Tag Archive for: Emo

InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns as Panels, Fixtures and Referees Confirmed

InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns

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
2:00	Leinster vs Ulster – Women	Danielle Keane
2:15	Munster vs Connacht – Men	Áine McLaughlin
4:00	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 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

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

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

📣 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	2^nd v 3^rd 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