine McLaughlin was taking charge of another Limerick side, St. Senan’s, as they took on Carlow’s Myshall. With their two recent Senior signings, eyes were on Myshall to see what difference this would make to their team dynamic and both Gillian Nolan and Margaret Simpson contributed to the game with three catches, two outs on base and four assists between them. Neither managed to get home while batting and this can largely be contributed to St. Senan’s pitcher, Louise Kelly, who, between foul outs, catches and throws to base, was involved in six outs. Other great plays from St. Senan’s included catches from Short Stop Dympna O’Brien and two outs from Back Catcher Catríona Hanlon. Low scoring until the fourth innings, St. Senan’s took off while batting, bringing 10 home to go into the fifth 12-1 up. Myshall had no answer and it ended 15-2 to the Limerick side.

Leighlinbridge (Carlow) vs Skryne (Meath)

Leighlinbridge Junior Women

Two Limerick wins in the bag on Pitch 1, the first match on Pitch 2 was always going to have a Leinster winner, being contested by Leighlinbridge of Carlow and Skryne of Meath and refereed by Galway City Rapparees’ Jay Hall. Leighlinbridge came into this match not having lost a game and were favourites to win. Batting first, they only got two home before Skryne came in but Leighlinbridge were text book perfect with three up, three out. In the second, the Carlow side’s batting power started to show with nine home. Skryne’s Back Catcher Noeleen Greally got two outs in succession with batters seven and eight. Skryne managed five home, leaving the score 11-5 going into the third. Both sides scored five this innings and after a low scoring fourth for both, the fifth started 18-11. Leighlinbridge brought four home, leaving Skryne needing 11 to bring the game to extra innings, or 12 to win. They only managed to get one home, so the final result was 22-12 to Leighlinbridge.

Best on the day for Skryne were Zita Harris who got home twice and caught one out and Caoimhe McKenna who was involved in six outs, three of them clean catches! Leighlinbridge notables were Tracy McNally with a Home Run, Louise Riddell involved in three outs and Tara Roche involved in five outs.

Gusserane (Wexford) vs Kilmore (Roscommon)

The fourth Women’s match of the morning was between Wexford’s Gusserane and Roscommon’s Kilmore. Both sides had teams involved in Junior Finals in 2025 and both have been ones to watch all season, so this had the makings of a great match and the honour of refereeing it was given to National Secretary Shirley Lennon. Both sides were slow to start, and nerves got the better on a few occasions, but it was Kilmore who made the most of their opportunities in the first innings, leading 8-1 going into the second. Gusserane had a much better showing here, bringing nine home, to Kilmore’s seven. However, in the third innings, Gusserane got nobody past 3rd base while Kilmore got 12 home. When Gusserane failed to bring anyone home in the fourth, they elected to bat on but unfortunately that was their lot for the day, and the match ended 27-10 with two bats in hand for Kilmore.

Kilmore Junior Women

Although on the wrong side of the scoresheet, Gusserane’s pitcher, Mairéad Tubritt, 3rd Base Amy Ryan, Back Catcher Jenny McNamara and 1st Base Joanne Whitty all had great games. Kilmore’s star was Ruth McElhone with involvement in five outs, two of them from excellent catches, as well as getting home four times. Irene Reynolds’ pitching was spot on, leading to several foul outs while Nicola Craughwell at Back Catcher had three spectacular catches and got home four times. Also home four times was Clodagh Sheerin, with involvement in three outs.

Next up for the four winning teams is All-Ireland Semi-finals Day on 9 August in Edenderry GAA where the pairings will be

  • 11am – Kilmore vs St. Kieran’s
  • 1pm – St. Senan’s vs Leighlinbridge

Junior Men

With the top teams in each of the two Junior Men’s groups – Galway City Rapparees and Myshall – going straight to Semi-finals, there were only two Quarter-finals to be decided on Saturday. Yes, we know that mathematically that makes them not quite Quarter-finals but roll with it!

Na Gaeil Nua (Dublin) vs Na Piarsaigh (Limerick)

Both games were scheduled for 1pm and the ever-efficient Chris Hughes got his match started at 1.06pm and finished within an hour again! This featured Na Gaeil Nua from Dublin against Na Piarsaigh from Limerick in a test of experience vs enthusiasm.

With a scoreless first innings from both sides, Na Gaeil Nua got off the blocks with two home in the second while it took Na Piarsaigh until the third to get a score on the board, by which time Na Gaeil Nua were four ahead. The third innings saw the Dubliners bring 11 home, while Na Piarsaigh’s lone run in both the fourth and the fifth just weren’t enough to get them through and it ended 19-5 to Na Gaeil Nua with a bat in hand.

