Tag Archive for: Carrickmacross

Darryl Dolan: “Enough hard work will take you anywhere”

Darryl Dolan: “Enough hard work will take you anywhere”

There’s no hesitation when Darryl Dolan is asked about the greatest ever player.

If it’s a question of the Greatest, then Dolan doesn’t hesitate. “I’m going Damien McArdle,” he says. “He just wasn’t a power hitter for a home run. Damien has 15 men’s titles, 9 All-Stars. Retired for almost a decade in the middle and had 4 All-Ireland titles before the All-Stars were introduced — so really he should have about 15.”

He pauses only briefly before adding another name that rarely comes up. “Mick Cullen always gets forgotten about in big conversations because of the lack of All-Star accolades, but many years he’s been the best or one of the best players on the field in nearly every game.”

When it comes to memories, Dolan refuses to single just one out. “Really can’t single out a single one,” he admits, “but getting to share the field with some of the legends I watched train and play. And then the 2024 season was special as a new-look Eagles team after losing so many familiar faces. To see Fionn get man of the match and hoisted in the air after years of watching us play without an underage team — to see it reward him for his work — that was special.”

For Dolan, Erne Eagles is more than a club. “Home. It has been my home away from home and my club mates like family. Even when there’s disagreements 🤣 there’s always someone there if you need anything. And when everyone is there at an event, it feels like one big family reunion.”

He is quick to point towards the next generation. “So many to say at the underage brackets, I could name one in each team and the potential of them is almost limitless, just depends how far they push themselves — Adam, Alice, Aoibhe, Louis, I could go on and on. For the young players coming into senior this year? I’ll have to say Fainche Higgins has really made her mark on the game.”

The battles, he says, come in cycles. “It has come in waves and each year different teams. In men’s it was The Heath and then it transitioned to Carrickmacross. In the mixed, I’d have to say the battles with Glynn Barntown have been epic.”

But asked if any player ever truly dominated Erne, he’s dismissive. “No. I feel like we always adapt and we can ‘figure out’ players and adapt to them, so someone might be good on a day against us but we’ll be ready for them the next day.”

The greatest comeback? He doesn’t hesitate. “Too many to count — 2018 men’s final, 2019 final, the 2020 mixed final. But I’ll probably have to go with the 2021 mixed semi-final against Glynn Barntown. It was the greatest comeback I’ve ever witnessed.”

As for the toughest opponent? “Probably Ruairí Tracey, because we’ve gone head to head since underage so many times and I only ever got the better of him in senior. Now it’s the other lads on the team fighting to get a place 😅.”

He is quick to credit Carrickmacross too. “Without a doubt, the way they gradually learned, watched, and improved over the years. Starting slow and growing is very impressive and a lot of clubs could learn from them.”

And despite his own reputation, Dolan keeps returning to his teammates. “That I’m very lucky to have the teammates I have. They put up with me and temper me — trying to funnel my passion and energy for the game while making it enjoyable for others at the same time.”

Rounders has given him more than medals. “There’s something outside of Rounders??? Ah, I think coaching and teaching has been very interchangeable on and off the field, but the sport has definitely helped me hone those skills for other aspects of my life.”

For the younger players coming through, the advice is simple. “Just keep working hard and practice. Enough hard work will take you anywhere. Just because someone isn’t naturally gifted from the start doesn’t mean they can’t leave others in the dust with enough work.”

And if you ask him who the best nine he played with or against? “I am working on list,  I’ll send it on soon.”

Darryl can be found on Instagram: gaarounderscoach

GAA Rounders Senior Finals 2025 – Referees Confirmed & Ticket Info

🎉 GAA Rounders Senior All-Ireland Finals – Referees Confirmed! 🎉

The stage is set for a massive day in Abbotstown this Saturday, 6th September – and the referees have just been announced:

⚾ Senior Ladies Final

🕐 1.00pm – Breaffy v Glynn Barntown

Referee: Chris Hughes

⚾ Senior Mixed Final

🕞 3.15pm – Breaffy v Erne Eagles

Referee: Philip Keane

⚾ Senior Men’s Final

🕠 5.30pm – Carrickmacross v Erne Eagles

Referee: AnnMarie Brennan

🎟️ Tickets are available now – don’t leave it last minute!

