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

Preview – 31 May 2026

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

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

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

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

Midlands Medley

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Erne Eagles

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

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

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

Prediction: Kilmore

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

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

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

Prediction – Erne Eagles

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

Prediction – Erne Eagles

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

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

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

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

Prediction – Breaffy to win all three

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

Junior Games

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

Prediction – Emo

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

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

Prediction – Leighlinbridge

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

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

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

Prediction – Oulart The Ballagh

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

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

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

Prediction – Gusserane

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

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

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

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets

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

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

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets

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

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

Prediction – Elphin

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

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

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

Prediction – Inniskeen Grattans

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

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

Prediction – Inniskeen Grattans

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

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

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

Prediction – Garrymore

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

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

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

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

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Bunninadden Rounders, GAA Rounders, Sligo Rounders, Connacht Rounders, All-Ireland Rounders, Féile competition, Rounders history, Mosney, Community Games, Irish Rounders, Kenneth Kerins, Alan Hannon, Shane Kerins, Conor Gormley, Shane Kilcoyne, Niamh McGetrick, Aileen Hannon, Niamh O’Flaherty, Aishling Frizzell, Noelle Gormley, Kelly Sonery, Sandra Scanlon, Sarah Perry, Anne Leamy, Rhona Gilhooly, Tara Murray, Amanda Keenan, Breege McManamy, Patrick Rogers, Kevin Doohan, Tom Doohan, Cathal Scanlon, Ronan Killoran, Patrick Coen, Thomas McLoughlin, Michael Gormley, Donal Gallagher, Tadhg Brennan, Stephen Anderson, Damien Flannery, Eamonn Coen, Limekiln Rounders, Erne Eagles, Breaffy Rounders, Sligo sport, Connacht sport, Rounders Ireland, All-Ireland champions

Flashback – Historic All-Ireland success in 2000 for Bunninadden Rounders Club

Historic All-Ireland Success For Bunninadden Rounders Club

A landmark Connacht Rounders achievement remembered

Bunninadden Rounders, GAA Rounders, Sligo Rounders

Bunninadden Rounders Club etched their name into Connacht sporting history in 2000 when they became the first club from the province to capture the Comhairle Cluiche Corr Féile competition in Mosney, Co. Meath.

For a small rural Sligo club, competing against some of the strongest Rounders teams in Ireland, it was a remarkable breakthrough and one of the great early success stories for the sport in Connacht.

Historic All-Ireland success for Bunninadden Rounders Club

BUNNINADDEN Rounders club made history last weekend by becoming the first club in Connacht to win the Comhairle Cluiche Corr Féile competition in Mosney, Co. Meath.

Last year they were the first Sligo team to enter in its 10 year existence. This is a competition whereby the best clubs in the country are asked to attend. Bunninadden were invited to participate in this competition in 1999 for the first time due to the excellent display by their U-13 girls and U-15 boys at Connaught Community Games finals in Galway.

The U-15 boys took part that year and ended up runners-up. This was only their second year competing and on this occasion they became the All-Ireland champions beating Limekiln of Dublin in the final.

There are only a few clubs in the county taking part in Rounders competition and some of these were interested in participating in Féile. Because they felt Rounders in Sligo was not up to National standard. So Bunninadden decided to go it alone, and they got their reward.

Throughout the groups Bunninadden competed against sometimes county teams rather than individual clubs. Bunninadden entered three teams this year – U-15 boys, U-15 girls and U-16 mixed. Both the U-15 boys and girls got to the final stages of their groups.

U-16 Mixed Team Results

Bunninadden 17–16 Erne Eagles
St. Michaels 12–5 Bunninadden
Bunninadden 7–6 Limekiln
Semi-final: Bunninadden defeated Breaffy/Castlebar
Final: Bunninadden defeated Limekiln

The U-16 mixed team surprisingly came out of a group that consisted of the Ulster champions, Erne Eagles (Cavan) and Leinster runners-up Limekiln. They started the group games against Erne Eagles (Cavan) and beat them on a scoreline of 17-16.

They went on then to meet St. Michaels (Derry) and were defeated in this match 12-05.