Na Piarsaigh Short Stop Ian Jennings and Pitcher Alan Healy both had a great game, being involved in four outs each. For Na Gaeil Nua, Javier Isern on 2nd Base, Emilio Piccione on 3rd and Short Stop Ryota Yamaguchi were each involved in multiple outs as well as making it home multiple times. Top run scorer was Robin Figueira who got home four times.

Gusserane (Wexford) vs Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan)

The second Men’s game was between Wexford’s Gusserane and Monaghan’s Inniskeen Grattans. Gusserane’s Women had played earlier in the day while Inniskeen’s Mixed were playing at 3pm. The Heath’s Danielle Keane was in charge here and it got off to an impressive start with Gusserane leading 19-15 by the end of the second. Inniskeen had a great third and fourth innings and were behind by one going into the last. Batting first, they got one home in the fifth, leaving the score level and with all to do to make sure that Gusserane didn’t score in their final batting innings. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be and with Mark Molloy and Conor Murphy both making it home, the game ended 31-29 to Gusserane, sending them through to the semi-finals.

Gusserane Junior Men

For Inniskeen, Short Stop Trevor Hilliard had five outs from clean catches while Back Catcher Ciarán McArdle was involved in four outs of his own. Gusserane’s Morgan Nash Colfer, Matthew Flynn and pitcher Carel van der Merwe had the lion’s share of their side’s outs while Conor Murphy got home an impressive six times.

Men’s Semi-finals will also be on 9 August in Edenderry GAA where Gusserane will meet Galway City Rapparees at 11am and Na Gaeil Nua will play Myshall at 1pm.

Junior Mixed

Eight of our Semi-finalists decided, it was time to turn attentions to Junior Mixed and fill the final four slots available in Offaly on 9 August.

Emo (Laois) vs Galway City Rapparees (Galway)

First up at 1pm was the clash of Emo and Galway City Rapparees. Both sides have Intermediate Mixed teams – so the coaching strength is there; Rapparees have Senior Men – so the depth of panel is there; and Emo have been outstanding at underage for years – so the fundamental training is there. This was another fascinating match with Shirley Lennon in charge for her second game of the day.

Galway City Rapparees Junior Mixed

Emo batted first and managed to get one home and bases loaded before Rapparees got their first out from a super catch by Back Catcher Sorcha Dowd. The next batter was fouled out and, the following caught out as well. Rapparees got two home from their first batting but a very impressive one-handed catch from Emo’s Barry Ryan as well as a great high ball catch from Back Catcher Padraig Langford kept the scores low. Innings two and three were similarly low scoring for both teams and the fourth started 5-3 to Rapparees. Emo didn’t get anyone home. With bases loaded, Rapparees’ Ajay Kumar came to bat, sent the ball way out over second, cleared the bases and scored a Home Run. From there, Rapparees kept the momentum going and scored 10 before their first out. Great work by Emo’s Darragh Meredith on 2nd Base saw him get an out on base and then a great catch to finish the innings. Emo managed to get three home from their final batting, leaving Rapparees not needing to bat their final innings. The game ended 15-3 to Galway Rapparees with a bat in hand.

Other notable performances from both sides were Greg Mannion with three great catches and two further assists. Not content with a Home Run, Ajay Kumar was also involved in three outs while Mel Mannion on 1st Base was super composed and got two great outs on base.

Emo’s Padraig Langford had the bulk of their outs with super catches and throws. Darragh Meredith on 2nd was impressive while Niamh Horgan on 1st Base was involved in two outs.

Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan) vs Na Piarsaigh (Limerick)

In his longest match of the day, Chris Hughes took charge of the next Mixed game between Monaghan’s Carrickmacross Emmets and Limerick’s Na Piarsaigh. Carrick’s ladies and Na Piarsaigh’s men were both playing their second game of the day. Na Piarsaigh started strong with a 5-2 lead after the first, but Carrick pulled back and were leading 10-9 going into the fourth. Both sides were evenly matched and Carrick went into their last bat needing at least one to draw or two to pull ahead. Pull ahead they did, by the narrowest of margins, giving themselves the task of getting three outs before Na Piarsaigh got anyone home. They almost managed it with three outs but before the ball made it back into home base from a super outfield catch by Val Wallace, Miriam Kearns just ran in to claim the victory 14-13 and put Na Piarsaigh into the Junior Mixed semi-final.