Come out and support the best of the best as the Senior All-Ireland Champions are crowned! 🏆

GAA Rounders Junior Quarter-Final Previews | 27 July 2025 | Full Fixtures & Predictions

🏆 ALL-IRELAND QUARTER-FINALS – THIS SUNDAY!

📅 Date: Sunday, 27th July 2025
📍 Venue: Clonguish GAA Grounds, Longford
🎯 Competitions: Junior Ladies & Junior Mixed Championships

..

It’s all on the line this Sunday in Clonguish as the Junior Ladies and Mixed Championships reach the knockout stages! The All-Ireland Quarter-Finals are here — and with a place in the semi-finals at stake, every game promises intensity, drama, and no shortage of big moments. Expect booming bats, brilliant catches, and backs-to-the-wall battles from the very first pitch. 💥

With seven top-class ties and clubs from across the country chasing glory, this is where legends are made. Strap in — the road to the All-Ireland Finals starts here!

🥎 Junior Mixed All-Ireland Quarter-Final

🕚 11:00am – Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan) vs Galway City Rapparees (Galway)

📍 Venue: Clonguish GAA Grounds
🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Sean Bailey


🎯 Match Preview

This is a rematch of the 2024 All-Ireland Junior Mixed Final, where the Rapparees ran out convincing 11–4 winners. Inniskeen return as Group A winners with a perfect 4-from-4 record and a strong 2.0 run rate, conceding just 18 runs across the group phase.

However, their opponents may be a new-look side, but the Galway City Rapparees club has momentum and pedigree—with last year’s team now impressing at Intermediate level. This year’s juniors have big shoes to fill but plenty of talent.

🔮 Verdict: Inniskeen are consistent and controlled, but Rapparees have knockout experience—Extra innings predicted.


🔵 Galway City Rapparees

Founded in 2021, the Galway City Rapparees grew out of a group of friends who played together in Galway Softball. Recognising the natural crossover between softball and rounders, they formed a team that quickly made an impact.

In 2023, their Intermediate Men’s were runners-up and in 2024, the club claimed the Junior Mixed Title and finished as Ladies Runners-Up. With a tight-knit and welcoming community, the Rapparees are known for both their camaraderie and skill.

Their squad includes players from across the globe, including the USA, Canada, India and New Zealand. This year, the club fields an astonishing five teams. The Junior Mixed squad has welcomed 16 new players and impressed with its dedication and passion.


📋 Matchday Squad – Galway City Rapparees

🔰 Captain: Dave Gannon
🎖️ Vice-Captain: Craig Davis

  • Cat Carty
  • Seamus Keegan
  • Ili Tuimauga
  • Yvonne O’Donoghue
  • Mel Mannion
  • Greg Mannion
  • Dave Gannon
  • Ajay Kumar
  • Vishal Pathare
  • Eimear Cuddy
  • Craig Davis
  • Colin Flannery
  • Joe Higgins
  • Colin O’Halloran

🛑 Unavailable: Edel Brennan, Hazel Kilduff, Kirsten Fossum, Ali Fagan, Amy McKeon, Gavin Mulhall, Stewart Hagen, Hitesh Tahilramani


🟢 Inniskeen Grattans

Founded in 1883, Inniskeen Grattans GAA Club from County Monaghan is steeped in tradition, with members participating in Football, Hurling, Camogie and Handball. Rounders was added in 2023, and they’ve wasted no time making an impression.

That year, they reached the All-Ireland semi-finals. In 2024, they entered Men’s, Ladies, and Mixed teams—making the finals in the latter two. Now, in 2025, they return looking to go one step further and lift the trophy.

