Tag Archive for: Cuchulainn Rounders

GAA Rounders InterProvincial Tournament – 27 September 2026

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Barely two weeks after completing our third consecutive weekend of All-Ireland Finals, we’re all back on the road this Sunday and converging on the middle of the country and Athlone GAA for our InterProvincial Tournament. It’s been three and a half years since our last InterProvincial Tournament in Abbotstown – that was a Mixed event and the shield was won by Leinster. This time around we’ve mixed things up and are having two competitions – one for Men and the other for Women so both winners will be inaugural InterProvincial Champions – and that’s not something you get to be every day!

A quick explanation of the rules before we start previewing! What the InterPros Committee set out to achieve was to have squads as balanced as they could be. We wanted players from as many clubs as possible, playing at all three grades, to be given the opportunity to represent their province.

  • Each squad can be made up of 15 players, three each from Senior, Intermediate and Junior
  • No club was to have more than five representatives over the 15-player panel
  • Each starting team must be made up of three players from each grade and substitutions are to be like grade for like e.g. a Junior player can only be substituted for another Junior player
  • Player grades are based on the highest grade they played in 2025

As we go through the panels, you’ll see that we did bend these rules in a few cases where the required number of players weren’t available because, ultimately, we all want these games played and the rules were mainly to ensure that one panel wasn’t made up of 15 senior players and another of 15 junior players!

The semi-finals line-ups for both are Connacht vs Munster and Leinster vs Ulster and we’re staggering times so that each province’s teams are playing at opposite times. Let’s take a look at the panels, the players and what we can expect from the day.

Where? Athlone GAA, N37 PW42

When? 12pm Connacht vs Munster Women

              12.15pm Leinster vs Ulster Men

              2pm Leinster vs Ulster Women

              2.30pm Men’s Final

              4pm Women’s Final

Cost?   Free

Women’s Competition

Connacht vs Munster – 12pm

Connacht, the squad with the biggest Management Panel, also has a whole lot of All-Ireland finalists from Senior, Intermediate and Junior and, at first glance, is a very well-rounded, talented bunch of women (and Craig!).

Managed by three Galway City Rapparees players – Craig Davis, Jenna O’Brien and Gwen Redmond – and Kilmeena’s Caitríona Cox, this squad pulls from six Connacht clubs with a number of very experienced players set to line out.

Senior players are Breaffy’s Helen Gallagher and Kilmeena’s Noleen Coghlan and Irene Kaye. Intermediate Representatives are Elphin’s Gretta Davis (who played in 2025 with Intermediate side Michael Glavey’s), Athenry’s Assumpta Feeney, Lisa Guilfoyle and Tara Reapy and Galway City Rapparees Hazel Kilduff, Clodagh Naughton, Jessie Pereira (two extra Intermediate players allowed as there are only three Seniors). Connacht Women’s Junior representatives are Elphin’s Ciara Butler and Avril Coyne and Kilmore’s Nicola Craughwell and Clodagh Sheerin.

Connacht Women’s Squad

While a number of players on the eight original squads in March weren’t available for the rescheduled game in September, a special mention to Kilmore’s Ana Carr who misses out on her place following her injury incurred in the Junior Women’s Semi-final in August. We have no doubt that Ana will be on the next Connacht InterPros team!

Co-captains are Clodagh Sheerin and Hazel Kilduff.

Munster Rounders has no Senior teams and the only Intermediate players are the ladies who line out for St. Senan’s Mixed team, so special allowances had to be made for their squad. The revised date meant a lot of the original players were now unavailable so the new squad is made up of Knockainey player Jacki Hehir; St. Senan’s Back Catcher Dorothy Cullagh; Na Piarsaigh Back Catcher Sarah Stanley and nine of the St. Kieran’s ladies who played in last month’s Junior Women’s All-Ireland. They are Linda Clifford, Stephanie Downes, Gráinne Enright, Siobhán Halligan, Caitríona Hough, Majella O’Connor, Ashling O’Sullivan, Ashley Redmond and Sandra Walsh.

Munster is managed by St. Kieran’s Michael Sheahan and their Captain is Linda Clifford with Dorothy Cullagh as Vice Captain.

So, do we predict a winner?!! Connacht has a lot of talent all over the field. With multiple great batters, their fielding ability is pretty impressive too. Gretta Davis is an excellent pitcher, the Managers are spoiled for choice for a Short Stop with Avril Coyne, Clodagh Naughton and Irene Kaye all exceptional in the position. Helen Gallagher, Noleen Coghlan, Nicola Craughwell and Clodagh Sheerin are all super base minders and both Hazel Kilduff and Jessie Pereira are safe hands outfield. Both Lisa Guilfoyle and Ciara Butler are great Back Catchers and with a panel of 14 there will be plenty of fresh legs for substitutions.

On the other hand, ten of Munster’s panel of twelve have played in an All-Ireland final less than a month ago, nine of them on the winning side, so it’s hard to imagine they’ll be suffering from a lack of confidence in their abilities. With a full selection of infielders and outfielders and multiple Back Catchers from which to choose, Michael Sheahan’s only dilemma will be who to start as Pitcher with the unavailability of Deirdre Ambrose or Louise Kelly. But no doubt one of the panel has a hidden pitching talent we’re unaware of just yet.

So no, we don’t predict any winners, for any of these games. Mostly because it’s practically impossible but also because, like the All-Ireland finals, these games are so special and it’s such an honour and a source of pride to be chosen to represent your province that all we want for these men and women is to go out there, give it their all, enjoy the match(es) and take away very special memories of their achievement. Win or lose, there aren’t many of us can say we played Rounders for our province!

Leinster vs Ulster – 2pm

Our second Women’s semi-final will be between Leinster and Ulster. Leinster’s panel brings together 15 players from six clubs spread over four counties and is made up of Senior and Intermediate players from Glynn Barntown – Pamela Brennan, Liz Fitzgerald, Stephanie Kelly, Sheena King (Captain) and Alisha Reddy; Senior Cúchulainn ladies Amy Kelly, Leah Mullins and Amy Moloney, fellow Carlow Junior players Jen Kelly, Tracey McNally (Vice Captain) and Louise Riddell from Leighlinbridge and Wexford Junior women Deborah Roche and Christine Stone from St. Martin’s. Representing north Leinster are Dublin Metropolitans’ Laura Cuddihy and Skryne’s Karen Lynch.

Managed by The Heath’s Grace Salmon and Serena Lewis, Leinster’s Senior and Intermediate players are a seriously accomplished bunch and with baseminders and infielders from Glynn Barntown and Catchers and Outfielders from Cúchulainn they will form a strong core team. The three Leighlinbridge women all played their part in their team’s path to the Junior Women’s semi-finals this summer while Karen Lynch can pitch and play outfield and Laura Cuddihy is a strong batter and fielder. Again, this is a powerful batting team so opposing outfielders will need to be ready!

But this Ulster team is more than a match for anything the Leinster squad can fire at them. Outfielders like Lisa Flood, Lindsey O’Reilly, Louise McAndrew and Marie Whelan are excellent at catching and getting the ball back infield quickly and strong baseminders like Sharon Ivers, Carol McKeown and Arleen Ramsey will do damage with any ball thrown to them. Manager Shane Dolan will have multiple Pitcher and Catcher options with Louise Byrne, Áine Cahill, Catherine Deery and Lisa Lynch all capable and confident while Laura Hughes at Short Stop would have to be one of Ulster’s strongest assets.

Captained by Erne Eagles’ Lisa Flood, with Carrickmacross Emmets’ Louise Byrne as Vice-Captain, the Ulster squad is also made up of Carrickmacross Emmets Senior, Intermediate and Junior players Aoife Byrne, Laura Hughes, Aisling McDermott and Marie Whelan; fellow Monaghan side Inniskeen Grattans’ players Catherine Deery and Carol McKeown; Cavan ladies Áine Cahill, Sharon Ivers, Lisa Lynch and Louise McAndrew from St. Clare’s and Lindsey O’Reilly of Erne Eagles while Arleen Ramsey of Belfast side Wolfe Tones takes the final Junior slot on the team.

Both sides are very evenly balanced mixes of experienced senior players, capable Intermediate fielders and strong Juniors but will the depth of the Ulster squad, and the expertise of the skilled tactician that is their manager (I promise he didn’t pay me to say that 😉) give them the edge over the multi All-Ireland and All-Star winning, one extra player strong Leinster side? Sunday afternoon will reveal all!

Men’s Competition

And so we move on to the Men’s Competition. Where, unfortunately, we only have one semi-final, as Munster are unable to field a team and have given a walkover to Connacht who go straight into the final. So let’s have a look at the semi-final at 12.15pm where Leinster will take on Ulster.