Na Piarsaigh Junior Mixed

Outstanding for Na Piarsaigh were Short Stop Ian Jennings, Pitcher Alan Healy, Patrick Fitzgerald outfield and Back Catcher Sarah Stanley. Carrickmacross had some brilliant play from Pitcher Paul Boylan, Catcher Darren Hughes and infielders Rachel Boylan and Sinéad Murphy but it just wasn’t to be their day. Still in the running in the Senior Championship, all three Junior sides are now out of the competition for 2026.

Kilmore (Roscommon) vs Myshall (Carlow)

Meanwhile, on Pitch 3 Danielle Keane was presiding over the third quarter-final between Kilmore and Myshall. Again, both sides’ ladies had played that morning, Kilmore’s taking the victory while Myshall’s weren’t successful. But this was a new game and a new start and there was all to play for. In another ‘uneventful until the fourth innings’ game, it was 12-9 to Kilmore after the third. And then Kilmore found their stride, getting an incredible 18 home in that innings. Myshall could only answer with two and so elected to bat on but their fifth only yielded one home so it ended 30-12 with a bat in hand for Kilmore.

Kilmore Junior Mixed

Despite the scoreline, Myshall had some great play and Matthew Roberts, at Back Catcher, had a great game with five outs and got home three times. Also strong at bat were Gillian Nolan and PJ Lalor.

Kilmore’s stars were the ever-reliable Mark Harrington at Short Stop with four outs and home five times. Pitcher, Aidan Carr, was involved in five outs and Ana Carr on 1st Base got home three times and got the first out of the match with a great catch. Eli Harrington as Back Catcher was also impressive and is certainly one to watch for the future.

Leighlinbridge (Carlow) vs Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan)

The final match of the day started late due to the overrun of the Men’s game between Gusserane and Inniskeen Grattans but Leighlinbridge waited patiently and it got started late but was well worth the wait. Limekiln’s Áine McLaughlin refereed this and, from the start, it was a tense affair that could have gone either way. Leighlinbridge took an early lead, which Inniskeen closed down well in the second. Leighlinbridge pulled ahead again slightly but by the bottom of the fourth Inniskeen had increased their lead to four runs. With nobody getting home in their fifth batting, the Monaghan side took the game 21-17 with a bat in hand.

Leighlinbridge great plays came from multiple players. Back Catcher Drew Dedula got his name on five outs. Louise Riddell who started the game on 1st Base but moved to pitching was also involved in five outs while Jason Curran, Chiara Trench and Skylar Bryska also all caught some impressive balls to get outs.

Inniskeen’s Trevor Hilliard, not content with five outs in the earlier Men’s game, was involved in a further eight outs in this game! Sinéad Hilliard was responsible for three outs while JJ Smith got involved in four outs. Pitcher Seán O’Connor, pitching for the second game in a row, was impressive with just one walk-on in the entire match.

Our Junior Mixed games on 9 August will both be at 3pm and will feature

  • Kilmore vs Na Piarsiagh
  • Galway City Rapparees vs Inniskeen Grattans

Summary

We’re slightly biased but Saturday was an incredible day of Rounders. The skill, the sportsmanship, the batting and fielding, the craic that was had…and that was just the quarter-finals! The future is bright for our sport if this is what our Junior teams can produce.

Before we finish up, a few words of thanks

  • To our Referees – Chris, Áine, Danielle, Jay and Shirley – as always, super job and none of these days would run without you and your hard work
  • Our Umpires – Colin, Serena C, Serena L, Grace, Cat, Seán and Shirley – thank you for making our Referees’ jobs just a bit easier
  • Limekiln Rounders – for an excellent hosting job as always
  • Our President – Paula Doherty, who was there to watch matches and support our players
  • And especially to our Quarter-finalists – thank you for your dedication and commitment, for training all year, for organising and playing your league matches and for coming to Tymon Park last Saturday and giving it your all. To the players, managers, coaches and Club Secretaries, míle buíochas – we hope that, whatever the result, you enjoyed the day!

There will be Intermediate and Senior League games for the next two Sundays but for our Junior Semi-finalists the next stop is Edenderry in Offaly on Sunday 9 August. Keep an eye on our website for the previews for all those games 😉

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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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facebook.com/GaaRounders/
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GAA Rounders Preview: Week 5 Fixtures, Predictions and Senior Showdowns

 

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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Limekiln v Galway Rapparees

GAA Rounders Fixtures & Preview: All Games This Sunday (26 April 2026)

Preview – 26 April 2026

Opening weekend threw up a few surprises, but Weekend 2 promises to be an even more thrilling ride with four of our Senior clubs and four Intermediate clubs in action across two locations.

