Tag Archive for: Emo

Watch Live: TG4 to Show Three Weeks of GAA Rounders All-Ireland Finals

/by

Watch Live: TG4 to Show Three Weeks of GAA Rounders All-Ireland Finals

GAA Rounders is set for three huge weeks of national exposure, with TG4 providing live online coverage of the 2026 All-Ireland Finals across three consecutive Sundays.

Nine All-Ireland titles will be decided across the Women’s, Men’s and Mixed championships, with the action beginning at the National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown on Sunday, 30 August before moving to Offaly and finally Mallow.

Supporters unable to attend will be able to follow the action live online as the Junior, Intermediate and Senior championships are decided.

Sunday, 30 August – Women’s Finals, Abbotstown

The first of the three finals weekends takes place at the National Games Development Centre, Abbotstown, with three Women’s All-Ireland champions to be crowned.

11:00am – Junior Women: St Kieran’s (Limerick) v St Senan’s (Limerick)

Finals season begins with an all-Limerick encounter as St Kieran’s and St Senan’s battle for the Junior Women’s title.

WATCH LIVE: St Kieran’s v St Senan’s

1:00pm – Intermediate Women: Galway City Rapparees v Elphin (Roscommon)

 

Whatever happens at Abbotstown, history will be made in the Intermediate Final.

Both Galway City Rapparees and Elphin will be appearing in their first Women’s All-Ireland Final, guaranteeing a first national title for one of the two Connacht clubs.

For Rapparees, it continues a rapid rise for a club which played its first championship season in 2022, while Elphin will arrive from Roscommon with exactly the same ambition – to make their first final appearance a winning one.

WATCH LIVE: Galway City Rapparees v Elphin

3:30pm – Senior Women: Breaffy (Mayo) v Limekiln (Dublin)

The final game of the opening weekend brings one of the biggest stories of the entire championship.

Breaffy are going for an extraordinary fifth successive Senior Women’s All-Ireland title.

The Mayo side have established themselves as the dominant force in the grade and now stand just one victory away from completing five-in-a-row.

Limekiln travel from Dublin looking to end that remarkable sequence and take home the biggest prize in Women’s GAA Rounders.

WATCH LIVE: Breaffy v Limekiln

Sunday, 6 September – Men’s Finals, Offaly

The following Sunday, the focus switches to the Offaly GAA Centre of Excellence in Kilcormac for the Men’s All-Ireland Finals.

11:00am – Junior Men: Gusserane (Wexford) v Myshall (Carlow)

Leinster rivals Gusserane and Myshall open the second weekend as they compete for the Junior Men’s All-Ireland title.

1:00pm – Intermediate Men: St Clare’s (Cavan) v St Senan’s (Limerick)

Ulster meets Munster in the Intermediate decider, with St Clare’s taking on St Senan’s. It will be a first senior men’s campaign for one of these teams in 2027.

Senior Men: Erne Eagles (Cavan) v Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan)

The Senior Final will see two of the leading teams in the country go head-to-head as Erne Eagles and Carrickmacross Emmets battle for the 2026 Senior Men’s All-Ireland Championship. These have been a step ahead of everyone over the past few years. With Carrick wining in 2026 and Eagles in 2025.

It promises to provide a fitting conclusion to the second Sunday of live TG4 coverage.

Sunday, 13 September – Mixed Finals, Mallow

The championship concludes on Sunday, 13 September at Mallow GAA, Cork, with three Mixed All-Ireland Finals.

Galway City Rapparees will have a particularly significant day, with the club represented in two of the three Mixed finals.

11:00am – Junior Mixed: Galway City Rapparees v Kilmore (Roscommon)

Rapparees and Kilmore begin proceedings with an all-Connacht All-Ireland Final. This is a proper Galway v Roscommon derby, it should be a fantastic match.

1:00pm – Intermediate Mixed: Emo (Laois) v Galway City Rapparees

Just two hours later, Galway City Rapparees return to the field for the Intermediate Final against Emo.

It gives the Galway club the unusual opportunity to contest two national Mixed finals on the same afternoon.

Emo got beaten in last years final and will be hoping to go one better.

3:30pm – Senior Mixed: Breaffy (Mayo) v Glynn Barntown (Wexford)

The final game of the 2026 club championship sees Breaffy face Glynn Barntown for the Senior Mixed crown. Breaffy are going for three titles in a row.

After nine finals across three Sundays, the Senior Mixed decider will bring the curtain down on the championship season.

Nine GAA Rounders Finals Across Three Sundays

Sunday, 30 August
Women’s Finals – NGDC Abbotstown, Dublin

Sunday, 6 September
Men’s Finals – Offaly GAA Centre of Excellence, Kilcormac

Sunday, 13 September
Mixed Finals – Mallow GAA, Cork

From clubs appearing in their first All-Ireland Final to Breaffy chasing five Senior Women’s and theee mixed titles in succession, there will be no shortage of stories across the three weekends.

Most importantly, the live TG4 coverage gives GAA Rounders an opportunity to put its biggest games and best players in front of a much wider audience.

The road to nine All-Ireland titles begins at 11:00am this Sunday in Abbotstown, when St Kieran’s and St Senan’s throw the first pitch of three consecutive weekends of GAA Rounders All-Ireland Finals.

GAA Rounders World Games Exhibition Matches

/by

GAA World Games – 16 July 2026

No two days in the Rounders world are ever the same, but some days really are very special. They remind us why we do what we do and what makes the game we all love so wonderful. Thursday, 16 July was one of those days for everyone involved in the GAA Rounders Exhibition Games as part of the GAA World Games.

Back in January, GAA Rounders was invited to be involved in the 2026 GAA World Games, and we jumped at the opportunity to be part of this fantastic collaborative event involving GAA players from all over the world. Although we couldn’t be included in the competitive tournament proper, we submitted a proposal to showcase our sport through three high-calibre Exhibition Games featuring our best players from across the country.

Once the plan was accepted by the World Games Committee, we sent personal invitations to 100 of our 2025 All-Star winners, nominees, and players who narrowly missed out due to injury. An astonishing 70 players accepted, and the real planning began.

After months of hard work, Thursday, 16 July dawned sunny and warm. Fabulous new kits – including specially designed black or white jerseys, teal shorts, and white and teal socks – were generously sponsored by the GAA World Games Committee and gifted to all players. Those involved began arriving from 10.30am and very shortly Pitch 8 at the SETU Arena, Waterford, was buzzing with players looking sharp and ready for action.