Leinster vs Ulster – 12.15pm

Ulster come into this game with 10 of their 14 players the proud owners of shiny new gold All-Ireland medals this month. And even though the rumour is that they’ve spent most of the three weeks since 6 September celebrating, they’re still a fairly solid crew of talented and skilled players. Captained by Erne Eagles’ Justin Perrin, with Inniskeen Grattans’ Seán O’Connor filling the Vice Captain role, they are joined by Eagles Gerard Clerkin, Karl Dolan, Paul Mollaghan and Owen Roe O’Reilly, St. Clare’s men Wayne Gerber, Ciarán Gray, PJ Kelly, Chaz Solomons and Barry Walsh and Junior players from Inniskeen Grattans, Trevor Hilliard, and Wolfe Tones, David Mallon and Matthew Mallon.

Managing this team are two legends of the game – Erne Eagles’ Darryl Dolan and Shane Sheridan – so the experience and knowledge is both on the pitch and the sideline. With multiple talented players for every position, it won’t be an easy decision to pick a starting nine, but we have every confidence that these two will work it out!

Their Leinster opponents are managed by Cúchulainn ladies Carmel Moloney and Caroline Waters and their full squad of 15 has players from seven different teams across the province. Junior players are Myshall’s Shane Coburn, PJ Lalor, James Nolan and Eoin Rea as well as Gusserane’s Conor Murphy. Their Intermediate representatives are Dublin Metropolitan’s Carley brothers, Asa and Beau, Raheen’s Eunan Furlong and Emo stars Austin O’Meara and JP Tynan (Vice Captain). The Senior big guns are from both Glynn Barntown – Paul Cooper (Captain), Garry Jordan and Ian White – and Cúchulainn – Pierce Ryan and Peadar Waters. Some talent in that squad and quite a few lads not long off an All-Ireland final pitch either.

While both teams have undeniably strong Senior players, it may well come down to the depth of Intermediate and Junior talent available. As the bigger province, Leinster has a larger pool from which to draw and with both Junior Men’s All-Ireland finalists coming from the province, all five men had notable involvement in the recent final. Ulster has fewer Junior players and they bowed out of the All-Ireland Championship at an earlier stage. However, Ulster’s Intermediate men are all St. Clare’s players and all five of them played a blinder in their recent All Ireland final making it another very evenly balanced contest.

Men’s Final – 2.30pm

And then we’ll have the Final, which will definitely feature Connacht men, so let’s have a look at them and how they might fare. Managed by Mayo men Martin Hoban of Kilmeena and Aidan Lynskey of Breaffy, with Kilmeena’s Stephen Cox acting as Selector, this panel of 15 has a full complement of players from each grade. With Senior men from Breaffy – Mark Jennings, Jamie Murphy and Victor del Rosal;  Kilmeena – Tommy Hoban (Captain) and Michael Glavey’s – Oliver Conway, the top tier of players is very strong and has key positions both infield and outfield covered. Add to this their Intermediate men of Jay Hall, Tomás Kenny, Ajay Kumar, Rory McGarvey and Cathal Creaven (Vice Captain) – all from Galway City Rapparees and the depth of the panel goes up several notches. All of the Rapparees have been playing Senior Men this season and all except Ajay were part of the Intermediate Mixed team which recently won the All-Ireland final. Then we can include the Junior part of the squad which includes more All-Ireland winners Kilmore – represented by Aidan Carr, Breian Carroll, James Jamieson and Mark Harrington and Garrymore’s Fintan Hession and I think we can safely say that we have a balanced, strong and super impressive side.

Connacht Men’s Managers Aidan Lynskey & Martin Hoban

Kind of glad I’m not predicting any of these games as they’re all fairly hard to call. And isn’t that exactly what we’d hoped for from our InterProvincial Tournament? The best of the best from each province – from all grades – fighting it out to be crowned with one of the highest honours in our sport.

Our Referees on Sunday will be The Heath’s Danielle Keane and Michael Dowling and Limekiln’s Áine McLaughlin. A huge thanks to Joe Higgins of Galway City Rapparees for marking the pitches, to Kilmore’s Ana Carr for all her amazing work in designing our social media videos for the team reveals and to Athlone GAA for hosting our event.

Our InterProvincials Tournament couldn’t happen without the hard work and commitment of a lot of people and, while many of them have already been mentioned above, humour me while I thank them here again.

Ulster – Team Managers Darryl Dolan, Shane Dolan & Shane Sheridan, St. Clare’s Louise McAndrew for sorting pitches for training, Carrickmacross Emmets Ronan Kiernan for organising the Men’s team in March for the original date and Ulster Representative Arleen Ramsey for liaising with Ulster GAA to source kits for all players.

Connacht – Team Managers and Selectors Craig Davis, Jenna O’Brien, Gwen Redmond, Caitríona Cox, Martin Hoban, Aidan Lynskey and Stephen Cox and Galway City Rapparees Joe Naughton for arranging pitches for training and for sorting the team to play Connacht Men in their warm-up game.

Leinster – Grace Salmon, Serena Lewis, Carmel Moloney and Caroline Waters for managing teams but especially to Peadar Waters and PJ Lalor for organising, training, selecting, managing and playing!

Munster – Michael Sheahan who coordinated it all from start to finish and Ian Sheehy who worked tirelessly to get a Munster Men’s team sorted.

Ard Chomhairle for their support but especially to the Committee of Paula Doherty, Mark Jennings and Shirley Lennon

And most importantly, to the players. Without these men and women stepping up, coming to InterProvincial trainings sessions and making themselves available for Sunday, we would have no competition so míle buíochas agus buladh bos mór to you all.

The action starts at 12pm and we look forward to seeing you all there!

One final thing – don’t forget the next date in our calendar – Saturday 7 November is our annual All Stars awards night in the Osprey Hotel in Naas. If last year’s event is anything to go by, this won’t be a night to miss! Tickets on sale now from GAA Rounders All-Stars Night 2026 – Universe

GAA Rounders President Paula Doherty with Breaffy’s Mark Jennings and Jamie Murphy at the 2025 All-Stars Night

 

 

 

 

 

GAA Rounders Mixed All-Ireland Finals Previews – 13 September 2026

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We’ve made it lads! We’re at the last of our three weekends of Finals and there’s every chance the best has been saved for last. That’s a lot of pressure!

Both our Women’s and Men’s Days were amazing in every way – close games, excellent catches, fantastic batting and decent enough weather! – but as our USP, our code that marks us apart from any other Gaelic game at adult level and the GAA’s most inclusive sport, our Mixed finals will be a very special day in our calendar. The first year all three Mixed finals have been played on the same day in the same venue, this promises to be a thrilling, fast-paced and excitement-packed day for players, officials and spectators alike.

Moving out of Leinster, our venue for Sunday will be Mallow GAA and we’re very much looking forward to playing in their excellent facilities. With use of the main pitch, with a covered stand and terrace, we’re anticipating some amazing Rounders all day.

Junior Final: Galway City Rapparees vs Kilmore

I really should have told someone in March so you could believe how impressive my future telling skills are, but this was the Junior Mixed final I had hoped to see from before the 2026 season started! Two über-skilled squads with talent to burn on both sides, both highly entertaining to watch and both made up of some of the nicest people you could meet. Having watched, and refereed, both throughout the season, they have only improved as the year went on and are, without a doubt, our two best Junior Mixed sides from the 22 teams which started the year in May.

GAA Rounders President Paula Doherty with Jamie Sharkey and Nicola Craughwell of Kilmore and Mel Mannion and Ajay Kumar of Galway City Rapparees

Kilmore, from Roscommon, topped Mixed Group B winning all six of their games….without needing to ever play five innings. Hitting the knockout stages at the end of July, their quarter-final was against Carlow side Myshall who had also impressed all season. Tight until the fourth innings, Kilmore then found another gear and pulled ahead, going on to win the game 30-12 with a bat in hand.

Kilmore Junior Mixed

This led to a semi-final match-up against Na Piarsaigh of Limerick who had impressed in their quarter-final against Carrickmacross Emmets, winning by the tightest of margins. Having lost their Women’s semi-final to eventual winners St. Kieran’s of Limerick that morning – and having also lost their First Base minder, Ana Carr, to a broken leg and dislocated ankle that morning – the Roscommon side were fired up to ensure that this result went their way. And went their way it did, running out winners on a 16-1 scoreline. On fire that day, Oisín Boland missed nothing and was responsible for six outs from clean catches. A few others helped him out on the day but safe to say Oisín was Player of that Match!