Senior Women, Mixed & Men – Breaffy vs Carrickmacross Emmets

Ballyheane, Castlebar

Action starts at 12:00 PM in Mayo, where three reigning All-Ireland Champion teams face off in what could be the definitive triple-header of the early season.

First up, Breaffy’s Women host Carrickmacross Emmets. Newly promoted following a dominant 2025 Intermediate season, Carrickmacross will have their work cut out facing the four-in-a-row All-Ireland winners, but the Monaghan ladies are never one to shy from a challenge. This tight squad has big hitters and brilliant fielders who are well able to play Rounders at the highest level.

While Breaffy have three current All-Stars in their squad, they are missing 3rd Base star and GAA Rounders President Paula Doherty, who isn’t playing this year. Their pitcher and catcher duo of Michelle Hopkins and Katie Groonell will be hard to beat, but Carrick’s core team has been working together since winning the Junior Women’s title in 2023 and will put up quite the fight.

At 1.30pm it’s the turn of both clubs’ Mixed teams to take to the pitch. Two-in-a-row All-Ireland champions Breaffy will be keen to get their season off to a winning start and, with home advantage, they will aim to get ahead quickly. Carrickmacross will want to start strong and contain the Mayo side by putting their own stamp on the game and not allowing Breaffy to dominate early. With multiple All-Stars and All-Ireland winners on both squads, this has the makings of the match of the day.

The final game of the day in the west is the clash of both sides’ Men’s teams. Breaffy reached the 2025 semi-finals and will be looking to go one better this year by reaching the All-Ireland Final. Carrickmacross are the current champions and will be hoping to retain their crown in 2026. Expect tight pitching, batting and fielding, with no quarter given by either side.

Colm Jordan

Colm Jordan

Stars like outfielder Colm Jordan and short stop Mark Jennings for Breaffy will be well matched against their Carrickmacross counterparts Oran Kiernan, Euan Matthews, Declan Finnegan and Paddy Bermingham. While the result could go either way, the road there will be anything but boring.

Referee: Dublin Metropolitans’ Jack Cheyne will referee all three games.
Predictions: Women – Breaffy; Mixed – Breaffy; Men – Carrickmacross Emmets

Senior Men, Mixed & Women – Limekiln vs Glynn Barntown

Tymon Park

Limekiln Rounders host a massive six-match schedule in Tymon Park, featuring three Senior and three Intermediate games.

In Senior, Limekiln will play Wexford’s Glynn Barntown in all three codes, starting at 1pm with Senior Men. Fresh from their impressive first match of the season last Sunday in Galway, Limekiln will be aiming to keep that momentum going and go one step better with a win over their old rivals. Limekiln’s new signing, Peter Salmon, had an outstanding match against Rapparees and, if he can continue that dominance at 1st Base, and 2025 All-Star Ciarán Weldon can keep up his superb batting record from last Sunday, the Dublin side will be hard to beat.

Eddie Healy with a phenomenal catch - Limekiln instagram

Eddie Healy with a phenomenal catch – Limekiln instagram

However, Glynn Barntown’s men can never be underestimated and, if Paul Cooper and Paul Delaney play at their best, as well as the excellent Garry Jordan at backcatcher having a good day, we could be in for a very exciting match.

Following their comprehensive win over Kilmeena last Sunday, Limekiln’s Mixed team will be full of confidence when they take on Glynn Barntown and, with the Dublin side’s newly boosted squad of transferred players from St. Clare’s, Emo and Kevin’s, they will have to be favourites to win. We can hopefully look forward to seeing some more contenders for Catch of the Year from Eddie Healy, but he will face strong competition from teammates Serena Costello and Colette McCaul, as well as Glynn Barntown’s trademark excellent outfield catches.

Last match of the day on Tymon Park’s Senior pitch is the clash of Limekiln and Glynn Barntown’s Senior Women, and this will be a game worth waiting for. Glynn Barntown were the 2025 finalists and will be determined to go one better this year, while Limekiln are returning to Senior ranks in 2026 and looking to make an immediate impact.

Limekiln’s win over The Heath will give them confidence and the signs are that they are settling quickly at this level. Glynn Barntown, though, have experience at the top grade and will be keen to put last season’s final disappointment behind them. With some of their Intermediate players newly promoted to Senior, the added depth and fresh energy could be a big help as they aim to start the 2026 season on a positive note.