📋 Squad – Inniskeen Grattans

  • Kathrina Byrne
  • Richard Nash
  • Siobhain Cunningham
  • Clodagh McArdle
  • Aisling McKenna
  • Gerard Ruddy
  • Julianne Smith
  • Seamus Martin
  • Carol McKeown
  • Juliette McHugh
  • Philip Brooks
  • Sinead Hilliard
  • Fiona McArdle
  • Layla McArdle
  • J J Smith
  • Keavy McGeeney
  • Catherine Deery
  • Brian Hurson
  • Ciaran McArdle
  • Kate Martin
  • Andrew Williams
  • Trevor Hilliard
  • Eamonn McArdle
  • Annette O’Rourke
  • Nirmal Sebastian
  • Kevin McGovern
  • Aine Donaghy
  • Sean O’Connor

🥎 Junior Mixed All-Ireland Quarter-Final

🕐 1:00pm – St. Senans (Limerick)

vs Wolfe Tones (Antrim)

📍 Venue: Clonguish GAA Grounds
🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Sean Bailey


🎯 Match Preview

St. Senans have been relentless this season—five wins from five, a +44 run differential, and the highest scoring team in the grade (92 runs). They look balanced and confident in every department.

Wolfe Tones secured second place in Group A and have battled their way here, but with a much lower run rate (1.1) and defensive vulnerabilities, they’ll need a major performance to cause an upset.

🔮 Verdict: Senans to stay unbeaten


🟢 St. Senans Rounders Club (Limerick)

Based in West Limerick in the parish of Foynes/Shanagolden and Barrigone, St. Senans draw players with strong Community Games experience. The club has seen growth in recent years, with five new players strengthening their 2025 Junior Mixed panel.

St. Senans have reached the knockout stages for the past four years—runners-up in 2022 and semi-finalists in 2023. With consistency and cohesion, they’re aiming to take the next step this season.

📋 Junior Mixed Panel

Manager: Ian Sheehy
Captain: Louise Kelly
Vice-Captain: Niall Sheehy

  • Kevin Doody
  • John Hanlon
  • Josephine Hickey
  • Dean Hogan
  • Kyra Hogan
  • Paul Hourigan
  • Louise Kelly
  • Ryan Lynch
  • Stephen Lynch
  • Dean McCarthy
  • Claire Mullane
  • Elizabeth Mullane
  • Timmy Mullane
  • John Paul Mulvihill
  • Grainne Noonan
  • Aoife O’ Carroll
  • Eimear O’ Malley
  • Euan Sheehy
  • Ian Sheehy
  • Niall Sheehy
  • Eileen Shine
  • Dean Territt

🟣 Wolfe Tones GAC (Antrim)

After nearly 50 years, Wolfe Tones GAC was revived in 2019. By late 2020, Rounders was introduced, and it quickly became a standout success. Their first All-Ireland entry came in 2022—more about learning than winning—but the journey since has been remarkable.

By 2024, the Tones were All-Ireland quarter-finalists. In 2025, they’ve repeated that achievement, driven by belief and unity. Led by Captain Arleen Ramsey and Vice-Captain Mark McCabe, Wolfe Tones are aiming to make history for the club and county.

📋 2025 Wolfe Tones Mixed Squad

  • Arleen Ramsey (Captain)
  • Mark McCabe (Vice-Captain)
  • John Ramsey
  • Marie Henry
  • Chris McLaughlin
  • Michael McMahon
  • Conor Mullan
  • Fiona Owens
  • Sonia Butler
  • Stacey Harper
  • David Mallon
  • Matthew Mallon
  • Ryan Montgomery
  • Michaela Milligan

🥎 Junior Mixed All-Ireland Quarter-Final

🕓 1:00pm – Gusserane (Wexford) vs Kilmeena (Mayo)

📍 Venue: Clonguish GAA Grounds
🧑‍⚖️ Referee: TBC


🎯 Match Preview

Gusserane were flawless in Group C, topping the table with 3 wins from 3 and an outstanding 3.1 run rate. Their defence has been especially impressive—just 15 runs conceded across the group stage.

Kilmeena arrive after a turbulent Group D campaign. Despite scoring a group-high 102 runs, they also conceded the most (105), finishing with a -0.8 run rate. They’ve shown firepower but lack consistency.