Galway City Rapparees played less matches to get to the knockout stages – their Mixed Group A only had four teams but with three wins in the bag, they were quarter-final bound and met Emo of Laois in Tymon Park. In a fairly clinical display of both batting and fielding skill, they won that game 15-3 with standout performances from Ajay Kumar, Greg Mannion and Cat Carty. Their semi-final pairing was against Monaghan side Inniskeen Grattans who had overcome Leighlinbridge in an exciting and fast-paced quarter-final. Once again, Rapparees hit the ground running and cruised to an 18-7 win with a bat in hand.

Galway City Rapparees Junior Mixed

And now, here we are, with the two top teams facing off in the ultimate challenge to see who is the top Junior Mixed team in Rounders for 2026.

We’re really looking forward to seeing the skill, ability, tactics, game awareness and speed of these players. We can’t wait for the catches – from infielders and outfielders alike. We know we’ll be bowled over (see what I did there!) by the pitchers and the quick reflexes of the back catchers. And we’re expecting top class batting, speedy running and a bit of base stealing! But most of all, we know this will be a display of sportsmanship of the highest level because as well as talent in abundance, these two sides have displayed all year just how sporting and respectful they are – to Referees and their opponents. And win, lose or draw, that’s one of the most important things we could have in an All-Ireland final.

I can’t tell you how excited and honoured I am to be Referee for this game and I’m delighted to be joined by local umpires, St. Kieran’s Michael Sheahan, St. Senan’s Ian Sheehy and Kildimo Pallaskenry’s Hazel Hartigan.

Ádh mór oraibh go léir

Intermediate Final: Emo vs Galway City Rapparees

Nope, not a typo, those Galway City Rapparees will be back again at 1pm in yet another final – three in one year, not too shabby! This time their Intermediate Mixed team will be hoping to take the leap to join their Men in the Senior Ranks in 2027. And standing in their way will be last year’s Intermediate Mixed beaten finalists, Laois’ finest, Emo.

GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty with Intermediate Mixed finalists Tomás Kenny, left, and Alex Stewart of Galway City Rapparees and John Paul Tynan and Claire Hyland of Emo

Since losing out last year, by just one run, to Erne Eagles, Emo have spent this year honing their skills, practicing hard, recruiting a few new players – The Heath’s Austin O’Meara and Aaron Keane – and just doubling down on the great play that got them to last year’s final.

With two geographically split groups in Intermediate Mixed, Emo were drawn against Dublin Metropolitans, Glynn Barntown, Gusserane and Raheen and won all four of their games by at least five runs, setting them up for a semi-final rematch of last year’s final against Erne Eagles. On that August morning in Galway, Emo showed their grit and resilience by winning 17-10 and marching on into the final.

Emo Intermediate Mixed

And what of the Galway Rapparees and their path to the final? In Intermediate Mixed Group B, consisting of Connacht, Munster and Ulster teams they also won all four of their games – against Erne Eagles, Michael Glavey’s, St. Clare’s and St. Senan’s – comprehensively in some cases, and got themselves to a semi-final against Dublin Metropolitans. Another decisive victory (28-6) saw them move one step closer to another title and set up a final against Emo.

Having met last year at the semi-final stages, a game which Emo won by one run, Rapparees will be anxious to overturn that result and take the win and the title. Both sides show excellent game knowledge and we can expect to see clever play, smart batting and some base stealing if infielders are slow.

One of the interesting things about this game is that both teams have very different styles and come at the sport from different angles, but it still has the makings of a very close contest and of being a fine example of how spectacular our game is when played well.

Galway Rapparees Intermediate Mixed

As with the Junior Mixed final, this Intermediate decider will be contested by the top two teams in the country at this level which, on paper, means that we’ll see the best of the best battle it out for the title. In reality what we’ll hopefully see is two teams that really want to play senior next year, 18 players, and substitutes, that want to give their all for their club to take the cup and the honours, and two clubs who have spent an entire year preparing for and working towards this moment showing us just how ready to be part of our 2027 Senior Championship they are.

Ádh mór gach duine…bainigí taitneamh as an cluiche!

Our Intermediate final Referee will be PJ Lalor of Myshall, and he will be assisted by umpires Hazel Hartigan, Michael Sheahan and Niall Sheehy.

And for the final time in these articles I need to recognise and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the five Club Secretaries of the teams involved in Sunday’s finals for their help and assistance all year. Anyone who hasn’t held the title of Club Secretary really can’t understand the number of hours, the commitment, the patience and tenacity and the sheer determination that keeps them going through an entire season of organising, emailing, WhatsApping, chasing, writing, replying and sometimes just annoying people until they get a response. You – and the 62 other Club Secretaries of our 2026 affiliated clubs  – are the backbone of our organisation and I’m in awe of the amount of work you all do voluntarily, for no other reason than that you love Rounders. But today, my special thanks are extended to Joe, Ruth, Claire, Ciara and Aileen – superstars every one of you!

Senior Mixed Final: Breaffy vs Glynn Barntown

Our Final game of the day, and of the Championship season, will be our Senior Mixed final and the honour of lifting the Dympna Reilly Cup will fall to either the defending Champions, Breaffy of Mayo, or Glynn Barntown of Wexford.

As a wise man once said “you don’t just accidentally show up in the finals”! And he’s right – it takes a lot of hard work and dedication – winter leagues, pre-season strength and conditioning, training all season long, hours of travelling, the highs and lows of winning and losing, injuries, arguments, difficult decisions and a lot of jersey washing! And these teams have seen all that, and more, since April when we started back for 2026.

GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty with Senior Mixed finalists Victor del Rosal and Michelle Hopkins of Breaffy and Aileen Kelly of Glynn Barntown

The year started with seven Senior Mixed teams – from Breaffy in the north west to Glynn Barntown in the south east, Limekiln on the east coast to Kilmeena on the west coast, Carrickmacross Emmets, and Erne Eagles in Ulster and Cúchulainn in south Leinster. With everyone playing everyone else, a lot of miles were driven and 21 games played over three and a half months.

Our semi-finals took place on 23 August in Monaghan GAA Centre of Excellence with the first match being contested by Breaffy and Carrickmacross Emmets.

Unbeaten all year, Breaffy won all their league games. With the exception of their May encounters with Cúchulainn and Glynn Barntown, both of which had tight scorelines, they won by multiple runs and often with a bat or more in hand. Their ability to punish mistakes, spot opportunities and work together as a team is why they are going for their third Senior Mixed title in a row. Champions don’t stay Champions unless they put in the work, continue to develop their skills, develop their squads and show up continuously.

Breaffy Senior Mixed

The Breaffy team who won their semi-final against Carrickmacross Emmets was a tried and tested formula of players who know what to do and how to do it, who can anticipate each other’s moves and know how to win games. Leading from the first innings and adding to their score in each successive at bat they kept Carrickmacross bringing home no more than two runners in any innings and scoreless for the final two. While most of the outs were from clean catches – Colin Cannon, Colm Jordan, Michelle Hopkins, Katie Groonell, Victor del Rosal and John Gibbons all getting in on the action – there were also outs on base – from Mark Jennings and Gráinne Gavin – showing their speed at getting the ball to base.

Glynn Barntown’s route to final was similarly impressive with only their defeat to Breaffy marring their perfect record. Their final scores were mostly tighter but a win is a win! Their semi-final was against Carlow side Cúchulainn and it was a cracker, as we knew it would be. Although the Wexford team lead from the first innings, it was one of those games that always had the potential to turn around and every innings was hard fought, by both sides. Glynn Barntown set down a marker in the first with three up, three out which is the start every team wants. But Cúchulainn made them work for their victory with some spectacular catches and outs on base of their own. At their seventh time to bat, Cúchulainn needed five to draw but with two catches and an out on base Glynn Barntown closed that down within the first four batters and booked their place in Sunday’s final against Breaffy.

Glynn Barntown Senior Mixed

As we’ve seen for the past two Sundays in our Senior Finals, coming into a final as defending Champion brings its own level of pressure and Breaffy will be aware of this. They will also want to complete this three in a row while Glynn Barntown will be anxious to take the title – which they last won in 2019 – back to Wexford.

We know that both teams can produce the goods – we’ve seen how skilful and strategic they can be, we know they can catch balls from the sky, hit sliotars 80m, run fast and throw long, we know they both support their fellow players through good and bad and we’re really looking forward to seeing all that, and more, from 3.30pm on Sunday in Mallow.

Beirigí bua gach duine!

A special final deserves a legendary Referee and we’ve kept the best til last and asked our Vice President Michael Dowling to officiate for this game. Keeping it in The Heath family, his umpires will be Danielle Keane, Serena Lewis and Grace Salmon.

Just a reminder for those of you unable to attend that all three finals will be live streamed on TG4 Sport’s YouTube channel with live commentary for all matches. Coverage will start at 10.50am.