Referee: Emo’s Michael Slevin will be in charge for all three games.
Predictions: Women – Limekiln; Mixed – Limekiln; Men – Limekiln

Intermediate Women & Mixed – Tymon Park

Dublin Metropolitans vs Glynn Barntown; Emo vs Inniskeen

Tymon Park will also host three Intermediate matches on their second pitch, with two Women’s games and a Mixed match all up for decision.

First up is Dublin Metropolitans ladies vs Glynn Barntown’s ladies. Mets will be keen to bounce back from last Sunday’s defeat to Castletown Liam Mellows and will be hoping that shortstop Katie Flynn and Jessica Maddock on 2nd Base will continue their great form from last week, but Glynn Barntown’s Intermediate ladies can never be underestimated and have several years’ experience at this grade which will stand to them.

With no Junior Women’s team this year, Glynn Barntown’s Intermediate squad has been boosted with the introduction of many of last year’s Junior players, and a bigger squad means more competition for places and hungrier players.

The second Intermediate match will be the same teams playing Mixed. With the ladies possibly playing their second match of the day, the pressure will be on the fresh legs of the male players to impress and really show how much they want to start their 2026 campaigns by winning. Newly promoted to Intermediate this year, Dublin Mets will be eager to impress and show that they belong in this grade, but Glynn Barntown will equally be keen to prove their credentials as a long-time Intermediate team.

The final Intermediate match will be back to Women’s and will see Laois’ Emo taking on newly promoted, and 2025 Junior Women’s champions, Inniskeen of Monaghan. Emo struggled in Intermediate last year, their first year in the grade following their Junior All-Ireland win in 2024, but have they managed to get it together for a more successful season this year? Will Inniskeen suffer a similar fate in 2026, with the jump from Junior to Intermediate being a difficult one to navigate?

Pitching from Emo’s Claire Suda and Inniskeen’s Julianne Smith will be key, while Inniskeen’s skilled fielders like Carol McKeown and Layla McArdle will really need to shine if they are to stop Emo from dominating at bat.

Referee: Myshall’s PJ Lalor will take charge of all three Intermediate matches.
Predictions: Intermediate Women – Glynn Barntown and Inniskeen; Intermediate Mixed – Dublin Metropolitans

With nine exciting pairings on Sunday to keep spectators and competitors interested and engaged, we look forward to seeing how our reigning All-Ireland champions and contenders fare. If you can’t be in Castlebar or Tymon Park, keep a close eye on our socials and website for the latest scores and winners.

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GAA Rounders Fixtures 2026 Confirmed | Full Championship Schedule & Teams

Fixtures confirmed for 2026 championship season

GAA Rounders is pleased to confirm that the fixtures for the 2026 All-Ireland Championships across Senior, Intermediate and Junior grades have now been finalised and circulated to clubs nationwide.

The 2026 season represents the largest championship programme to date, with clubs from across the country set to compete in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed competitions. The schedule runs from April through to September and provides a clear national pathway from league stages to quarter-finals, semi-finals and All-Ireland Finals.

At Senior level, each championship will be played on a single-league basis, with the top four teams progressing to the semi-finals. In Intermediate, the Men’s competition will follow a full-league structure, while the Women’s and Mixed Championships will be played across two groups. Junior competitions will again feature a broader group structure to reflect strong entry numbers and continued growth throughout the country.

Official season structure: league stages will run through spring and summer, with knockout fixtures scheduled from late July onwards before the All-Ireland Finals in late August and September.

A championship season packed with quality and depth

There are strong storylines at every grade heading into the new season. In Senior Women, Breaffy will bid for an outstanding five-in-a-row, while the Mayo club will also be chasing a Senior Mixed three-in-a-row. The Senior Men’s Championship, meanwhile, looks one of the most competitive in years, with genuine strength spread across the field.

Senior spotlight

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Erne Eagles, Glynn Barntown, Limekiln, Cúchulainn, Raheen and Galway City Rapparees ensure real depth in the top grade, particularly in what promises to be a fiercely contested Senior Men’s Championship.

Intermediate contenders

Kilmeena and Emo are expected to have strong seasons at Intermediate level, while St. Senan’s, St. Clare’s, Kilmore, Galway City Rapparees and Dublin Metropolitans all add further quality to the grade.

Junior teams to watch

In Junior Women, St. Senan’s, Kilmore and Myshall will attract attention, while Junior Men should see strong campaigns from Myshall and Galway City Rapparees. In Junior Mixed, Kilmore, Leighlinbridge and Garrymore look well placed, with several counties also welcoming new entrants.