Game 1: Women’s Exhibition Match (12pm)

  • Referee: AnnMarie Brennan (Cúchulainn)
  • Final Score: Celtic Crushers 25 – 13 Shamrock Sluggers

 The Teams

  • Shamrock Sluggers:
    • Captain: Emma Reddy (Glynn Barntown) | Vice-Captain: Katie Groonell (Breaffy) | Manager: PJ Lalor (Myshall)
    • Squad: Pamela Brennan (Glynn Barntown), Shirleen Burns (Erne Eagles), Geraldine Goldrick (Erne Eagles), Aileen Kelly (Glynn Barntown), Sheena King (Glynn Barntown), Alisha Reddy (Glynn Barntown), Mary Roche (Glynn Barntown), Irene Scanlon (Erne Eagles), Caroline Waters (Cúchulainn), Marie Whelan (Carrickmacross Emmets)
  • Celtic Crushers:
    • Captain: Kim Thornton (Carrickmacross Emmets) | Vice-Captain: Louise Kelly (St. Senan’s) | Manager: Mark Jennings (Breaffy)
    • Squad: Maggie Brady (Erne Eagles), Abbie Delaney (Glynn Barntown), Chloe Doyle (Glynn Barntown), Lisa Flood (Erne Eagles), Helen Gallagher (Breaffy), Aileen Gavin (Breaffy), Gráinne Gavin (Breaffy), Michelle Hopkins (Breaffy), Holly Kavanagh (The Heath)

 Match Highlights

First to bat were the Celtic Crushers, and right from the start, spectators were treated to impressive catches and sharp base outs from both sides. At the end of the first inning, the score was deadlocked at 2–2. In the second inning, the Crushers settled into a rhythm, bringing seven home to build a 9–2 lead, which they expanded to a 25–13 victory by the fifth inning.

However, the real winner of the match was Rounders itself. Impressive catches from Caroline Waters, Lisa Flood, Aileen Kelly, Katie Groonell, and Chloe Doyle secured key outs, while the teamwork, rock-solid catches, and sharp throws on base from Pamela Brennan, Alisha Reddy, Maggie Brady, and Louise Kelly were fantastic to watch. Pitchers rotated throughout, with Michelle Hopkins, Emma Reddy, Irene Scanlon, and Louise Kelly, all doing themselves and their clubs proud.

A special mention goes to Cúchulainn’s AnnMarie Brennan, who returned from maternity leave – brining baby Oisín along for his very first Rounders event! We were thrilled to have her experience and officiating skill on the pitch.

Player of the Match: Caroline Waters (Cúchulainn) — Chosen by the match officials for her impressive batting and calm, composed catching at Short-stop, which yielded two double outs.

Game 2: Men’s Exhibition Match (2pm)

  • Referee: PJ Lalor (Myshall)
  • Final Score: Turf Titans 17 – 13 Bog Warriors

The Teams

  • Bog Warriors:
    • Captain: Billy Connors (Cúchulainn) | Vice-Captain: Justin Burns (Carrickmacross Emmets) | Managers: Michael Slevin & JP Tynan (Emo)
    • Squad: Aidan Carr (Kilmore), Paul Cooper (Glynn Barntown), Declan Finnegan (Carrickmacross Emmets), Mark Jennings (Breaffy), Gary Jordan (Glynn Barntown), Aaron Keane (The Heath), Barry Lambe (Carrickmacross Emmets), Eddie O’Connor (Raheen), Ili Tuimauga (Galway City Rapparees)
  • Turf Titans:
    • Captain: Shane Sheridan (Erne Eagles) | Vice-Captain: Eddie Healy (Limekiln) | Manager: Emma Reddy (Glynn Barntown)
    • Squad: Paul Delaney (Glynn Barntown), John Gibbons (Breaffy), Colm Jordan (Breaffy), Ronan Kiernan (Carrickmacross Emmets), Euan Matthews (Carrickmacross Emmets), Aidan McDonald (Raheen), Owen Roe O’Reilly (Erne Eagles), Peadar Waters (Cúchulainn), Ciarán Weldon (Limekiln).

 Match Highlights

The Bog Warriors batted first, getting off to a flying start with two runners home, but three swift outs from both fielding teams kept the score tied 2–2 after the first inning. The Turf Titans pulled ahead with six runs in the second, leading 12–8 by the fifth inning. This thrilling contest went the full seven innings, with the Turf Titans eventually sealing a 17–13 win.

The quality of play was second to none: breathtaking one-handed catches from Billy Connors and Eddie O’Connor, lightning-fast reflexes from backcatchers Ciarán Weldon and Gary Jordan, and pinpoint pitching from Barry Lambe, Peadar Waters, and Aidan McDonald.

We have to mention Kilmore’s Aidan Carr, a late call-up and the only non-Senior player on either men’s panel. Nobody watching his quality at bat or on the pitch would ever have guessed – his contribution was equal to that of any senior veteran on the field!

Player of the Match: Barry Lambe (Carrickmacross Emmets) — Awarded for a stellar pitching performance, smart tactical batting throughout, and a fantastic Home Run.

 A big thank you to Myshall’s PJ Lalor for officiating a fast-moving, competitive game with great control!

The Skills Challenge

Following the Men’s match, the Skills Games took centre stage. Organised by Peadar Waters and PJ Lalor, five stations tested players’ running, throwing, and pitching accuracy. Station assistance was kindly provided by Caroline Waters, Marion Sheir, Louise Riddell, Lorraine Pugh, and Kamil Walczak.

Special thanks to StrikeZone (Dublin), who brought personnel and specialised equipment to measure the speed of the fastest pitches. The competitive rivalry was high, and the skills showcase proved to be a brilliant addition to the day’s entertainment.

Game 3: Mixed Exhibition Match (4.30pm)

  • Referee: Peadar Waters (Cúchulainn)
  • Teams: Celtic Chaos vs. Emerald Avengers

The Teams

  • Celtic Chaos:
    • Captain: Danielle Keane (The Heath) | Vice-Captain: Nakita O’Connor (Raheen) | Manager: Paul Cooper (Glynn Barntown)
    • Squad: Gary Boland (Glynn Barntown), Tyra Brennan (Glynn Barntown), Leanne Carroll (Cúchulainn), Aidan Jayne (Dublin Metropolitans), Dwayne Keane (The Heath), Mick Kelly (Glynn Barntown), PJ Lalor (Myshall), Leah Mullins (Cúchulainn), Kamil Walczak (Cúchulainn).
  • Emerald Avengers:
    • Captain: JP Tynan (Emo) | Vice-Captain: Tomás Kenny (Galway City Rapparees) | Manager: Ronan Kiernan (Carrickmacross Emmets)
    • Squad: Aoife Birney (Glynn Barntown), Danny Broderick (Cúchulainn), Ryan Dennis (Galway City Rapparees), Aisling Ginnitty (Carrickmacross Emmets), Michelle McDonnell (Carrickmacross Emmets), Justin Perrin (Erne Eagles), Niall Sheehy (St. Senan’s), Marion Sheir (Cúchulainn), Michael Slevin (Emo), Julianne Smith (Inniskeen Grattans).

Match Highlights

Our final game highlighted the unique mixed-gender element of adult GAA Rounders – and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Both teams gave their all in a display of speed, dexterity, tactical confidence, and teamwork.