For anyone who can attend, tickets are required and can be purchased at the following link

GAA Rounders Mixed All-Ireland Finals 2026 – Universe

For the last time this year, the very best of luck to all five clubs involved in Sunday’s finals. One last day of top-quality Rounders, one final Championship Sunday of standing pitchside, one last day of sandwiches and coffee in a tent in the wind and rain…what are we all going to do on 20 September?!! Luckily, we have the InterPros to look forward to on 27 September😉

But first, let’s enjoy our day in The Rebel County and all the excitement and thrills of our Mixed All-Ireland Finals Day. For players and managers alike, what we hope for you for Sunday is that you have a great game, that you do yourselves proud, that you leave it all on the pitch and that you show the entire world watching – in person and online – what a great game Rounders is when it’s played by passionate, talented, committed players.

And the last word goes to Babe Ruth – “Never allow the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game”.

GAA Rounders All-Ireland Women’s Final Review – 30 August 2026

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Sunday 30 August was a remarkable for GAA Rounders in many ways. It was our first ever Women’s All-Ireland Finals Day: one Senior team was going for a record-matching five-in-a-row; one Senior team barely made the closing date for entering; two years ago both Intermediate finalists were playing Junior rounders; and one of our Junior finalists was newly formed for this season.

Added to that, our Women’s final presentations were being made by our first ever female GAA Rounders President. And added again was the first time all nine of our finals would be live streamed on TG4 Sport with full commentary. The build-up to the day was fantastic, the media coverage – social, print, and radio – was more than ever seen before, and the excitement was evident in the days leading up to the finals.

Although weather forecasts had predicted a wet, miserable day with rain threatening to make playing conditions poor, the day started bright and sunny. While the sun disappeared early enough, the rain held off for large portions of the day, which was very welcome! With players sporting their green GAA Rounders 2026 wristbands, a full guestlist of invited guests, and over 200 tickets sold, the day promised to be colourful, loud, and full of excitement.

Junior Final: St. Kieran’s vs St. Senan’s

At 10.40am, with children from both clubs involved in the Junior Final lining the entrance to the pitch waving their sides’ flags, and to the strains of Limerick’s finest—The Cranberries’ Dreams – Emma Galvin led her St. Kieran’s team onto Pitch 1 Abbotstown. Followed shortly afterwards by Kyra Hogan and St. Senan’s – to Free From Desire by Gala—the noise level went up a notch and stayed that way for the rest of the day’s proceedings. After team photographs were taken, the anthem was sung by Máire Dineen of St. Kieran’s and proceedings got underway.

Junior Women’s Captains Kyra Hogan (St. Senan’s) and Emma Galvin (St. Kieran’s)

Winning the toss, St. Kieran’s elected to field, and the first innings for both teams was a settling period where nerves got the better of players a few times and catches or outs that would never have been missed in training were fumbled. That said, both teams got through their full batting order and scored four runs each.

In to bat for the second time, St. Senan’s managed to get another four runs on the board, while excellent fielding meant that they held St. Kieran’s scoreless, going into the third with a four-run lead. However, the St. Kieran’s ladies doubled down on their fielding and got three of the first four batters out, then stormed into bat and brought six home, leaving the score 10-8 in their favour.

In their penultimate batting innings, St. Senan’s were once again held scoreless, returning the favour to St. Kieran’s at bat, meaning that St. Senan’s went into their final bat needing at least two to draw the game. It wasn’t to be, with only pitcher Louise Kelly managing to get home before the third out, leaving the final score 10-9 to St. Kieran’s.

Junior Final Referee Jay Hall presents the match ball to Player of the Match Sandra Walsh of St. Kieran’s

The game was refereed – for the first time with a live microphone feed which helped spectators follow along with the ball calls and outs – by Galway City Rapparees’ Jay Hall, with umpires Áine McLaughlin and Ciarán Weldon of Limekiln and Justin Perrin of Erne Eagles. The match officials’ pick for Player of the Match was St. Kieran’s Centre Outfielder Sandra Walsh, who had some fantastic catches and got home twice.

Intermediate Final: Elphin vs Galway City Rapparees

At 1pm, and with a change of direction on the pitch to protect the grass, it was time for our Intermediate Final. After just one season at the grade, last year’s Junior Final runners-up Elphin took on Galway City Rapparees.

Elphin Intermediate Women run onto the pitch before the Intermediate Final

Batting first, Elphin, in a great display of base-running bravery, got one runner – Avril Coyne – home.  Rapparees went one better and got two on the scoreboard in their first innings. What followed for the next three innings was the highly unusual situation where neither side got anyone home, and we went into the final innings with the same score as we had at the bottom of the first: 2-1 to Rapparees.

With some smart batting and tactical running, Elphin got two runners home, leaving Rapparees needing one to force the game to extra innings or two to win. With bases loaded, Jessie Pereira stepped up to bat and sent the ball out over first base to bring two home and win the game for the Galway side.

Galway City Rapparees Intermediate Women

Referee for this game was Erne Eagles’ Darryl Dolan and his umpires – also from Erne Eagles – were Shane Sheridan, Gerard Clerkin, and Paul Mollaghan. Darryl’s Player of the Match, for her excellent double out with a clean catch and throw to second to get an out on base, was Caitríona Carty. Our Intermediate Final Anthem singer was Galway City Rapparees’ Jay Hall.

Senior Final: Breaffy vs Limekiln

Our final game of the day was our Senior Final between reigning Champions Breaffy of Mayo and Dublin side Limekiln. Breaffy have won the CJ Haughey trophy for the past four years in a row and were aiming for a record-breaking five-in-a-row to match Castlebar and Rathdowney. Limekiln, meanwhile, weren’t even sure they had a team for this year’s Championship until the closing date! Both sides had good league campaigns, with Breaffy winning all their games while Limekiln’s only loss was to Breaffy (they also drew with Erne Eagles).

Senior Final Referee AnnMarie Brennan with Michelle Hopkins of Breaffy and Emma Hudson of Limekiln

Captains Emma Hudson and Michelle Hopkins led their teams onto the pitch to great support and colour, and having won the toss, Breaffy elected to field first. They took an early 5-2 lead with a strong performance in the first innings, both batting and fielding. Both sides scored two in the second innings and, in a repeat of the Intermediate game’s third innings, no runs were scored due to some tight fielding from both sides.

The fourth innings was where the gap started to close, with Breaffy only managing to get Short Stop Gráinne Gavin home while Limekiln’s three former Kevin’s players – Serena Costelloe, Erica Meslin, and Merilin Neiland – all sprinted home to leave the scores level at 10 all going into the fifth.

While Breaffy scored two runs in the fifth, Limekiln only got one home, and so Breaffy went into the sixth innings again with a slight lead. However, the sixth was the innings that made all the difference for Limekiln, bringing five home, to Breaffy’s two, and giving them a four-run lead. Breaffy’s Helen Gallagher and Michelle Hopkins both managed to get home in the seventh before the third out, but it was too little and Limekiln took the win and the title of All-Ireland Senior Women’s Champions 2026.

Referee AnnMarie Brennan (Cúchulainn) officiated with her umpires PJ Lalor of Myshall, Justin Perrin of Erne Eagles, and Leah Mullins of Cúchulainn. Their pick for Player of the Match was Emma Johnson of Limekiln, who had some outstanding catches at Left Outfield. The final anthem of the day was sung by Dearbhla Lennon.

Limekiln -All Ireland Senior Women’s Champions 2026

Special Guests & Thanks

In the stand were supporters of all six finals teams, players from Nobber Rounders in Meath (who won the Facebook competition for tickets to attend the Finals), and our invited guests:

  • Camogie Association President Brian Molloy and Ard Stiúrthóir Karen Dessain-Gelinet
  • LGFA President Trina Murray and CEO Lyn Savage
  • Active Disability Ireland CEO Brenda O’Donnell
  • Author and Podcast Host Sarah McDevitt
  • Nora Stapleton, Director with Sport Ireland
  • Former President of the Camogie Association, Phyllis Breslin
  • Former Ard Stiúrthóir of the Camogie Association, Sheila Wallace

GAA Rounders President Paula Doherty with Camogie Association President Brian Molloy and LGFA President Trina Murray

All three games were live streamed on TG4 Sport’s YouTube Channel by Click Zoom with commentary from Eddie Healy, Emma Perrin, and Shirley Lennon. Brady Sound & Lighting supplied the excellent background music as well as the PA system to allow our Referees to be heard and our MC to introduce our teams and keep spectators updated on the score. Karl Gormley was on hand to photograph every moment, and we look forward to seeing his record of the day.

Huge thanks to the following Ard Chomhairle, Juvenile Committee, and club members, without whose help the day would not have run as smoothly as it did: Aidan Carr, Craig Davis, Paula Doherty, Michael Dowling, Mag Doyle, Séamus Keegan, PJ Lalor, Shirley Lennon, and Carmel Moloney.