Club depth across the country

Glynn Barntown, Carrickmacross Emmets, Galway City Rapparees, Inniskeen and Kilmeena are all entering four or more teams, reflecting the growing strength of club structures and player development within the code.

Galway Rapparees

Galway Rapparees

Welcoming new clubs to the championship

The 2026 Championships also mark an important step forward for participation, with a number of new clubs entering the All-Ireland structure across different grades.

  • Women: Kilrush Askamore (Wexford) and Nobber (Meath)
  • Men: Na Gaeil Nua (Dublin)
  • Mixed: Clontuskert (Galway), Dunsany (Meath), Naomh Pól (Waterford) and Oulart The Ballagh (Wexford)

Their inclusion is a welcome sign of continued expansion and reinforces the positive momentum currently behind GAA Rounders at club level.

Na Gaeil Nua

Na Gaeil Nua

Season timeline and key dates

  • Senior Championships: commence on Sunday 19 April
  • Junior Championships: commence on Sunday 10 May
  • League stages: run through April, May, June and July
  • Quarter-finals: where applicable, are scheduled for late July
  • Semi-finals: take place in August
  • All-Ireland Finals: are scheduled from late August into September

Among the headline dates are the Senior Women’s and Junior Women’s Finals at the National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown on 30 August, the Men’s Finals at Offaly GAA Centre of Excellence on 6 September, and the Mixed Finals at Mallow GAA on 13 September.

Opening fixtures to launch the campaign

The championship season gets under way with a number of high-profile ties. The opening Senior programme includes Cúchulainn against Erne Eagles in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed, Galway City Rapparees against Limekiln in Senior Men, Limekiln against The Heath in Senior Women and Limekiln vs Kilmeena in Senior Mixed.

At Intermediate and Junior level, the early rounds will immediately test squads across multiple counties, with a packed programme set to run throughout the spring and summer months.

Clubs entered – 2026 Championships

Senior Championships
Senior Women

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Cúchulainn, Erne Eagles, Glynn Barntown, Limekiln, Raheen, The Heath

Senior Men

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Cúchulainn, Erne Eagles, Galway City Rapparees, Glynn Barntown, Limekiln, Raheen

Senior Mixed

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Cúchulainn, Erne Eagles, Glynn Barntown, Kilmeena, Limekiln

Intermediate Championships
Intermediate Women

Castletown Liam Mellows, Dublin Metropolitans, Elphin, Emo, Galway City Rapparees, Glynn Barntown, Inniskeen Grattans, Kilmeena, Michael Glavey’s, St. Clare’s

Intermediate Men

Dublin Metropolitans, Emo, Kilmeena, Kilmore, St. Clare’s, St. Senan’s

Intermediate Mixed

Dublin Metropolitans, Emo, Erne Eagles, Galway City Rapparees, Glynn Barntown, Gusserane, Michael Glavey’s, Raheen, St. Clare’s, St. Senan’s

Junior Championships
Junior Women

Athenry, Carrickmacross Emmets, Castleknock, Castletown Liam Mellows, Clonguish, Drumhowan, Glynn Barntown, Gusserane, Inniskeen Grattans, Kilanerin Ballyfad, Kildimo Pallaskenry, Kilmore, Kilrush Askamore, Knockainey, Leighlinbridge, Myshall, Na Piarsaigh, Nobber, St. Kieran’s, St. Martin’s, St. Senan’s, Skryne, Sporting Limerick

Junior Men

Castleknock, Carrickmacross Emmets, Elphin, Galway City Rapparees, Gusserane, Inniskeen Grattans, Myshall, Na Gaeil Nua, Na Piarsaigh, Sporting Limerick

Junior Mixed

Athenry, Ballinagore, Castleknock, Carrickmacross Emmets, Clontuskert, Dunsany, Elphin, Emo, Galway City Rapparees, Garrymore, Inniskeen Grattans, Kilmeena, Kilmore, Leighlinbridge, Myshall, Naomh Pól, Naomh Trea, Na Fianna, Na Piarsaigh, Oulart The Ballagh, Slaughtneil, Sporting Limerick, Wolfe Tones

Full fixture details, venues, competition structures and knockout dates should be read in conjunction with the official Senior, Intermediate and Junior fixture booklets circulated to clubs.

Continued growth across the code

With hundreds of fixtures scheduled and participation continuing to rise, the 2026 All-Ireland Championships reflect the ongoing development of GAA Rounders across Ireland. The spread of teams across Senior, Intermediate and Junior grades, combined with the arrival of new clubs and the strength of established contenders, points to a season of real substance from opening day through to finals weekend.