🔮 Verdict: Gusserane


🟡 Gusserane Rounders Club (Wexford)

Based in the Wexford parish of Tintern, Gusserane Rounders was founded in 2023 by a group of friends seeking a fun and social outlet. Their debut season saw them storm into the All-Ireland quarterfinals, defying expectations.

In their second campaign, they’ve combined experience with ambition. With tighter defence, sharper hitting, and a belief that 2025 could be their breakthrough year, Gusserane are a team to watch.

📋 2025 Squad – Gusserane

  • Shane (Bob) Molloy – Captain
  • Cathy Colfer
  • Breda Rossiter
  • Mairead Tubritt
  • Amy Ryan
  • Conor Murphy
  • Morgan Nash Colfer
  • Matthew Flynn
  • Niall Molloy
  • Keith Molyneux
  • Joanne Whitty
  • Danny Hayes
  • Jenny McNamara
  • Trish Kehoe

⚫ Kilmeena Rounders Club (Mayo)

Kilmeena Rounders Club is buzzing with ambition and belief. With All-Ireland Junior and Intermediate Mixed titles already part of their proud history, and a Mixed team now competing at Senior level, Kilmeena’s growth continues.

Their newly formed Junior Mixed side has made an immediate impression—reaching an All-Ireland Quarter-Final in their first year. This black-and-white brigade are ready to carve out their own chapter in the club’s storied rise.

📋 2025 Squad – Kilmeena

  • Katie McLoughlin
  • Ronan Duffy
  • Will Fahy
  • Adeline McManamon
  • David Fabby
  • Joanne McTaggert
  • Ruth O’Malley
  • Irene Walsh
  • Muireann Muldowney
  • Sadie Hunt
  • Ayleen McNamara
  • Ben Golden
  • Liam Gallagher
  • Luke Fahy
  • Julie Moore
  • Will Powell
  • Maya Whittall
  • Lucy O’Malley
  • Ciara Joyce
  • Emma-Jane Gill

🥎 Junior Mixed All-Ireland Quarter-Final

🚫 Dublin Mets (Dublin) vs Ballinagore (Westmeath) – Walkover

📍 Venue: Clonguish GAA Grounds
🧑‍⚖️ Referee: N/A – Walkover


🎯 Match Update

Dublin Mets advance to the semi-finals after Ballinagore (Westmeath) withdrew, resulting in a walkover victory. It’s a disappointing way to progress, but the Mets have already shown their class this season—finishing second in Group C with 2 wins and a solid 1.8 run rate.

With strong batting depth and a calm defensive setup, the Mets remain a genuine contender in this year’s Junior Mixed Championship.


 

🥎 Junior Ladies All-Ireland Quarter-Final

🕚 11:00am – Dublin Mets (Dublin) vs Leighlinbridge (Carlow)

📍 Venue: Clonguish GAA Grounds
🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Danielle


🎯 Match Preview

Dublin Mets cruised through Group C with a perfect record—4 wins from 4 and a massive 6.2 run rate. Their defence tightened with each match, and they racked up an impressive 121 runs across the group stage.

Leighlinbridge battled through Group D with 2 wins and finished second in the group. Their run rate of 0.1 shows they’ll need to step up offensively to challenge the free-scoring Mets. That said, if they perform half as well as their social media—this could be theirs to win.

🔮 Verdict: Dublin Mets might just sneak it—but expect a close contest.


🔵 Dublin Metropolitans – Club Bio

The Dublin Metropolitans were originally founded on 5th December 1883 in Gardiner Place by Michael Cusack. The club was re-established as a Rounders team on 30th May 2021 in the Phoenix Park and has gone from strength to strength since.

Built on a founding principle of inclusion, the Mets continue to create a welcoming and competitive environment where Rounders thrives. They’re known for their team spirit, tactical strength, and community outreach.