Up Next: Men’s Finals Day!

And the best bit is that we get to do it all over again next Sunday, when our Men’s All-Ireland Finals take place in Offaly GAA Centre of Excellence, Kilcormac from 11am!

Schedule for Sunday:
  • 11am (Junior Men’s Final): Gusserane (Wexford) vs Myshall (Carlow)
  • 1pm (Intermediate Men’s Final): St. Clare’s (Cavan) vs St. Senan’s (Limerick)
  • 3.30pm (Senior Men’s Final): Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan) vs Erne Eagles (Cavan)

Previews for all three matches will be on our website later in the week – but one thing is for sure, the lads have a lot to live up to in order to match the spectacular Rounders, the brilliant atmosphere, and the amazing day we all had in Abbotstown on Sunday!

Link to buy tickets for Men’s Finals Day GAA Rounders Men’s All-Ireland Finals 2026 – Universe

Link to buy tickets for Mixed Finals Day GAA Rounders Mixed All-Ireland Finals 2026 – Universe

 

GAA Rounders – Meet the Referees – Mixed All-Ireland Finals

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Our last day of Finals for 2026 will be Sunday 13 September and Mallow GAA will host our Mixed deciders. As the only GAA code played at adult level by Mixed teams, this will be a showcase for our sport and a day not to be missed. Starting at 11am with our Junior Final, Intermediate teams will take to the pitch at 1pm and our Senior clash will take place at 3.30pm, closing out three amazing weekends of All-Ireland Finals.

Junior Mixed

Contested by two Connacht clubs – Galway City Rapparees and Roscommon’s Kilmore – our Junior Mixed final will be refereed by GAA Rounders National Secretary, Shirley Lennon.

Shirley Lennon

Refereeing since 2024, Shirley has taken on Senior reffing duties this year but really enjoys travelling the country to cover games at whatever level is being played. With one of the highest mileage counts of any Referee this season, Shirley has reffed matches in 11 different counties, and three provinces, since April. Cork will complete the full set of provinces!

This will be Shirley’s first time to referee an All-Ireland final, an honour she is delighted to have been given, and she will bring her knowledge of the game, her love of the sport and her sense of humour to the day!

Fun Fact: Shirley played in the first ever GAA Rounders Junior Mixed All-Ireland final in 2021, so this is a competition very close to her heart!

Intermediate Mixed

Featuring in their third All-Ireland final of the season, Galway City Rapparees will take on Laois side Emo in this eagerly anticipated game and the man behind Home Base will be Myshall’s PJ Lalor.

PJ Lalor

Refereeing since 2025, PJ quickly proved that his calm manner, knowledge of the rules and ability to control a game makes him a great Referee. Stepping up to cover Senior games this year, he has been a regular at fixtures of all grades all over south Leinster and the midlands and is delighted to be appointed to his first All-Ireland final.

Fun Fact: PJ will feature in two All-Ireland finals this year – as well as refereeing the Intermediate Mixed game, he will captain, and play with, the Myshall Men’s team in their Junior final against Gusserane on 6 September.

Senior Mixed

Although the teams who will contest this game have yet to be decided – Senior Semi-finals will take place on Sunday 23 August and the final will be between Breaffy/Carrickmacross Emmets and Cúchulainn/Glynn Barntown – the Referee has been chosen and will be none other than GAA Rounders Vice President Michael Dowling.

Michael Dowling

Within our community, nobody knows our game better, has dedicated more time to the organisation, both at club level and nationally, or loves our sport more than Michael and his years of experience make him an excellent choice to referee this, our final Final of 2026.

Fun Fact: Although involved with GAA Rounders for more years than most of us can remember, this is Michael’s first time to referee a Senior All-Ireland Final. We’re very glad we got the chance to rectify that this year.

And there you have it, all nine All-Ireland Finals Referees revealed. With a blend of experience and enthusiasm, long-time veterans and first-time appointees, the two things all our Referees have in common are a love of our game and a great knowledge of our rules! We wish them all the very best and hope they enjoy their games.

  • Junior Women – Jay Hall
  • Junior Men – Mark Jennings
  • Junior Mixed – Shirley Lennon
  • Intermediate Women – Darryl Dolan
  • Intermediate Men – Philip Keane
  • Intermediate Mixed – PJ Lalor
  • Senior Women – AnnMarie Brennan
  • Senior Men – Danielle Keane
  • Senior Mixed – Michael Dowling

Tickets available as follows:

Women’s Finals – 30 August Buy tickets here

Men’s Finals – 6 September Buy tickets here

Mixed Finals – 13 September Buy tickets here

GAA Rounders – Meet the Referees – Women’s All-Ireland Finals

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With our 2026 All-Ireland Finals line-ups almost complete, it is time to turn the spotlight on the dedicated officials who will be managing the game, tracking every pitch, and ensuring our showpiece games run smoothly.

While the focus will, rightly, be on the teams, the players and their management, the Referees and their umpires are an important part of the day too. Officiating an All-Ireland Final is a major honour. Over the next three days, we will reveal the appointed referees for each of our upcoming Finals Days.

We will begin today with our Women’s Finals. In a first for GAA Rounders, all three Women’s finals – Junior, Intermediate and Senior – will take place on the same day – Sunday 30 August – at the NGDC, Abbotstown, Dublin 15.

This will be a day to celebrate the women who play our sport, at all levels, and it’s shaping up to be a fantastic day of Rounders. Starting at 11am with our Junior final – between St. Kieran’s and St. Senan’s, continuing at 1pm with our Intermediate final between Galway City Rapparees and Elphin and culminating in our 3.30pm Senior Final between Breaffy and Limekiln.

Junior Women’s Final

Taking charge of the all-Limerick Junior derby is a man playing his Rounders west of the Shannon, though his journey began much further west. Originally from Philadelphia, the Galway City Rapparees Back Catcher, actor, and singer Jay Hall is our 2026 Junior Women’s Final Referee.

Jay Hall

Jay began refereeing in 2025, taking charge of Junior fixtures across Connacht and Limerick, and rapidly demonstrated his sharp command of the Rule Book. After progressing to Junior quarter-finals and Intermediate semi-finals this season, Jay now takes on his first national decider.

Fun Fact: Jay’s referee match reports read like novels! Every single play, catch, and out is chronicled in meticulous detail. Other Referees take note – getting Jay’s reports is so entertaining we might just make that level of storytelling mandatory for 2027!

Intermediate Women’s Final

With the Intermediate final being an all-Connacht clash between Galway City Rapparees and Roscommon’s Elphin, an Ulster official steps in to take the reins. Multi All-Ireland winner, All-Star recipient, and Erne Eagles stalwart Darryl Dolan brings a wealth of experience to this game.

Darryl Dolan

The Cavan team’s Senior Men’s pitcher, and sometime outfielder, returned from injury this season, showcasing his usual high standard across Senior Men and Senior Mixed campaigns while juggling refereeing duties.

Fun Fact: This is far from Darryl’s first All-Ireland final, either playing or officiating. When asked how many finals he has refereed over his career, his official answer was simply: “I dunno”—so we will safely assume it’s well into double figures!

Senior Women’s Final

The final game of the day sees four-in-a-row champions Breaffy of Mayo face Dublin’s Limekiln, and will be officiated by one of our most experienced senior referees, Carlow’s AnnMarie Brennan.

AnnMarie Brennan

Representing Cúchulainn Rounders Club, with whom she has collected numerous national honours, AnnMarie has been officiating since her teenage years. Her extensive rule knowledge, calm game management, and long-standing dedication make her an ideal choice for the Senior decider.

Fun Fact: Officially on maternity leave following the arrival of baby Oisín in May, AnnMarie initially returned for a one-off refereeing appearance at the World Games in Waterford this July. Having caught the Refereeing bug once again, she offered to cover some local fixtures before answering the call for the Senior Women’s decider – and we are delighted she did!

Each of our Referees will have three base umpires to assist them. With a wealth of experience, knowledge and skill behind them, we know that all three Women’s finals will run smoothly and show spectators just how great our game is.

On Wednesday we will reveal the Referees who will be responsible for our three Men’s finals on Sunday 6 September in Offaly GAA’s Centre of Excellence in Kilcormac.

 

GAA Rounders Championship Semi-Final Preview – 15 & 16 August 2026

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GAA ROUNDERS • 2026

ALL-IRELAND
SEMI-FINAL WEEKEND

10
ALL-IRELAND
SEMI-FINALS

2
MASSIVE
DAYS

20
TOP
TEAMS

2
HOST
VENUES

With the exception of our three Finals Sundays in August and September,this weekend coming is the highlight of our calendar.

Ten All-Ireland Semi-finals over two days.