Supporters are encouraged to follow official GAA Rounders channels throughout the season for fixture updates, results, reports and championship news.

InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns as Panels, Fixtures and Referees Confirmed

InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

Some of the best Rounders players in the country will be on show in Athlone GAA on Sunday 29 March

This year’s tournament will look a little different. The last InterProvincials were played as a mixed competition, but this time the format changes with separate Men’s and Women’s tournaments being played across the same afternoon.

Across the extended panels announced this week, players from around 30 clubs have been nominated from across the four provinces.

Match Schedule

Time Match Referee
12:00 Munster vs Connacht – Women Danielle Keane
12:15 Leinster vs Ulster – Men Áine McLaughlin
1:45 Leinster vs Ulster – Women Danielle Keane
2:15 Munster vs Connacht – Men Áine McLaughlin
3:30 Women’s Final Michael Dowling
4:15 Men’s Final Paula Doherty

Final Squads

The lists released this week are extended panels. Each province will now cut those squads down to a final 15 players before the tournament.

Teams must include players from each championship grade:

  • 3 Senior players + 2 Senior substitutes
  • 3 Intermediate players + 2 Intermediate substitutes
  • 3 Junior players + 2 Junior substitutes

The finals should be a bit special too, with Rounders President Paula Doherty set to referee the men’s final, while former President Michael Dowling will take charge of the women’s final — a nice touch to round off the day.

With six matches across the afternoon and players travelling from clubs across the country, the InterProvincials promise to be a great showcase for the game and a brilliant chance to see some of the top Rounders players in Ireland on the same pitch.

Connacht Interpros Panels

Connacht GAA Rounders interprovincial squad in 2023

Connacht GAA Rounders interprovincial squad in 2023

Connacht Women

Senior
Player Club
Noleen Coghlan Kilmeena
Catriona Cox Kilmeena
Irene Kaye Kilmeena
Catriona Olsen Kilmeena
Helen Gallagher Breaffy
Intermediate
Assumpta Feeney Athenry
Lisa Guilfoyle Athenry
Priscilla Heffernan Athenry
Tara Reapy Athenry
Gretta Davis Elphin
Cat Carty Galway City Rapparees
Hazel Kilduff Galway City Rapparees
Clodagh Naughton Galway City Rapparees
Jessie Pereira Galway City Rapparees
Gwen Redmond Galway City Rapparees
Laura Salvatore Galway City Rapparees
Alex Stewart Galway City Rapparees
Sadie Hunt Kilmeena
Junior
Ciara Butler Elphin
Avril Coyne Elphin
Barbora Novobilska Elphin
Joanne Forde Garrymore
Sarah Tierney Garrymore
Ana Carr Kilmore
Nicola Craughwell Kilmore
Clodagh Sheerin Kilmore

Connacht Men

Senior
Player Club
Victor Del Rosal Breaffy
Mark Jennings Breaffy
Jamie Murphy Breaffy
Richie Vaz Breaffy
Ben Golden Kilmeena
Tommy Hoban Kilmeena
Darragh McDonnell Kilmeena
Ollie Conway Michael Glaveys
Micheal McGreal Michael Glaveys
John Nolan Michael Glaveys
Intermediate
Sean Maher Athenry
Kieran Shaughnessy Athenry
Cathal Creavan Galway City Rapparees
Ryan Dennis Galway City Rapparees
Stewart Hagen Galway City Rapparees
Jay Hall Galway City Rapparees
Tomas Kenny Galway City Rapparees
Ajay Kumar Galway City Rapparees
Rory McGarvey Galway City Rapparees
Vishal Pathare Galway City Rapparees
Ili Tuimauga Galway City Rapparees
Junior
Conor Gunn Elphin
Luke Gunn Elphin
Filip Novobilska Elphin
Pawel Szawernoga Elphin
Colin Flannery Galway City Rapparees
Seamus Keegan Galway City Rapparees
Matt Kelly Galway City Rapparees
Colin O’Halloran Galway City Rapparees
Fintan Hession Garrymore
Frankie Durcan Kilmeena
Frank McNicholas Kilmeena
Will Powell Kilmeena
Aidan Carr Kilmore
Breian Carroll Kilmore
Mark Harrington Kilmore
Jamie Sharkey Kilmore
Kevin White Kilmore

2026 InterProvincials – Munster Panels

Munster Men

Intermediate
Name Club
John Hanlon St. Senan’s
Dean Hogan St. Senan’s
Dean McCarthy St. Senan’s
Ian Sheehy St. Senan’s
Niall Sheehy St. Senan’s
Junior
John Cleary Na Piarsaigh
Gerard Kearns Na Piarsaigh
Leo McKenna Na Piarsaigh
Andrew Cusack Sporting Limerick