📋 2025 Squad – Dublin Mets

  • Eileen O’Connor
  • Kate O’Sullivan
  • Claire Mulry
  • Kaley Deneen
  • Jessica Maddock
  • Sinéad Ní hArachtáin
  • Gráinne Martin
  • Gráinne McNamara
  • Helen Macklin
  • Laura Cuddihy
  • Phoebe Carley
  • Maeve McLynn
  • Kristin Bell
  • Aoife O’Sullivan
  • Eve Kearney

Leighlinbridge Junior Ladies – Club Bio

Formed in 2024, Leighlinbridge Junior Ladies Rounders is a growing and energetic team that has quickly built momentum. Now a large and expanding group, they are passionate about building community, promoting women in sport, and driving local involvement.

Their vibrant social group supports the club’s junior players, with everyone always ready to step up to the action when called upon. Leighlinbridge is more than a team—it’s a movement for positive change in sport and community spirit.

📋 Team Leighlinbridge – Squad List:

  • Bernadette Hayes
  • Tracy McNally
  • Stacey Hennessey
  • Julie Cummins
  • Laura Corrigan
  • Ciara Bryska
  • Fiona Kelly
  • Chiara Trench
  • Odilla Gaynor
  • Louise Nevin
  • Ailish Kavanagh
  • Jen Kelly
  • Ciara Gahan
  • Lorna Byrne

🥎 Junior Ladies All-Ireland Quarter-Final

🕐 1:00pm – Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan) vs Kilmore (Roscommon)

📍 Venue: Clonguish GAA Grounds – Pitch 2
🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Danielle


🎯 Match Preview

Inniskeen were one of the most complete sides in the group stages—finishing top of Group A with 4 wins and a strong 1.9 run rate. They’ve shown they can win big or dig deep in tight games, and that resilience could prove crucial.

Kilmore also come into this with 4 wins, but with a more modest 0.2 run rate. They’ve quietly built momentum and may surprise if they can frustrate Inniskeen early.

🔮 Verdict: Inniskeen


🟣 Inniskeen Grattans – Club Bio

Founded in 1883, Inniskeen Grattans GAA Club in County Monaghan has a rich tradition across Football, Hurling, Camogie and Handball. Rounders became part of the club in 2023, and their rise has been rapid.

In their debut season, they reached the All-Ireland semi-finals. In 2024, they entered Ladies, Men’s, and Mixed teams—reaching the finals in the latter two. Now, in 2025, the club is hungry to take the next step and bring home a national title.

📋 Junior Ladies Squad – Inniskeen Grattans

  • Kathrina Byrne
  • Siobhain Cunningham
  • Clodagh McArdle
  • Aisling McKenna
  • Julianne Smith
  • Carol McKeown
  • Juliette McHugh
  • Sinead Hilliard
  • Fiona McArdle
  • Layla McArdle
  • Keavy McGeeney
  • Catherine Deery
  • Kate Martin
  • Annette O’Rourke
  • Aine Donaghy

Kilmore Rounders GAA Club – Club Bio

Kilmore Rounders GAA Club was established in October 2023 as a community-led initiative in North Roscommon. The club fields Ladies, Men’s, and Mixed teams, all competing at Junior level in GAA Rounders competitions. Its membership includes locals, newcomers to the parish, and people from around the globe, creating a welcoming and diverse community.

With a strong social spirit and inclusive atmosphere, the club has had a hugely positive impact—both on and off the field—capped by winning the Junior Nationals title in 2024. Kilmore Rounders Club is excited to continue building on that success in the years ahead.

Kilmore Ladies Junior Team

Management Team: John Paul Murray, Sean Boland & Jamie Sharkey

📋 Squad List:

  • Sinead Beirne
  • Siobhan Carroll
  • Ana Carr
  • Nicola Craughwell
  • Veronica Hunt
  • Pamela McGauran
  • Ruth McElhone
  • Mary McGowan
  • Barbara Murray
  • Carmel Murphy
  • Irene Reynolds
  • Joann Sharkey
  • Clodagh Sheehan

❌ Unavailable:

  • Niamh Bourke
  • Teresa Ffrench
  • Orla Harrington
  • Eleanor Kerrins
  • Sandra McTague
  • Martina O’Connor
  • Deirdre Stritch

🥎 Junior Ladies All-Ireland Quarter-Final

🕚 11:00am – Elphin (Roscommon) vs Carrickmacross (Monaghan)

📍 Venue: Clonguish GAA Grounds
🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Jack Cheyne


🎯 Match Preview

Elphin dominated Group B with 4 wins and an excellent 2.3 run rate. Their strength lies in their ability to combine power hitting with intelligent fielding. On their day, they look like serious contenders for the title.