Huge hits straight into outfielders’ hands, rapid infield bunts thrown accurately on the run to base, alert backcatchers pouncing on clips, and tricky pitching that forced hits to go foul: this game truly had it all. Despite being under the beating sun at SETU since early morning, the players brought incredible energy, keeping the pace fierce and competitive until the end.

Backcatchers included Tyra Brennan, Niall Sheehy, Leah Mullins, and Michelle McDonnell, while pitching duties were expertly handled by Ryan Dennis, Danielle Keane, PJ Lalor, and Michael Slevin. In the outfield, Mick Kelly, Kamil Walczak, Justin Perrin, Danny Broderick, and JP Tynan pulled down outstanding catches, backed by stellar infield work from Nakita O’Connor, Gary Boland, Aisling Ginnitty, and Aoife Birney.

Player of the Match: Tomás Kenny (Galway City Rapparees) – honoured for two magnificent catches for outs and excellent, timely batting that advanced teammates and brought runners home.

 Celebrations & Acknowledgments

After nine action-packed hours on Pitch 8 at SETU Arena, it was time to pack up the equipment, load the cars, and head to The Reg in Waterford City for a well-earned evening out. With finger food, great analysis of the day’s play, music provided by DJ Mick Kelly, and brilliant company, it was the perfect end to an unforgettable day.

An event of this scale does not happen without enormous dedication, time, and hard work. While the ultimate reward was a landmark day for our sport, special thanks must be extended to:

  • GAA World Games Organising Committee: Séamus Blake, David Britton, Paul Fitzpatrick, Shauna Fox, Charlie Harrison, Paul Morrissey, Nora Rahill, and Niamh Sauvage
  • Match Officials, Crowd Control, Skills Games & Event Support: Danny Broderick, Mag Doyle, Gráinne Gavin, Ciara Groonell, Eddie Healy, Mark Jennings, Nakita O’Connor, Lorraine Pugh, Louise Riddell, Mary Roche, Marion Sheir, Chiara Trench, Kamil Walczak, and Caroline Waters
  • Live Streaming Commentators: Shirley Lennon and Emma Perrin
  • Club Secretaries: From all 15 participating clubs – your administrative support in the buildup was invaluable!
  • GAA Rounders President: Paula Doherty
  • Event Sponsor: ID Pal, for your generous support which helped fund the event
  • Our Players & Managers: Without your commitment and passion, none of this would have been possible
  • The Organising Committee: Peadar Waters, PJ Lalor, and Shirley Lennon. This was a true labour of love – the countless hours spent planning, discussing, and organising were worth every second when we saw what was achieved on 16 July. We set out to show the world what GAA Rounders is all about, and anybody watching could not help but be impressed by the show put on by our community. Until 2029, our heartfelt thanks to you all!

 

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

/by

Sunday 12 July 2026

We’ve done it folks….we’ve reached our final Sunday of Junior league games for 2026! From Slaughtneil in Derry to Waterford City, from Castletown in Wexford to Coolcappagh in Limerick and almost everywhere in between, we’ve played Junior Women’s, Men’s and Mixed games.

We’ve played in sun, rain and hail, we’ve played during the day and into the evening, weekends and weekdays and we’ve had the best time. Brand new teams, established squads, Referees taking on epic journeys, hundreds of cups of tea made and a thousand sandwiches eaten…this is GAA Rounders Championship Sunday stuff and the Junior league is where it’s at its busiest.

While the end of the league is the beginning of the off-season for some clubs, for the qualifiers, the hard work is just beginning.

Next week, we’ll have all the information on the Junior quarter-final pairings but let’s not forget that Intermediate and Senior clubs still have another month to complete their league games. But that’s all ahead of us – for now, let’s dive right in and see who’s playing this Sunday.

Senior Championship

Senior action takes place in Dublin and Laois with six of our top teams braving the summer heat to try to take the points home.

The Heath, Laois

The Heath will host Cúchulainn for the day and start proceedings with a Senior Women’s game at 11.30am. Still chasing their first victory of the year, the Laois women gave Erne Eagles a good competitive game last Sunday and will be hoping for more of the same at home. Cúchulainn Ladies come into this weekend after facing Carrickmacross last week. Still a bit early to predict semi-final qualifiers but Cúchulainn know they need to secure wins from their last two games to put themselves in the best position to get to knockouts.

Next up will be Cúchulainn’s Mixed team taking on Mayo side Kilmeena. Both are sitting at the bottom of the table and, while qualification is still possible both teams will be heading into this game aiming for a win in this and their final league games of the season on 2 August. Cúchulainn’s win last Sunday over Carrickmacross Emmets will give them confidence. Kilmeena also beat the Monaghan side but it’s six weeks since that win – is it time to get another victory on the board?

Rounding off the day in Portlaoise will be the Senior Men’s meeting of Cúchulainn and Galway City Rapparees. Cúchulainn will fancy their chances of winning both of their final two league games while Rapparees know that they need to win this week as their final game against “yet to lose this season” Erne Eagles will be their toughest this year so far. Expect neither side to give an inch and say a prayer for the Referee!

Predictions

Senior Women: Cúchulainn
Senior Mixed: Cúchulainn
Senior Men: Galway City Rapparees

Referee: National Secretary Shirley Lennon

Tymon Park, Dublin

In Dublin’s Tymon Park, Wexford’s Raheen and Monaghan’s Carrickmacross Emmets will meet for Senior Men’s and Women’s games from 1pm.

Neither Raheen team has yet secured a win this year and, while Carrickmacross have had good days and bad days this season, their form would suggest that they will take both games without much trouble.

Predictions

Carrickmacross Emmets to win both

Referee: Glynn Barntown’s Sarah McGuinness

Intermediate Championship

On to Intermediate action, with key fixtures in Laois and Monaghan.

Emo, Laois

Also in Laois, Emo host Women’s, Men’s and Mixed matches when Glynn Barntown and St. Senan’s come to visit for a trio of games. Starting the day will be Men when Limerick side St. Senan’s come on a mission, knowing they must win or their Intermediate Men’s challenge for 2026 is over. A win will see them top the group, while a loss will see them finish bottom, or almost. Neither of these two teams can ever be written off and both will fight to the end, so this is guaranteed to be a cracking game.

Wexford side Glynn Barntown have had a slow season and are still seeking a win for either Intermediate team. Emo’s Women need to win to keep their hopes of qualifying alive. In Mixed, Emo will also want to win on Sunday to keep themselves well placed on the table going into their final game on 2 August.

Predictions

Men: St. Senan’s
Mixed: Emo
Women: Emo

Referee: The Heath’s Philip Keane

Inniskeen Grattans v Dublin Metropolitans

Also in Intermediate Women, Inniskeen Grattans welcome Dublin Metropolitans for both sides’ final league game of the year. Both teams moved to Intermediate in 2026 and both have acquitted themselves well, but this will be the end of the road for Mets for now. Inniskeen, however, can still qualify but will need to win convincingly on Sunday to keep that dream alive. With Emo and Castletown both expected to win, qualification could ultimately be decided on run difference.