Munster Women

Intermediate
Name Club
Grainne Noonan St. Senan’s
Aoife O’Carroll St. Senan’s
Junior
Colette Butler Knockainey
Jacki Hehir Knockainey
Olivia McNamara Knockainey
Miranda O’Brien Knockainey
Emma Walsh Knockainey
Aideen Hogg Na Piarsaigh
Michelle Lambe Na Piarsaigh
Sarah Stanley Na Piarsaigh
Stephanie Downes St. Kieran’s
Caitriona Hough St. Kieran’s
Majella O’Connor St. Kieran’s
Ashling O’Sullivan St. Kieran’s
Diane Curran Sporting Limerick
Eleanor O’Brien Sporting Limerick

2026 InterProvincials – Leinster Panels

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

Leinster Men

Senior
Name Club
Pierce Ryan Cuchulainn
Peadar Waters Cuchulainn
Paul Cooper Glynn Barntown
Garry Jordan Glynn Barntown
Ian White Glynn Barntown
Eoin Johnson Limekiln
Aidan McDonald Raheen
Eunan Furlong Raheen
Austin O’Meara The Heath
Intermediate
Asa Carley Dublin Metropolitans
Beau Carley Dublin Metropolitans
Jack Cheyne Dublin Metropolitans
André Cruz Dublin Metropolitans
Leonard Looney Dublin Metropolitans
Michael Slevin Emo
JP Tynan Emo
Junior
Conor Murphy Gusserane
Shane Coburn Myshall
PJ Lalor Myshall
James Nolan Myshall
Eoin Rea Myshall
Matthew Roberts Myshall

Leinster Women

Senior
Name Club
Amy Kelly Cuchulainn
Amy Moloney Cuchulainn
Leah Mullins Cuchulainn
Sheena King Glynn Barntown
Alisha Reddy Glynn Barntown
Mary Roche Glynn Barntown
Intermediate
Pamela Brennan Glynn Barntown
Stephanie Kelly Glynn Barntown
Liz Fitzgerald Kilanerin
Junior
Laura Cuddihy Dublin Metropolitans
Jessica Maddock Dublin Metropolitans
Gráinne Martin Dublin Metropolitans
Claire Mulry Dublin Metropolitans
Karen Byrne Glynn Barntown
Jen Kelly Leighlinbridge
Tracy McNally Leighlinbridge
Louise Riddell Leighlinbridge
Jenny Jugessur St. Martin’s
Deborah Roche St. Martin’s
Christine Stone St. Martin’s
Hazel Costello Skryne
Noeleen Greally Skryne
Karen Lynch Skryne
Lauren Smith Skryne

2026 InterProvincials – Ulster Panels

Ulster Men

Senior
Name Club
Paddy Bermingham Carrickmacross
Declan Finnegan Carrickmacross
Ronan Kiernan Carrickmacross
Barry Lambe Carrickmacross
Gerard Clerkin Erne Eagles
Fionn Higgins Erne Eagles
Nathan Loughnane Erne Eagles
Justin Perrin Erne Eagles
Shane Sheridan Erne Eagles
Intermediate
Bryan Dolan St. Clare’s
PJ Kelly St. Clare’s
Chaz Solomons St. Clare’s
Barry Walsh St. Clare’s
Junior
Philip Brooks Inniskeen
Trevor Hilliard Inniskeen
Sean O’Connor Inniskeen
Sachin Krishnan Wolfe Tones
David Mallon Wolfe Tones
Matthew Mallon Wolfe Tones

Ulster Women

Senior
Name Club
Louise Byrne Carrickmacross
Aisling Ginnity Carrickmacross
Olive Hanratty Carrickmacross
Laura Hughes Carrickmacross
Marie Whelan Carrickmacross
Margaret Brady Erne Eagles
Lisa Flood Erne Eagles
Geraldine Goldrick Erne Eagles
Lindsey O’Reilly Erne Eagles
Emma Perrin Erne Eagles
Intermediate
Aoife Byrne Carrickmacross
Aine Cahill St. Clare’s
Laura Lynch St. Clare’s
Lisa Lynch St. Clare’s
Louise McAndrew St. Clare’s
Junior
Aisling McDermott Carrickmacross
Siobhan Cunningham Inniskeen
Catherine Deery Inniskeen
Julianne Smith Inniskeen
Arleen Ramsey Wolfe Tones