Twenty of our top Intermediate and Senior teams will take to a pitch in
Galway or Monaghan
and for anyone lucky enough to be in either venue, or both, this will be a weekend of Rounders to remember!

●
GALWAY		 INTERMEDIATE
& SENIOR		 MONAGHAN
●

ALL-IRELAND SEMI-FINAL WEEKEND • AUGUST 2026

Intermediate Women

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

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

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

Galway Rapparees women’s team

Galway Rapparees women’s team

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Referee: Shirley Lennon

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Elphin

Referee: Jay Hall

Intermediate Men

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

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

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

Kilmore Intermediate Men

 

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Kilmore

Referee: Michael Slevin

St. Senan’s Intermediate Men

 

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: St. Senan’s

Referee: Shirley Lennon

 

Intermediate Mixed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Emo

Referee: Seán Bailey

Intermediate mixed team

Galway Rapparees Intermediate mixed team

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Referee: Seán Bailey

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

GAA ROUNDERS • 2026
SENIOR
SEMI-FINALS

DATE
SUNDAY 16 AUG
FROM
1PM
LOCATION
MONAGHAN

With no time for a rest, all eyes will be on Monaghan GAA’s Centre of Excellence in Cloghan, Co. Monaghan from 1pm on Sunday for our Senior Men’s and Women’s Semi-finals.
For the first time, this year Ard Chomhairle decided to separate our Men’s and Women’s semi-finals from our Mixed semi-finals, to prevent any player from having to play two seven innings games on the same day.

7
INNINGS
All Senior Semi-finals & Finals
According to our Constitution, all Senior Semi-finals and Finals are decided over seven innings games. Men’s and Women’s deciders will be this Sunday, 16 August, while Mixed Semi-finals will be held on Sunday 23 August, in the same venue.

SUNDAY 16 AUGUST
MEN & WOMEN
SENIOR SEMI-FINALS
SUNDAY 23 AUGUST
MIXED
SENIOR SEMI-FINALS

VENUE
MONAGHAN GAA CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
CLOGHAN • CO. MONAGHAN

Senior Women

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

Breaffy Senior Women

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Breaffy

Referee: Philip Keane

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Limekiln

Referee: Danielle Keane

 

Senior Men

Erne Eagles Senior Men

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

Galway City Rapparees Senior Men

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

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

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

Prediction: Erne Eagles

Referee: Philip Keane

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

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

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

Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets

Referee: Danielle Keane

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAA Rounders Championship Preview – 2 August 2026

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After a two Sunday break – while we let the limelight fall on some county hurlers and footballers – we’re back to league action and the last two Sundays of games before we start Intermediate and Senior knockout stages.

While last Saturday was a fantastic day of quarter-finals, our Junior teams can take this weekend off and we’ll focus on our Intermediate and Senior grades.

13 games will take place in Wexford, Carlow, Mayo and Galway and Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams will all take to the pitch to fight it out for semi-final places in those six competitions.

The West Is Most Definitely Awake!

After a fantastic Junior Mixed win in Dublin last weekend, no rest for Galway City Rapparees as their Senior Men, Intermediate Mixed and Intermediate Women all line out this Sunday. Hosting neighbours Kilmeena, slightly further away neighbours Michael Glavey’s and not neighbours at all Erne Eagles, this promises to be a brilliant day of Rounders in Galway – never mind Race Week, this is the Galway sporting action everyone will be watching!

Galway City Rapparees Senior Men

With two pitches on the go for the day, action starts at 12pm with Senior Men when the hosts take on Erne Eagles. Undefeated this season, the Cavan side are the team to beat. Just showing up on Sunday will take them to the top of the table while a win for Rapparees will put them on level points with Breaffy. As Breaffy won their head-to-head match, they’ll still be higher placed. However, for a team in their debut year at Senior, that would be some achievement. A loss on Sunday will leave the Galway men dependant on whether Carrickmacross Emmets beat Glynn Barntown on 9 August to see if they qualify in third or fourth place out of the group for Semi-finals.

The second Senior match of the day in Galway, at 1.45pm, will be between Erne Eagles and Kilmeena in Senior Mixed. In April, who would have predicted that Eagles, last year’s beaten finalists, would find themselves at the bottom of the table in July? With both teams propping up the table, this game will be played for pride and not having the ignominy of finishing last!

Galway City Rapparees Intermediate Women

Galway City Rapparees’ Intermediate Women have had a fairly quiet summer up to now, not having played since May. Having beaten Elphin and St. Clare’s, their season got off to a great start but will the two-month break, as well as playing two games in the same afternoon, mean that they’re fired up and ready to march on to semi-finals or that they’ve lost their edge? Smart money is probably on the first option! Kilmeena have had a disappointing year, and injuries and player unavailability has left them struggling. A win at the end of the season would definitely boost confidence for next year and for their Senior Mixed game which follows the Women’s game. No matter the result of this game, the Galway girls will have to keep their heads high and their gamefaces on and get ready for a second Women’s game against Roscommon’s Michael Glavey’s at 3.30pm. Another side that hasn’t had the best season, Glavey’s would undoubtedly love to record a win and sneak up the table to match St. Clare’s on points. With neither Kilmeena nor Glavey’s in a position to qualify out of the group, wins on Sunday will just make everyone feel a bit happier and will end the season on a high. Normally so kind and positive, it seems unlikely that Rapparees will grant those wishes!

Erne Eagles Intermediate Mixed

The final Intermediate game of the day, at 1.45pm, features Galway City Rapparees’ and Erne Eagles’ Mixed teams. Another group where Rapparees have had a quiet summer – they haven’t played an Inter Mixed game since May either – they still have two games to play to finish out their league fixtures. They also play St. Senan’s next Tuesday and losing to both the Limerick and Cavan sides would mean that Rapparees would be out of the Championship. Erne Eagles lost to St. Senan’s but beat both St. Clare’s and Michael Glavey’s and will be hoping for a third win in a row to bring them into their second consecutive semi-final.

Predictions:

  • Senior Men – Erne Eagles
  • Senior Mixed – Erne Eagles
  • Intermediate Mixed – Galway City Rapparees
  • Intermediate Women – Galway City Rapparees to win both

Referees:

  • Senior Games – Seán Bailey
  • Intermediate Games – Shirley Lennon

Also in Connacht there will be one game at 1pm in Mayo – where they’ll probably still be celebrating – when The Heath head to Breaffy for both sides’ final game of this year’s league. Undefeated Breaffy meeting ‘yet to register a win’ The Heath looks predictable but, sometimes, it’s those very games that surprise everyone and, while the ladies from The Heath have struggled with player availability and the jump from Intermediate to Senior this year, they have a fantastic never-say-die attitude that has served them well this year. It would be great to see a really good contest here and for both sides to play their best and show what they can do!

Prediction: Breaffy

Referee: Gretta Davis

Sunny South-East Showdown!

370km away, in southern Wexford, Glynn Barntown will be hosting their near neighbours Raheen in Senior Men’s and Women’s, and Intermediate Mixed games. Starting at 12.30pm with Men, form would suggest that the hosts will be victorious. Raheen have yet to win a match this year and, while Glynn Barntown’s performances haven’t always been amazing, a win would bring them to midtable and, with Carrickmacross Emmets still to travel to them next weekend, would give them a fighting chance of qualifying for semi-finals.

Raheen Rounders

Senior Women is still a bit difficult to predict qualifiers from, and with two games each left to play, Glynn Barntown and Raheen have more opportunities than most to work their way up the table. Raheen won’t qualify but Glynn Barntown, if they can win this Sunday and the following weekend against Carrickmacross, will hope to make a semi-final. Raheen’s Women’s team this year has seen plenty of new faces who have stuck with it all season and are improving but it will likely take until next year before they start winning against seasoned Senior Women’s sides. But, for a team only in their second year at Senior, they are holding their own, have fielded every game and played their best.

The middle game in Wexford on Sunday is between both club’s Intermediate Mixed teams. A win for Raheen will guarantee them a semi-final place while a loss will leave three teams – Dublin Metropolitans, Glynn Barntown and Raheen – on 16 points and every run scored on Sunday could prove vital. Raheen know a defeat would see them eliminated on Run Rate, while Glynn Barntown would need to record a double-digit victory to overtake Dublin Metropolitans and claim a semi-final spot.

Predictions:

  • Senior Men – Glynn Barntown
  • Senior Women – Glynn Barntown
  • Intermediate Mixed – Raheen

Referee: PJ Lalor

Leinster Clashes: Carlow vs Dublin & Laois vs Wexford

And finally, to Carlow, where Cúchulainn are giving Galway City Rapparees a run for their money in the hosting stakes and putting on four games, starting at 11am. Dubliners Limekiln will head south and the day will start with Senior Men. This is the Carlow men’s final group game while Limekiln still have to host Raheen next weekend. While Erne Eagles, Breaffy and Galway City Rapparees all qualify for semi-finals, the fourth place is between Glynn Barntown and Carrickmacross Emmets and will be decided next weekend. Neither Cúchulainn nor Limekiln will qualify but this won’t stop them from playing a competitive match for the five points and a higher place on the table.