Prediction

Inniskeen Grattans

Referee: Erne Eagles’ Emma Perrin

Junior Championship

The final day of the Junior League promises drama across four counties, with quarter-final places still to be decided.

Myshall, Carlow

Myshall will host Dublin and Waterford sides in Men’s and Mixed clashes. First up at 12pm will be Na Gaeil Nua in, for them, a must-win game. For a new side, Na Gaeil Nua have been impressive all year. They have already secured qualification, at worst in fourth place, thanks to their head-to-head win over Carrick. A victory this weekend could lift them as high as third.

A Myshall win will put them top of the table (as they beat both Inniskeen and Gusserane), which will give them a better draw into the quarter-finals. As three from this group will progress it’s still all to play for. In the same group, at 1pm, Gusserane host Inniskeen Grattans and, whoever wins here will also be guaranteed to qualify, so again, another high-stakes match!

At 2pm in Myshall, Naomh Pól arrive in Carlow for even more high-stakes Rounders. Myshall have already qualified thanks to their superior run rate. If Naomh Pól beat Myshall, the final qualification order will come down to run rate between Naomh Pól and Emo. Some achievement for a club only formed at the end of 2025!

Predictions

Junior Men: Myshall & Gusserane
Junior Mixed: Another can’t-predict nail-biter, but for experience we’ll give it to Myshall

Referees: Myshall – Glynn Barntown’s Mary Roche
Gusserane – Glynn Barntown’s Emma Reddy

Na Piarsaigh, Limerick

Our final Limerick games of 2026 will take place in Na Piarsaigh’s new pitch from 1pm when Galway side Athenry travel to take on the hosts in Junior Women and Mixed. With the two Women’s group qualifiers decided, this game is being played for pride! In Mixed, if Athenry win, both teams will be identically matched on points, so there really is all to play for!

Qualification Watch

  • If Na Piarsaigh win, they will finish second and qualify
  • If Athenry win, depending on the number of runs they score, they could finish second

Predictions

Junior Women: Na Piarsaigh
Junior Mixed: Na Piarsaigh

Referee: Breaffy’s Mark Jennings

Clonguish v Drumhowan

Our final game of the day will be in Longford when Clonguish welcome Monaghan’s Drumhowan. Clonguish have been valiant all season with injuries and reduced player numbers, but they have shown up when they can and they’ve played some great games.

With additional numbers and continued hard work and training, we know these ladies can pull it together for 2027. Drumhowan have had a mixed year as well but will be hoping to end it on a high. This result will have no bearing on the table, but we hope both teams have an enjoyable game and the always excellent Clonguish post-match hospitality will be highly anticipated.

Prediction

Drumhowan

Referee: Erne Eagles’ Emma Perrin

League Table Reminder

Once a team has conceded three matches, they are eliminated from the championship

Clubs should also be reminded that run rate calculations differ depending on whether a walkover result affects a side with which you are on level points

So there we have it, the run-down on all 15 games taking place on Sunday. We’ll have a break for the following two Sundays – All-Ireland Hurling and Football Final Days – but Junior Quarter-finals will take place on Saturday 25 July in Tymon Park, Dublin, and league action will resume for Intermediate and Senior teams on 2 August.

So make the most of this Sunday, get out and support our players if you can.

Thank You

As always, thank you to the players, the Referees, the managers and the Club Secretaries – let’s continue to work together to make sure the remaining weeks of our 2026 season are competitive, fun, respectful and a credit to our brilliant sport!

🌐 gaarounders.ie

📘 facebook.com/GaaRounders

📱 @gaaroundersoff

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

/by

Preview – 31 May 2026

It’s the June Bank Holiday Weekend and, while the rest of the country’s thoughts are turning to barbeques and an extra day off work, true Rounders fans are planning how many matches we can take in and what’s the quickest way to get from Athlone GAA to Clann na nGael and back again to catch as much of the action as possible in the seven games taking place between both venues on Sunday afternoon.

With multiple matches in Monaghan and Carlow, and one each in Mayo and Wexford, there’s no excuse not to be on your nearest pitch watching Bank Holiday Rounders this weekend.

Before we dive in, just a reminder that our U14 Mixed All-Ireland Competition will take place in Clann na nGael, Athlone, on Saturday, 30 May, from 10am, with the promise of some excellent Rounders from the stars of the future.

Clubs from Ulster, Connacht and Leinster will be vying for the title of U14 Champion – will Cavan’s Erne Eagles retain their title, or will the cup be going home with underage superstars Emo, newly formed Galway club Clontuskert, Roscommon contenders Elphin, or recent U14 Girls’ All-Ireland title winners Cúchulainn of Carlow?

Midlands Medley

With two pitches – one each for Senior and Intermediate games – on the go in Athlone GAA for the day, it will be a busy afternoon.

Starting proceedings at 12pm will be last year’s Intermediate Mixed winners, Erne Eagles, taking on newly promoted Intermediate side and last year’s Junior Mixed winners, St. Senan’s.

With rumours that Darryl Dolan was hoping to play Intermediate this year firmly quashed after his substitution onto the Senior team last weekend, we’ll have to wait until Sunday to see who lines out for the Cavan side.

While St. Senan’s were powerfully impressive at Junior last year, will they find the jump to playing what should now be a Senior-standard side a step too far?

Prediction: Erne Eagles

Our second Intermediate match will feature St. Senan’s Men, this time taking on Roscommon side Kilmore, also in their first year at Intermediate.

Kilmore have performed strongly so far this year. Having beaten Dublin Metropolitans on opening weekend and narrowly losing 14-10 to last year’s Intermediate Men’s finalists, Emo, their move to Intermediate is going well.

St. Senan’s have also played twice this season – losing to Dublin Mets and beating St. Clare’s – and both sides will be keen to make their way into top position on the league table heading into June.

Prediction: Kilmore

Athlone’s Intermediate games will be refereed by Myshall’s PJ Lalor.

Also in Athlone, two Senior games – both involving Cavan’s Erne Eagles and Wexford’s Raheen – will take place from 1.30pm.

First up will be both sides’ Senior Men. Raheen played last Sunday and lost to Cúchulainn, while Erne Eagles also played last Sunday and beat reigning All-Ireland Champions Carrickmacross Emmets – no prizes for guessing who will go into the game more confident.

Prediction – Erne Eagles

Final game in Athlone, at 3pm, will be the two Senior teams’ Women. Raheen will be bruised following a comprehensive defeat to Cúchulainn, while Eagles, who also lost to Carrickmacross’ Women last weekend, will be keen to get back to winning ways and take the victory.

Prediction – Erne Eagles

Our Senior Referee in Athlone GAA will be Galway City Rapparees’ Craig Davis.

Still in Athlone, but moving from Co. Westmeath to Co. Roscommon, Clann na nGael will host three more Senior games, this time between Breaffy and Glynn Barntown.