The next game was then vital and in order to remain in contention Bunninadden had to win. They took on the might of Dublin (Limekiln) and won by the narrowest of margins 7-6.

Bunninadden then qualified for the semi-finals and here they were to meet old rivals Breaffy/Castlebar whom they never previously were able to overcome. Bunninadden stayed in touch as is always the case for the first 2 innings but on this weekend they fielded excellently and batted to precision scoring 4 in the last inning and getting Breaffy/Castlebar all the heartache of losing Connaught titles, at Community games level.

They then faced All-Ireland success for the first time and entered the final against Limekiln (Dublin) with confidence as they had already beaten them in the group stages.

Bunninadden, although confident of success, could hardly believe it when they were crowned All-Ireland champions for the first time in the club’s short history. This is something Sligo teams are not familiar with and Bunninadden was no different due to the fact that their club is one of the smallest in the county.

“The endless hours of training over the past five months paid off for this team.”

The “endless” hours of training over the past five months paid off for this team. Due credit goes to their Manager and player Kenneth Kerins for his commitment and dedication.

The victorious team were met on their return home at 2.30a.m. Tuesday morning by bonfires which blazed into the morning. Further celebrations are to be held in the near future.

Bunninadden Rounders Club etched their name into Connacht sporting history in 2000 when they became the first club from the province to capture an All-Ireland Féile Rounders title at Mosney

Winning Team

Kenneth Kerins (player/manager), Alan Hannon (captain), Shane Kerins, Conor Gormley, Shane Kilcoyne, Niamh McGetrick, Aileen Hannon, Niamh O’Flaherty, Aishling Frizzell (subbed in), Noelle Gormley.

Other Panel Members

Kelly Sonery, Sandra Scanlon, Sarah Perry, Anne Leamy, Rhona Gilhooly, Tara Murray, Amanda Keenan, Breege McManamy, Patrick Rogers, Kevin Doohan, Tom Doohan, Cathal Scanlon, Ronan Killoran, Patrick Coen, Thomas McLoughlin, Michael Gormley, Donal Gallagher, Tadhg Brennan, Stephen Anderson, Damien Flannery and Eamonn Coen.

The team and coach would like to sincerely thank the three parents who travelled with the team Helen Hannon, Joe Doohan and Seamus Anderson. Also to the bus driver Michael Kielty.

Bunninadden Rounders club thank the people who sponsored them over the previous months.

They participated in three competitions, the U-15 boys and girls and the U-16 mixed in which we became All-Ireland champions for the first time.

They would also like to thank anyone who in any way helped to make the trip the success it was and the parents who travelled with the team – Joe Doohan, Helen Hannon and Seamus Anderson.

GAA Rounders Preview 19 April 2026: Senior and Intermediate Championship Opener

GAA Rounders Championship Preview

GAA Rounders Preview: 19 April 2026

The wait is nearly over as the 2026 All-Ireland Championship season gets underway with Senior and Intermediate action across Ballon, Galway, Wexford and Kilmore

The date we have all been waiting for is nearly here and the familiar question of “what will we do on Sunday?” won’t be an issue for the next 22 weeks, because the GAA Rounders All-Ireland Championship season is back!

Last season, the Friday Preview & Predictions article became a weekly talking point, so it returns for 2026. There is a new writer this year, remaining anonymous for what can only be described as “personal safety” reasons, along with a slightly different style of analysis and fewer statistics. The goal, however, remains exactly the same: to start conversations, spark debate and, ideally, give readers every chance to prove the previewer wrong.

Senior Championship Preview

Ballon and Galway host the opening Senior fixtures of the 2026 season, with heavyweight clashes, returning stars and one major milestone for Galway City Rapparees

Ballon hosts a blockbuster opening day

This Sunday, 19 April, the honour of pitching the first ball of the 2026 Senior season will go to either Irene Scanlon of Cavan’s Erne Eagles or Cúchulainn of Carlow’s as yet unrevealed pitcher when their women’s championship clash gets underway in Ballon at 12pm.

Both clubs reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Championship, so there is plenty on the line from the outset. With multiple All-Star winners and nominees from 2025 and previous seasons taking to the pitch for both teams, this promises to be an excellent curtain-raiser. The blend of youth and experience across both squads should produce skilful batting, composed fielding and no shortage of big moments.