Carrickmacross are also unbeaten, topping Group A with 4 wins of their own. Their all-round performances and tactical discipline mark them as a team not to be underestimated. This is a classic clash of styles—explosive hitting vs strategic execution—and could be the standout fixture of the round.

🔮 Verdict: Elphin by 1–2 runs in a thriller


🔴 Elphin Rounders Club – Club Bio

Bio to be confirmed.

📋 Junior Ladies Squad – Elphin

Panel to be confirmed.


🟣 Carrickmacross Rounders Club – Club Bio

Bio to be confirmed.

📋 Junior Ladies Squad – Carrickmacross

Panel to be confirmed.

🥎 Junior Ladies All-Ireland Quarter-Final

🕐 1:00pm – Castletown Liam Mellows (Wexford) vs St. Martin’s (Wexford)

📍 Venue: Ferns St. Aidans
🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Sarah McGuinness


🎯 Match Preview

Castletown Liam Mellows were the class act in Group D, winning all 4 games with a superb 3.8 run rate. They also impressed defensively—conceding just 42 runs—and enter the knockout stages full of confidence and control.

St. Martin’s posted big numbers in Group C but missed top spot on run rate. Their explosive offence is a major threat, though they’ll need to find ways to break through Castletown’s disciplined defensive setup.

🔮 Verdict: Castletown


🟣 Castletown Liam Mellows – Club Bio

Castletown Liam Mellows is based in the Castletown/Coolgreany area of Wexford. Their Junior Ladies Rounders team was launched in 2021 through the GAA Healthy Club programme. What began as a fun, social outlet quickly became a serious sporting project.

With over 40 women trying out initially, the team evolved through regular training and committed coaching. Now one of the most consistent teams in the grade, Castletown are a shining example of grassroots GAA development.

📋 Junior Ladies Squad – Castletown Liam Mellows

  • Caroline Kavanagh
  • Dani Redmond
  • Edel Morris
  • Ellen O’Shaughnessy
  • Julie O’Shaughnessy
  • Kathleen Collins
  • Mandy Callanan
  • Meghan Callanan
  • Meghan McHugh
  • Michelle Austin
  • Orlagh Masterson
  • Rebecca Jennings
  • Sandra Nugent
  • Sarah Holmes
  • Selena Gardiner
  • Shauna Gleeson
  • Aileen Ryan

🧢 Coaches

  • Pat Cody
  • Seamus Kavanagh

St Martins Club Bio

We started the club in 2022 with a Minor Ladies team, which took gold in 2022/23, followed by Minor Men and Mixed in 2024. This is our first year in the Adult Championship, and the Ladies were a force to be reckoned with in the league—winning 3 out of 4 of their matches with an impressive run rate.

With a blend of new and experienced players coming together for a challenge, they’ve embraced every moment and are thrilled to have reached the quarter-finals in their first year of adult championship action.

Junior Ladies Panel

  • Niamh Dempsey
  • Roisin Dempsey
  • Aoife Dempsey
  • Christine Stone
  • Deboragh Roche
  • Ciara Haugh
  • Jenny Jugesser
  • Kate Devereux
  • Rosin Waters
  • Lilly Murray
  • Leanne Butler
  • Orla Griffin

Come down and support your club—this is knockout Rounders at its best! 🙌

Let’s see who punches their ticket to the All-Ireland semis in Galway! 🏅

#GAARounders #AllIrelandQuarterFinals #JuniorChampionship #Clonguish2025y #RoadToGlory