Starting at 12.30pm with a replay of the 2025 Senior Women’s final, followed at 2pm by the Senior Mixed clash and ending the day at 3.30pm when the men of both clubs square up on the pitch.

So far this season, in all three grades, Breaffy are the team to beat, and Glynn Barntown will need to be at their best to upset the Mayo side in their quest to continue to top the groups and make three All-Ireland finals.

Prediction – Breaffy to win all three

Refereeing in Clann na nGael will be The Heath’s Danielle Keane.

Junior Games

Starting at 11am in Leighlinbridge is the first of three Junior matches being hosted by the Carlow club. To start, they will take on Emo. With neither side yet suffering a defeat in a Junior Mixed match in 2026, nobody will want to lose that perfect record.

Prediction – Emo

At 1pm, Leighlinbridge’s Women will take on Wexford side Castletown Liam Mellows.

As a newly formed team this year, Castletown are finding their feet and will be hoping this is the day they manage to get their first win. Leighlinbridge, who beat Kilanerin Ballyfad by 29 runs in their opening Women’s game, are aiming to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Prediction – Leighlinbridge

Finally in Leighlinbridge on Sunday, the hosts can take a break and watch Naomh Pól take on Oulart The Ballagh in a Junior Mixed game between two “new to the Championship” sides.

This is both teams’ third fixture of the season, but Oulart are ahead on points having received a walkover in their first game.

Oulart performed well on Junior Day, reaching a Shield Final, but Naomh Pól also showed great promise in the Munster Winter League. This should be an exciting game between two well-matched teams.

Prediction – Oulart The Ballagh

Our Leighlinbridge Referee for the day will be Glynn Barntown’s Sarah McGuinness.

Staying in the South East, Gusserane and Na Gaeil Nua’s Junior Men’s teams both start their Championship campaigns when they travel to Castletown Liam Mellows to play at 12pm.

At Junior Day, Gusserane’s Men’s team came away with the Cup, while Na Gaeil Nua, a brand-new team formed this year, played Mixed and showed that they have great potential.

Prediction – Gusserane

Cathy Kearns of Glynn Barntown will be in charge for this game.

Much further north, in Carrickmacross, three more exciting Junior games will take place in Platinum Tanks Park, starting at 11am when the hosts take on Slaughtneil.

After a few years away from Championship action, the Derry side have returned this year and played their first match last Sunday in Inniskeen. Although they lost, the experience gained will stand to them against this Carrick side, who will be keen to put their opening defeat by Kilmore behind them and get some winning points on the scoreboard.

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets

Next up, at 1pm, the hosts will welcome Elphin for another Junior Mixed game.

Elphin have played twice this season and lost both games – to Inniskeen and Kilmore – and will want to ensure they break the cycle. Will Carrick’s second game of the day mean they’re finely tuned and ready to win, or will Elphin’s fresh legs give them the advantage?

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets

The final Junior Mixed game in Monaghan on Sunday will be between Elphin and Antrim side Wolfe Tones.

For the second week in a row, Wolfe Tones will be making the journey to Monaghan, but will their narrow defeat to Inniskeen last Sunday have them ready to take it up a notch this week and win? Or will Elphin, with their Intermediate Women players, have the edge in their second match of the day?

Prediction – Elphin

Refereeing all three matches in Carrickmacross will be National Secretary Shirley Lennon.

Not far away, in Inniskeen, there will be another Junior Mixed game at 11am when Inniskeen Grattans once again welcome a Derry team, Naomh Trea, in Junior Mixed.

While Inniskeen have three wins already under their belt this season, Naomh Trea have yet to play a competitive match.

Prediction – Inniskeen Grattans

Longford’s Clonguish will take to the pitch at 1pm to play Inniskeen’s Junior Women.

Clonguish lost to Skryne midweek in their first game of the season and will be aiming to reverse the result for this match. Inniskeen’s Junior Women are a newly formed side with lots of potential and, if they can get their fielding in order, this could be an interesting game.

Prediction – Inniskeen Grattans

Local legend, Carrickmacross Emmets’ Colm Birdy, will referee this match.

Our final venue for the day will be our most westerly when Athenry travel to Garrymore in Mayo to play a Junior Mixed game.

This will be Garrymore’s first time to play this season, while Athenry lost narrowly to Galway City Rapparees in their first outing.

Prediction – Garrymore

Galway City Rapparees’ Jay Hall will be in charge of this match.

With all except one of last week’s predictions correct – and the very surprising revelation that people actually read these articles! – the pressure is on to see if all 16 of this week’s winners will have been revealed in advance!

You know what you have to do to prove us wrong!! Final scores will be on our website and socials on Sunday evening.

Enjoy the long weekend and go out and support our players if you can.

gaarounders.ie
facebook.com/GaaRounders/
@gaaroundersoff

InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns as Panels, Fixtures and Referees Confirmed

/by

InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

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

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

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

Match Schedule

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

Final Squads

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

Teams must include players from each championship grade:

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

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

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

Connacht Interpros Panels

Connacht GAA Rounders interprovincial squad in 2023

Connacht GAA Rounders interprovincial squad in 2023

Connacht Women

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

Connacht Men

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

2026 InterProvincials – Munster Panels

Munster Men

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

Munster Women

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

2026 InterProvincials – Leinster Panels

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

Leinster Men

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

Leinster Women

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

2026 InterProvincials – Ulster Panels

Ulster Men

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

Ulster Women

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

Intermediate & Junior All Ireland Finals – GAA Rounders Preview – August 31st Meath

/by

All-Ireland Intermediate & Junior Finals Day Preview

On Sunday, 31st August, all eyes will be on the Meath Centre of Excellence in Dunganny as six All-Ireland Finals are decided across the Intermediate and Junior grades. It promises to be a landmark day for the sport, with titles on the line in Intermediate Men’s, Intermediate Ladies, Intermediate Mixed, Junior Men’s, Junior Ladies, and Junior Mixed.

Buy Tickets – Junior & Intermediate All-Ireland Finals

Secure your seat now via Universe.


Buy Tickets

The championship journey to this point has been full of drama — upsets, late comebacks, and breakthrough wins from emerging clubs. Of the 12 finalists, half of the clubs have only been playing adult Rounders since 2020 — a remarkable sign of how quickly the sport is growing.

That mix of established contenders and ambitious newcomers guarantees a day of high tension and high-quality action in Dunganny.

Intermediate Men’s All-Ireland Final Preview

Emo v Galway City Rapparees — Sunday, 31 August 2025 – 12pm

The Intermediate Men’s Championship signs off with a cracker. Emo of Laois meet a transformed Galway City Rapparees side. History gives Emo the edge — they’ve had a hoodoo over Galway in recent seasons — but 2025 Rapparees look a different animal.