Men’s game over, the Mixed teams will take to the pitch at 12.30pm. As with Men, Breaffy and Glynn Barntown have definitely qualified, so the rest of the pack is chasing third and fourth places and a win here would keep both sides in the mix. The only thing separating both teams now is Run Rate with Cúchulainn’s keeping them ahead for now. Expect neither side to give anything in this must-win game.

Cuchulainn Senior Women

The final Senior game of the day will be between both sides’ Women’s teams at 2pm. Limekiln’s Women have played so well this season – for a side containing so many players who never played together before this year. Cúchulainn’s last outing – against The Heath – was a masterclass in excellent batting, with four Home Runs scored, and they’ll be looking for a similar performance again on Sunday. Unlikely that Limekiln will give them that opportunity, but it should be a great game between two well-matched sides.

Predictions:

  • Senior Men – Cúchulainn
  • Senior Women – Limekiln
  • Senior Mixed – Limekiln

Referee: Michael Dowling

And that’s it for our penultimate week of league action. ‘Must-win’ games, ‘result doesn’t matter at all’ games and ‘last day out this season’ games – all will be played with the same heart and determination that our players have shown all season. And all will be worth heading out to watch and support our players give it their all.

Whether you’re on a sideline in Connacht or Leinster, we hope you enjoy Sunday’s games and whether you’re playing on a pitch in the west or the south-east we wish you all the very best of luck!

 

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GAA Rounders Weekend Preview – Super Sunday Showdown in Galway with 11 matches

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With playoff races heating up and unbeaten records on the line, Sunday, 6 July promises to be another pivotal day in the 2025 GAA Rounders Championship.

From the jam-packed fixture list in Galway to top-tier battles in Clonguish, and knockout-shaping clashes in Tymon, Skryne and beyond, teams across all grades are bracing for high-stakes showdowns. Whether it’s a title contender trying to stay perfect or a dark horse making a late charge, this Super Sunday has it all — tension, talent, and a full day of Rounders drama.

This weekend, we’re doing our previews a little differently. With nine Junior matches scheduled for Galway alone, we’re breaking things down by venue and group — starting with the massive triple-header in Galway, then moving to Clonguish, before finishing with the rest of the weekend’s fixtures.

⚫ Junior Men’s –

First up is the Junior Men’s competition, and it’s all eyes on Group A. Kilmore, St. Senan’s, and Galway City Rapparees are all potential All-Ireland winners— but only two will qualify from this stacked group. This is make-or-break for Galway, while Kilmore and St. Senan’s put their unbeaten records on the line. One defeat is the maximum either can afford.

🧢 11.00am – St. Senan’s vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Craig

A battle of the unbeaten. Both sides come in with 3 wins from 3 and strong momentum. Kilmore edged some tight ones, including a 1-run victory over Elphin — though they only batted three innings in that game. Meanwhile, St. Senan’s showcased real class midweek in a 23–14 win over Sporting Limerick.

🔍 Key Factors:

  • Both teams boast clutch batters and reliable pitching.
  • A mental battle awaits — a win here virtually seals a semi-final spot.

📈 Prediction:
Kilmore by 1–2 runs in a high-scoring thriller. But don’t be shocked if it ends in a draw — which would suit both sides. Watch out Craig 😉

🧢 3.00pm – Galway City Rapparees vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Ann

Galway need to make this one count. With just two games played (1 win, 1 loss), they’re still in control of their destiny. Kilmore may have one foot in the knockouts depending on the earlier result — but could a tired squad be vulnerable?

Expect a very different Galway side to the one that narrowly lost to Sporting Limerick. Both defences should be on top in what promises to be a low-scoring, tactical contest.

🔥 Ones to Watch:

  • Galway’s leadership and aggressive base running.
  • Kilmore’s deep, consistent lineup over five innings.

📈 Prediction:
Galway to edge it, but Kilmore will not go down without a serious fight.

🧢 7.30pm – Galway City Rapparees vs St. Senan’s

📍 Referee: Ann

The nightcap could decide everything. If Galway are still alive, this becomes an All-Ireland quarter-final in disguise. For St. Senan’s, this could be their fourth game of the day, leaving them potentially fatigued — but tactically sharp.

If Senan’s beat Kilmore earlier, they’ll be all but guaranteed a knockout spot in Galway on 9th August. But Rapparees, rested and playing at home, will be throwing everything at this.

🔋 Fatigue vs Fire:

  • Galway will be fresher and fighting for survival.
  • St. Senan’s may only need to manage the scoreline.

📈 Prediction:
Galway City Rapparees to sneak it — and keep their knockout hopes alive into the final round against Na Pairsaigh.

⚫ Junior Mixed – Galway Collision Course

We move on to Junior Mixed where, once again, Kilmore, St. Senan’s, and Galway City Rapparees all carry genuine All-Ireland ambitions — but this time, there’s a clear standout.

St. Senan’s are the team to beat. They’ve been knocking on the door in recent seasons and based on form, scoring difference, and roster depth, they should arguably already have an All-Ireland title in the bag. In 2025, they look like hot favourites to finally make it count and you get a feeling they will be targeting this over the men’s.

⚫ 12.30pm – Galway City Rapparees vs St. Senan’s

📍 Referee: Gretta

Galway City Rapparees have already put up a massive 31-run total against Sporting Limerick and know how to score, but they’ll need their best ever defensive performance to stop a Senan’s side that’s scoring freely and fielding with real sharpness.

This is the first of three crucial games and could shape how the rest of the day unfolds. A win for Senan’s puts one foot in the semi-finals; a Galway win throws the group wide open.

🔍 Key Factors:

  • Can Galway get on base consistently against Senan’s powerful infield?
  • St. Senan’s are ruthless at turning errors into scores — Galway must stay composed.

📈 Prediction:
St. Senan’s by 3-5 runs — unless Galway’s big hitters catch fire early.

⚫ 4.30pm – Galway City Rapparees vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Ann

Galway and Kilmore have not met in the championship before, the Rapparees won junior in 2024 but have a completely different squad this year and may show more composure in the middle innings. Kilmore have been clinical so far in 2025 and sit on 3 wins from 3. Galway’s record is 2 from 2 — with a huge scoring difference, both teams still very much still in the hunt.

It’s unlikely both can go through unless St. Senan’s falter later. So for Galway, this is must-win territory.

🔥 Ones to Watch:

  • Galway’s composure and knowledge may out do Kilmore’s base running.
  • Kilmore’s tight defence and clever batting have closed out games with little fuss so far.

📈 Prediction:
Galway to win by a couple of runs in a tense, low-scoring battle with Galway likely to secure a knock out position.

⚫ 6.00pm – St. Senan’s vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Gretta

What a finish. If St. Senan’s are still unbeaten at this point, they’ll want to finish the group stage with a statement win. Kilmore, depending on earlier results, may be fighting to stay alive or simply playing for seeding. Either way, this will be a high-quality, tactical matchup — and could easily be a preview of the All-Ireland final.

💡 What to Expect:

  • Both sides will know the table permutations by this stage — expect scoreboard management and smart base running.
  • Conpared to the men a draw here is of no use unless both have earlier wins.

📈 Prediction:
St. Senan’s to edge it late and head into the knockouts as clear title favourites.

👱‍♀️ Junior Ladies – Galway Triple Header

Three Group B clashes take place in Galway this weekend, and they’ll play a crucial role in deciding who reaches the Junior Ladies knockout stages. Sporting Limerick currently lead the group having played four games, but Kilmore, Elphin, and even St. Kieran’s are likely to be the knockout contenders.

Here’s what to watch for in each of the three games:

👱‍♀️ 11:00am – St. Kieran’s vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Gretta

Kilmore come into this one with their backs against the wall. They’ve been on both sides of nail-biters in recent weeks and need to win both games in Galway to stand any chance of progression. St. Kieran’s, meanwhile, have shown glimpses of real promise, including a draw with Sporting Limerick.

🔍 Key Factors:

  • Kilmore need to start fast — and maintain the momentum.
  • St. Kieran’s have to be clinical when batters are on base.

📈 Prediction:
St Kieran’s by 3 runs – expect a dramatic finish.

👱‍♀️ 12:30pm – Knockainey vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Craig

A quick turnaround for Kilmore sees them take on a Knockainey side desperate for their first win. Knockainey have pushed teams close and can’t be underestimated. This could be the ultimate banana skin.

🔥 Ones to Watch:

  • Knockainey’s base running
  • Will Kilmore be able to hold composure playing back-to-back?