Form Snapshot

Team Group Record Runs For Runs Against Notable Results Route to Final
Galway City Rapparees 3W–0D–1L 79 55 Beat St Clares twice (25–17 & 23–11), lost to Emo by 1 when under-strength (25–26) Semi-final: beat St Clares 23–11
Emo 2W–0D–2L 85 94 Edged Galway by 1 (26–25), loss to Kilmeena (18–34) Semi-final: beat Kilmeena 24–22

Galway City Rapparees

Sharper in the field and far more clinical at the plate, Galway’s 2025 leap is obvious. They matched Kilmeena at the top of the group on points, with a strong +24 run differential. The only blemish was that one-run loss to Emo — a game they led for long spells while missing key players. Momentum is good after a composed 23–11 semi-final win over St Clare’s.

Emo

Resilient and stubborn, Emo have made a habit of surviving tight ones. Their semi versus Kilmeena looked gone, but they stuck in and pinched it by two, 24–22. They may not have Galway’s consistency, yet they keep finding ways — especially late in games — and they’ve beaten Rapparees in each of the last four seasons.

Rivalry & Storylines

  • Hoodoo factor: Emo hold a multi-season winning streak over Galway.
  • This year feels different: Galway’s balance (+24 group differential) and discipline suggest a breakthrough is coming.
  • Clutch time: If Emo keep it within a run into the last innings, the Laois men are dangerous.

Key Match-Up

Galway’s depth through the order v Emo’s late-inning grit. If Rapparees build a cushion by the early innings, they can control the tempo. If Emo drag it into a dogfight, history leans their way.

Prediction

Verdict: Galway City Rapparees. The form line and improved game management point to the hoodoo finally being broken — but expect nerves to the last out.

Galway Rapparees after beating St Clare’s in the semi-final

Galway Rapparees after beating St Clare’s in the semi-final

Emo men’s team

Emo men’s team

 

Intermediate Mixed All-Ireland Final Preview

The Intermediate Mixed Championship reaches its climax this Sunday, 31st August – 4pm

Emo and Erne Eagles set to battle it out for the All-Ireland title and a tilt at senior men’s for Emo. Both teams arrive full of confidence, promising a thrilling encounter to close out the 2025 campaign.

Road to the Final

Emo have been the standout force in Group B, recording emphatic wins over Raheen, Glynn Barntown, and Na Fianna. Their semi-final against Galway City Rapparees was a stern test, however, edging through 16–15 after holding their nerve in the closing stages. It was a performance that showed both their power and their resilience — even as the Rapparees pressed late, Emo had the composure to finish strong.

Erne Eagles, meanwhile, topped Group A after a superb run, including victories over Galway City Rapparees and St Clares. Their semi-final against Raheen was a tighter affair than many expected, finishing 12–10, with both sides guilty of missed opportunities. While it’s harder to judge the Eagles’ form based on that performance, their ability to grind out results is a sign of champions.

Form Guide

  • Emo – W vs Glynn Barntown (37–17), W vs Raheen (40–23), W vs Na Fianna (45–7), SF: W vs Galway City Rapparees (16–15).
  • Erne Eagles – W vs Michael Glaveys (16–19), W vs Galway City Rapparees (17–14), W vs St Clares (15–13), SF: W vs Raheen (12–10).

Key Battle

This final will likely be decided in the middle innings. Emo’s batting strength, with their ability to rack up runs quickly, has been their trademark all season. Erne Eagles will look to contain that power with disciplined fielding and sharp pitching. If the Eagles can keep Emo’s hitters quiet early, they’ll fancy their chances of edging another tight finish.

Verdict

Emo come into the final with momentum, especially after their composed semi-final win over the Rapparees. Erne Eagles are proven at this level and won’t be fazed by the occasion, but they may need to find another gear with the bat. Expect a close contest — but Emo’s firepower might just see them over the line.

Prediction: Emo

Erne Eagles intermediate mixed team

Erne Eagles intermediate mixed team


Intermediate Ladies Final – Carrickmacross Emmets v The Heath

The Intermediate Ladies Championship is a mouth-watering final between Carrickmacross Emmets and The Heath at 2pm.

Both sides have produced big performances throughout the summer, but only one will be crowned champions, but, hopefully we see both in senior next summer.

Carrickmacross Emmets

The Monaghan outfit have been the standout side in this year’s Intermediate Ladies competition. They finished top of their group before powering past Michael Glaveys in the semi-finals, running up a 29–10 scoreline. Their batting strength has been a key weapon all season, with scores spread right across the order. Emmets also boast a solid defence that has restricted opponents from building momentum. Having already beaten The Heath earlier in the campaign, they will enter the final as favourites.

The Heath

The Heath have grown into the competition and showed real composure to overcome Glynn Barntown 20–12 in their semi-final. They possess a mix of experience and youth, and their ability to rally late in games has been a feature of their season. While their earlier defeat to Carrickmacross shows the size of the challenge ahead, The Heath are a dangerous side capable of making this a much tighter contest if their batting unit fires from the start.

Head-to-Head

The sides met in the group stages, with Carrickmacross running out comfortable winners, 14–7. However, finals often take on a life of their own, and The Heath will be determined to turn the tables when it matters most.

Prediction

Carrickmacross Emmets have been ruthless in attack and well-organised in the field. Unless The Heath can unsettle them early, it is hard to see the Monaghan side being stopped. Expect The Heath to battle hard, but Emmets look set to lift the trophy.

Verdict: Carrickmacross Emmets

The two Monaghan ladies teams. Innishkeen and Carrickmacross

The two Monaghan ladies rounders teams. Inniskeen and Carrickmacross both into their finals


All-Ireland Junior Men’s Final Preview

Kilmore vs St Senans — Sunday, 31 August 2025 – 12pm

The Junior Men’s Championship comes down to two excellent sides who have been neck-and-neck all year. Kilmore topped Group A on scoring, while St Senans matched them for wins and powered through a dramatic semi-final. Expect fine margins in the decider.

Form Snapshot

Team Group Record Runs For Runs Against Semi-Final
Kilmore 5W–0D–1L (Group A leaders) 102 86 Beat Inniskeen Grattans 11–9
St Senans 5W–0D–1L (2nd on scoring) 93 70 Beat Myshall 13–12

Kilmore

Kilmore have been the most clinical attacking outfit in the grade, regularly producing a big innings to swing momentum. Their semi-final win over Inniskeen (11–9) showed game management under pressure. If they set a platform early, their power hitting can open the final up.

St Senans

St Senans combine tidy defence with sharp base running. Conceding just 70 in the group speaks to their discipline in the field, while the 13–12 semi over Myshall underlined their composure when it’s tight. They will happily go deep into a close contest.

Key Match-Up

Kilmore’s middle-order power vs St Senans’ infield discipline. If Senans keep the ball on the deck and limit extra bases, they can drag this into a one- or two-run game. If Kilmore find the gaps early, Senans will be forced to chase.

Prediction

Verdict: Kilmore

Kilmore men’s team before the All-Ireland semi-final

Kilmore men’s team before the All-Ireland semi-final

St Senan’s men’s team

St Senan’s men’s team


All-Ireland Junior Mixed Final Preview

Gusserane v St Senans — Sunday, 31 August 2025 – 4pm

The Junior Mixed Championship wraps with unbeaten Gusserane of Wexford up against tournament favourites St Senans of Limerick. Both arrive in form; Senans have looked the class of the grade since the groups, while Gusserane have gathered serious momentum through the knockouts.

Form Snapshot

Team Group Record Runs For Runs Against Route to Final
St Senans (Group B) 6W–0D–0L 106 61 QF: beat Wolfe Tones 14–9 • SF: beat Dublin Metropolitans 14–13
Gusserane (Group C) 4W–0D–0L 50 25 QF: beat Kilmeena 24–6 • SF: beat Galway City Rapparees 18–10

Gusserane

Perfect through Group C and ruthless in the knockouts, Gusserane mix clean fielding with punchy hitting. The quarter-final rout of Kilmeena (24–6) and an 18–10 semi over Rapparees underline their ability to post a big inning and protect it. If they settle early, they will make this a live contest all the way.

St Senans

Senans have looked destined for the final since topping Group B with six wins from six. Their balance stands out: disciplined infield, reliable pitching, and batters who keep pressure on. They handled Wolfe Tones in the quarters and then showed composure to edge the Dubs Mets 14–13 in a thriller.

Key Match-Up

Gusserane’s power innings v Senans’ infield control. If Senans keep traffic off the bases, they can dictate pace. If Gusserane find gaps early, they can turn it into a shoot-out. But this will ultimately be decided by the two bowlers.

Prediction

Verdict: St Senans


All-Ireland Junior Ladies Final Preview

Elphin v Inniskeen Grattans — Sunday, 31 August 2025 – 2pm

From 22 teams down to two. The Junior Ladies Championship reaches its decider with Elphin of Roscommon facing Inniskeen Grattans of Monaghan. Elphin have looked a step above the grade, while Inniskeen bring explosive scoring and momentum.

Form Snapshot

Team Group Record Runs For Runs Against Route to Final
Elphin (Group B winners) 6 Pld • 5W–1D–0L 92 52 QF: beat Carrickmacross Emmets 13–6 • SF: beat Castletown Liam Mellows 11–2
Inniskeen Grattans (Group A winners) 6 Pld • 5W–0D–1L 92 56 QF: beat Kilmore 14–8 • SF: beat Dublin Metropolitans 29–19

Elphin

Balanced, clinical, and consistent. Elphin topped Group B and have controlled both knockout ties with composed fielding and depth through the order. They rarely allow teams back into games and arrive as deserved favourites.

Inniskeen Grattans

Top of Group A and box-office with the bat, Inniskeen can turn any contest into a shoot-out. Their semi-final win over the Metropolitans (29–19) showed the ceiling of their offence. If they catch fire early, this final gets spicy.

Key Match-Up

Elphin’s control and infield discipline v Inniskeen’s power innings. Keep traffic off the bases and Elphin dictate. Give Inniskeen chances and they’ll cash in.

Prediction

Verdict: Elphin

The Emo and Athenry captains ahead of the Minor Ladies final.

Athenry retain Minor Ladies title after epic extra-innings final

/by

Athenry Retain GAA Rounders Minor Ladies Championship After Epic Final

Athenry (Galway) held their nerve in extra innings to defeat Emo (Laois) after a thrilling day at the Meath Centre of Excellence in Dunganny on Saturday, 16 August.

The GAA Rounders Minor Ladies Championship lit up the Meath Centre of Excellence in Dunganny on Saturday, August 16th, as three teams battled it out in blustery conditions. Defending champions Athenry of Galway faced stern challenges from Na Fianna of Dublin and Emo of Laois in what proved to be a festival of high-scoring, high-tempo rounders.

With a rock-hard outfield and a strong breeze testing both pitchers and fielders, it was always going to be a day for the batters – and the players delivered in style.

Group Stage: Runs Galore

The opening match saw Emo edge out Na Fianna in a lively encounter, 15–10, as both sides took full advantage of the conditions.

Athenry then entered the fray against Emo. After a tight opening, big hits from Aisling Kelly and Rosa Higgins pushed the Galway side into control, sealing a 17–12 victory.

Na Fianna needed a win against Athenry to stay alive, and they made the champions work hard with strong batting early on. But once Athenry settled, their experience shone through. They pulled clear to secure the win, eliminating Na Fianna and booking their place in the final.

The Final: Emo v Athenry

The stage was set for a five-innings showdown between Emo and Athenry under the afternoon sun.

Emo came flying out of the traps with power hitting from Heidi Browne and Emer Dooley, supported by superb fielding from Rachel McMahon. They stormed into a commanding 17–6 lead after the first innings.

But champions respond when it matters. Athenry rallied, taking the second 7–4 and dominating the third 12–7. Emo showed resilience in the fourth, edging it 1–0 to carry a slender 29–25 advantage into the final innings.

The pressure was on, and both sides produced drama of the highest order. Athenry batted first in the 5th, putting up 9 runs with a masterclass of placement hitting and clever base running. That set Emo the daunting task of scoring 6 for the title, or 5 to force extra innings.


The Turning Point

Emo came in to bat with everything on the line, but Athenry’s defence stood tall. Pitcher Ellen Shaughnessy, catcher Izzy Gannon, and first base Meabh Murray combined brilliantly to limit the Laois side to just 5 runs — forcing the game into extra innings.

Extra Innings: Champions Tested

Both pitchers raised their game in extras, making every run hard-earned. Athenry edged the first extra innings 2–0, then added a crucial 5 in the second.

That left Emo needing 7 to stay alive or 8 for the championship. Despite a determined effort, Athenry’s defence held firm, with their short stop shutting down key plays and catcher Izzy Gannon making a great at-the-feet catch to finish off the game. Emo’s brave challenge ended just short, and Athenry emerged victorious once again, retaining their Minor Ladies Championship crown.

A Day to Remember

It was a final befitting the occasion – packed with skill, drama, and resilience. Both teams left everything on the field, and the contest will live long in the memory for players, mentors, and supporters alike.

“This team, they just never let me down. Win or lose, they never let me down.”

— Peter Lyons, Athenry Manager

A special word of thanks goes to tournament referee Danielle Keane, who oversaw all four matches with fairness and authority, ensuring the championship ran smoothly from start to finish.

Final Standings

  • 🏆 Champions – Athenry (Galway)
  • 🥈 Runners-up – Emo (Laois)
  • 🥉 Third Place – Na Fianna (Dublin)

GAA Rounders Intermediate Championship Semi-Finals – Full Previews

/by

GAA Rounders Intermediate Championship Semi-Finals – 17 August 2025

The 2025 GAA Rounders Intermediate Championships reach a thrilling climax this Sunday, 17 August, as six semi-finals take centre stage in Dunganny. We have 7 countries represented – Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Cavan, Monaghan, Laois and Wexford.