📈 Prediction:
Kilmore by 5 or 6 Kilmore might have enough players and hitters to get the win.

👱‍♀️ 3:00pm – Elphin vs Knockainey

📍 Referee: Gretta

This match could determine whether Elphin make the knockouts. They’ve beaten Kilmore already and showed real firepower when on form. Knockainey will be playing their second game of the day — and their defensive discipline will be tested.

🔋 What to Expect:

  • Elphin’s experience in tight games might be the difference and they have one of the best bowlers in the country at junior level.
  • Knockainey will look to disrupt rhythm with aggressive fielding.

📈 Prediction:
Elphin by 4–6 runs to stay in the hunt.

CLONGUISH PREVIEW | 6 JULY 2025

🧢 SENIOR MEN –

After a packed slate in Galway, we now turn our attention to Clonguish, where seven games will take place on Sunday, 6th July. From crucial Senior Men’s clashes to important fixtures in the Junior grades, this venue could prove pivotal in shaping the final group standings. With several teams still chasing qualification, every run, out, and inning will matter.

🔵 Breaffy vs Carrickmacross Emmets
📍 Cancelled

A rematch with knockout intensity. These two sides know each other well, and Breaffy come into this with strong belief they can go one step further after losing the 2024 final and after easy wins over Linekiln, Raheen and Michael Glaveys it’s deserved. But they face a Carrickmacross outfit that has been almost flawless this year, notching big wins including over Glynn, Glaveys, Limekiln and Raheen. Expect fireworks early as Breaffy look to get on the board quickly and disrupt Emmets’ rhythm.

  • 💪 Carrickmacross have been ruthless with the bat, averaging over 16 runs per game.
  • 🧠 Breaffy’s experience in pressure games can’t be underestimated — they’ve been here before.

📈 Prediction:

⚪️ Glynn Barntown vs Michael Glaveys
📍 Cancelled

This could get lively. Glynn were poor against Carrickmacross but bounced back with a clinical win over Cuchulainn. They’ll be eyeing up a big scoring day here to boost run rate and keep knockout hopes on track. Michael Glaveys, unfortunately, have struggled this season, but will look to spoil the party.

  • 🔥 Watch for Glynn’s middle order — they’ve been excellent when setting or chasing targets.
  • 🚧 Glaveys must limit errors in the field and tighten up their outfield throwing to stay in the game.

📈 Prediction:

🥎 Senior Mixed Previews – Sunday, 6 July – Clonguish

It’s crunch time in the Senior Mixed Championship and Clonguish plays host to two high-stakes battles. Glynn Barntown are aiming to maintain their perfect record, while Carrickmacross Emmets know a second win would launch them back into knockout contention. Breaffy, the reigning All-Ireland champions, have been superb so far — and Kilmeena are still searching for their first win in a tough group.

🕥  Breaffy vs Carrickmacross Emmets

📍 Cancelled

Breaffy come into this fixture unbeaten and full of confidence, having already taken down The Heath, Kilmeena and Limekiln. Their defence has been rock solid, and they look every inch the All-Ireland champions. Carrickmacross, however, showed their class in a 22–16 shootout win over The Heath and will know that another victory here could catapult them into serious semi-final contention.

  • 📌 What to Expect:
  • Breaffy’s powerful hitting and structured fielding game to set the tone.
  • Expect Carrickmacross to come out swinging, especially early innings.

🔮 Prediction:

🕒 3:00pm – Glynn Barntown vs Kilmeena

📍 Referee: Iain

Top versus bottom on paper — but this one could be closer than expected. Glynn Barntown have been flawless so far: four wins from four, including big victories over Cuchulainn, Erne Eagles and Carrick. Kilmeena are winless, but they’ve been involved in high-scoring games and showed real fight in recent clashes, narrowly losing to Erne Eagles (13–10).

  • 🔥 Key Battle:
  • Glynn’s control and late-innings poise vs Kilmeena’s unpredictable, attacking style.

🔮 Prediction:
Glynn Barntown to maintain their unbeaten streak — but Kilmeena won’t make it easy.

Junior Triple Header –

It’s a full day of action in Clonguish and our preview from that venue finish off at junior level as Sean Connolly’s face off against Carrickmacross Emmets across all three Junior grades: Men’s, Ladies and Mixed. With referee Amanda on duty throughout, consistency could be key in a day that could shape the future of Group A and B standings.

🧢 Junior Men: Sean Connolly’s vs Carrickmacross

📍 Cancelled

Sean Connolly’s are still looking for their first win and have struggled to contain opposition batters, with a -10 run rate and 25 runs conceded in just two outings. Carrickmacross, by contrast, have looked more organised and come in with a win already under their belt. However, Sean Connolly’s are improving with every game and this might be their best chance yet to grab a statement result.

 

👱‍♀️ Junior Ladies: Sean Connolly’s vs Carrickmacross

📍Cancelled

Two sides with genuine top-four aspirations meet here. Sean Connolly’s boast the stronger run rate and have posted 80 runs across three games. Carrickmacross are right on their heels, with an identical win-loss record and a slightly better defensive stat line. This could be the tightest of the three fixtures — a classic midfield shootout that could go either way and have knockout implications.

⚫ Junior Mixed: Sean Connolly’s vs Carrickmacross

📍Cancelled

Closing out the day is the Junior Mixed clash. Connolly’s will be desperate to get off the mark after a tough start to the season. With a -9.5 run rate and no points on the board, they’ll need to be at their sharpest. Carrickmacross are in the mix for a semi-final and will be aiming to boost their run rate here. Expect pressure, passion, and maybe some drama.

🧢 Senior Men – Tymon Park

12:00pm – Raheen vs Erne Eagles

📍 Referee: Chris

Erne Eagles come into this one unbeaten and with momentum, while Raheen are still searching for a spark in this year’s campaign. With two tough losses already, Raheen have no room left for error. The Eagles have been dominant so far and will want to maintain that form heading into the later stages of the group.

🔍 Prediction: Erne Eagles by 8+ runs – but Raheen’s batting could make it closer than expected.

👱‍♀️ Senior Ladies – Tymon Park

1:30pm – Raheen vs Erne Eagles

📍 Referee: Chris

Raheen and Erne Eagles are both in need of a statement win to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Both sides have shown flashes of quality but struggled for consistency. Erne edged one win already, while Raheen are yet to break through. Expect a tight battle where every inning counts, and both defences will need to be switched on.

🔍 Prediction: Erne Eagles to edge a low-scoring contest by 2–3 runs.

⚫ Senior Mixed – Ballon

1:30pm – Cuchulainn vs The Heath

📍 Referee: Michael D

This one could go a long way to deciding who grabs that all-important remaining semi-finals spot. Cuchulainn have already beaten Limekiln and Kilmeena and shown excellent scoring power. The Heath have been a little inconsistent but dangerous on their day. This should be fast, physical and tactical – a classic clash of styles.

🔍 Prediction: Cuchulainn by 3–5 runs with a key catch or double play likely to make the difference.

👱‍♀️ Junior Ladies – Skryne

11:00am – Skryne vs Inniskeen Grattans

📍 Referee: Áine

Skryne are clinging on in the race for top four and must get a result here. Inniskeen will be fresher, and they’ve been tidy in the field with one win from two. Skryne are scrappy and will fight for every base – but they’ll need to tighten up defensively to take this one.

🔍 Prediction: Inniskeen Grattans by 2 runs – but expect late drama.

⚫ Junior Mixed –

1:00pm – Wolfe Tones vs Inniskeen (Skryne)

📍 Referee: Áine

Two potential knockout teams collide in what could be the tie of the round. Wolfe Tones have shown real quality with 2 wins from 3 and a positive run rate. Inniskeen, meanwhile, are one of the most in-form Junior Mixed teams in Ireland and can’t afford to slip. Expect big innings and a game that could go either way.

🔍 Prediction: Inniskeen Grattans by a single score – but Wolfe Tones could force a draw.

11:00am – Naomh Éanna vs Gusserane (Naomh Éanna)

📍 Referee: PJ

Gusserane sit midtable, and a win here keeps them in the conversation. Naomh Éanna need a big performance to get back on track. With both sides looking to make up ground, this game could be more open than most and might come down to fielding discipline under pressure.

🔍 Prediction: Gusserane by 4 runs in a must-win fixture for both teams.

✅ Teams Qualified for Knockout Stages – GAA Rounders 2025

🏆 Intermediate Men

  • Kilmeena
  • Galway City Rapparees

🏆 Intermediate Ladies

  • Carrickmacross Emmets

🏆 Intermediate Mixed

  • Emo

🏆 Junior Men

  • Myshall

🏆 Junior Ladies

  • St Martins
  • Dublin Mets