With places in the All-Ireland finals on the line, the action spans across the Mixed, Men’s, and Ladies grades — each match carrying its own storylines, rivalries, and potential for drama. From Galway City Rapparees’ explosive batting to Kilmeena’s rematch with a full-strength Emo, and Carrickmacross Emmets’ unbeaten charge in the Ladies grade, fans can expect high-scoring clashes, tense innings, and plenty of All-Ireland dreams at stake.


🎟️ Click here to buy tickets for All‑Stars

Intermediate Men’s Championship Semi-Finals

Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025  |  Venue: Dunganny  |  Throw-in: 12:00

Galway City Rapparees vs St Clares (Cavan)

Intermediate Men’s Semi-Final

Galway City Rapparees head into the semi-finals as group winners with three wins from four and a +24 run difference.
Their standout display came against St Clares in July when they blasted 25 runs in just two innings —
ruthless batting that left no way back.

The Rapparees have married explosive hitting with disciplined defence all season. Their only setback was a one‑run loss
to Emo, 26–25 (5), showing they can be pushed but are rarely overwhelmed.

St Clares battled into the last four with key wins, including 20–4 (5) over Dublin Metropolitans.
They can post big numbers, but they must be far tighter in the field to avoid a repeat of that heavy defeat to Galway.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees — likely to take control early if they find rhythm.

Kilmeena (Mayo) vs Emo (Laois)

Intermediate Men’s Semi-Final

Kilmeena racked up 92 runs in four games, finishing joint‑top on points with the best run difference in the group (+42).
Their only meeting with Emo ended 34–18 (3) in Kilmeena’s favour.

That result comes with an asterisk — Emo had only eight players available and were severely under strength.
At full complement they’re a different proposition, as shown by their 26–25 (5) win over Galway City Rapparees.

Kilmeena’s power hitting and solid fielding make them favourites, but they’ll be wary of a near‑full‑strength Emo with a point to prove.

Prediction: Kilmeena — margin shrinks if Emo start fast.

Intermediate Mixed Semi-Finals

Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025  |  Venue: Dunganny  |  Throw-in: 2pm

Emo (Laois) vs Galway City Rapparees

Intermediate Mixed Semi-Final

Emo swept Group B unbeaten with a massive +59 run difference and three statement wins:
29–7 vs Na Fianna (4), 37–17 at Glynn Barntown (5), and 40–23 at Raheen (4).
They score in bursts and rarely let opponents settle.

Galway City Rapparees finished level on points with Erne in Group A, edged to second only on run rate.
Highlights included 17–10 vs St Clares (3) and a composed 6–2 away at Michael Glaveys (4).
Their 12–19 defeat to Erne came while under strength, so it’s a poor guide to their ceiling.

If Galway are full strength, their defence can slow Emo’s early surge — but they’ll need a fast start to avoid a chase.

Prediction: Emo

Erne Eagles (Cavan) vs Raheen (Wexford)

Intermediate Mixed Semi-Final

Erne topped Group A on run rate with three wins. Their headline result was a 22–20 over St Clares despite batting only
(3) innings, plus a 19–12 against Rapparees on the day Galway were short-handed.
The sole slip was 16–19 to Michael Glaveys (4).

Raheen finished second in Group B and showed steel in a 16–14 away win at Glynn Barntown (4).
Even versus Emo they posted 23, so they can score if the game opens up.

Eagles have the edge for power and experience, but Raheen’s knack for tight finishes keeps this live deep into the game.

Prediction: Erne Eagles

Intermediate Ladies Championship Semi-Finals

Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025  |  Venue: Dunganny  |  Throw-in: 4pm

Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan) vs Michael Glaveys (Roscommon)

Intermediate Ladies Semi-Final

Carrickmacross Emmets arrive as unbeaten group winners, pairing deep batting with sharp infield work.
Glaveys have shown resilience in tight games and will try to keep this low-scoring and error‑free.

If Emmets settle early, their scoring pressure should tell; Glaveys need a fast start and tidy fielding to stay in range.

Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets

The Heath (Laois) vs Glynn Barntown (Wexford)

Intermediate Ladies Semi-Final

The Heath have been consistent all season, combining disciplined batting with a well‑organised defence.
Glynn Barntown bring more attacking punch and can rack up runs quickly when the order clicks.

Expect a tight contest: The Heath’s structure versus Glynn’s scoring bursts.

Prediction: Heath

Respect the Game – Respect Each Other

  • 👏 Cheer great catches – no shouting while a player is attempting to catch the Sliotar
  • ⚾ Respect pitchers  – tough job, big skill.
  • 🫡 Back the refs – no arguing calls.

Play hard. Play fair. Keep it positive.

Under 16 Girls GAA Rounders Championship Preview – Athenry, Emo & Erne Eagles Clash in Emo

/by

📣 UNDER 16 GIRLS GAA ROUNDERS CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

📍 Venue: Emo GAA Club, Co. Laois
📅 Date: Saturday, 5th July
🏆 Three provincial giants. One national title.

🔵 ATHENRY (GALWAY) – The Standard Setters

Athenry have led the way in girls Rounders in recent years, setting the benchmark for structure, skill and intensity. While others are catching up, they remain a formidable force.

  • 🔥 Key Strength: A clinical pitcher–catcher–first base trio that shuts down scoring chances with ruthless efficiency.
  • ⚾️ Expect: Smart decision-making, fast base running, and calm control under pressure.

🔴 EMO (LAOIS) – Féile Stars on Home Turf

Fresh from a standout National Féile run, Emo enter this championship with confidence — and home advantage. With a solid squad returning and a strong outfield behind them, they’re ready to challenge for top honours.

  • 🔥 Key Strength: A quick, athletic outfield that limits long shots and keeps opponents on a tight leash.
  • ⚾️ Expect: Cohesive teamwork, big-game readiness, and plenty of local support in the stands.

🟡 ERNE EAGLES (CAVAN) – Defending Champions

Last year’s winners are back — and still as dangerous as ever. Erne Eagles blend powerful batting with a reliable, composed pitcher, making them a balanced, high-scoring threat.

  • 🔥 Key Strength: Experience, calmness under pressure, and serious firepower at the plate.
  • ⚾️ Expect: Big hitting, championship focus, and the belief of a team that knows how to win.

🎯 Championship Outlook:

Athenry bring pedigree.
Emo bring form and the home crowd.
Erne Eagles bring the title — and a target on their backs.

📅 U16 Girls All-Ireland Rounders Championship – Match Schedule

⏰ Time 👧 Girls Pitch
10:00 Emo vs Erne Eagles
11:00 Athenry vs Erne Eagles
12:00 Athenry vs Emo
13:00 Lunch
13:30 2nd v 3rd All-Ireland Semi-final (Three Innings)
15:00 All-Ireland Final (Four Innings)

👀 Be there to see who comes out on top.
📍 Emo GAA Club, Co. Laois
📅 Saturday, July 5th

#GAARounders #U16Championship #GirlsInSport #Athenry #Emo #ErneEagles #GAA