At 1.30pm, the focus shifts to the Senior Mixed contest. As 2025 All-Ireland runners-up, Erne Eagles will be determined to show that they remain genuine title contenders in 2026. Cúchulainn, meanwhile, will be equally eager to prove that they can go one step further this year and reach the final themselves. Erne Eagles’ Senior Mixed panel has already thrown up a few surprises, so there will be keen interest in the side that eventually takes the field.

The final game in Ballon at 3pm sees the Men’s teams go head to head. Erne Eagles were also Men’s All-Ireland runners-up in 2025 and recent form suggests they may start as favourites, but underestimating the Carlow side on home soil would be a mistake. Rumour has it that Darryl Dolan is ready to return following his 2025 injury, which would be a significant boost for the visitors. With experienced figures on both sides, including Ard Chomhairle member and Cúchulainn pitcher Peadar Waters, this one has all the ingredients of a tense and closely fought battle.

Referee: Emo stalwart Michael Slevin will take charge of all three games.

Ballon Predictions

Women: Cúchulainn
Mixed: Erne Eagles
Men: Erne Eagles

Galway City Rapparees step into the big time

Ryan Dennis – Galway Rapparees

There is early action in Galway too, with two Senior fixtures down for decision on the grounds of Coláiste Muire Máthair from 1pm. Dublin legends Limekiln travel west to face Mayo’s Kilmeena in Senior Mixed before taking on the newly promoted Galway City Rapparees in Senior Men.

After a difficult 2025 campaign, Limekiln have regrouped, brought in transferred players and assembled a bigger squad. They now look ready to remind everyone why they have been Rounders royalty for more than 20 years. Kilmeena, meanwhile, finished last season strongly after a slow start in Senior Mixed, so they will be determined to hit the ground running this time around.

This looks like a game that could be quick, sharp and highly competitive. Both pitchers will be desperate to give away as little as possible. Limekiln’s outfield will want to stay watertight, while Kilmeena will be eager to contain multi-position stars such as Ciarán Weldon both at bat and in the field. There may also be a few familiar faces in unfamiliar colours, with some players last seen in Kevin’s blue and white now sporting Limekiln jerseys.

At 2.45pm, Galway City Rapparees enter uncharted territory as they play their first ever Senior match. For a club whose men’s team won the Junior Day Blitz in 2021, this has been a remarkable rise. Sunday’s fixture already feels like a milestone moment and it has the makings of a hugely entertaining Senior debut.

Pitching should be fascinating, with the contrasting styles of Ryan Dennis and Chris Hughes presenting very different challenges for batters. Galway have runners and hitters capable of hurting any side and there will be plenty wondering whether Cathal Creaven might produce his first Senior home run. Limekiln’s challenge will be to shut down that running threat, while the Rapparees must stay calm and avoid being overawed by a side with an extraordinary haul of titles and All-Stars across the past two decades.

Referee: Seán Bailey of Michael Glavey’s will be behind the catcher for both Galway fixtures.

Galway Predictions

Mixed: Limekiln
Men: Galway City Rapparees

Intermediate Championship Preview

The Intermediate campaign also begins on Sunday, with Dublin Metropolitans on the road in both Men’s and Women’s action

Kilmore ready for Intermediate test

Aidan Carr – Kilmore

The Intermediate Championship begins with an early start on the road for Dublin Metropolitans, whose men travel to Roscommon to face local favourites Kilmore, last year’s Junior Men’s All-Ireland runners-up.

With a full year of Intermediate experience behind them, Dublin Mets may look like favourites on paper. Even so, Kilmore should not be underestimated. Both teams bring quality players into this opener. The Mets can call on the Carley brothers, Jack Cheyne and Leonard Looney, all selected for the Leinster Interprovincials side. Kilmore, meanwhile, are represented by Aidan Carr, Breian Carroll, Mark Harrington and James Jamieson, who fill four of the five Junior spots on the Connacht Interprovincial panel.

Nerves are inevitable for Kilmore in their first Intermediate game following promotion, but home advantage should help settle them. With first pitch at 11am, this has the feel of one of the most interesting games of the opening weekend.

Referee: Breaffy star and Ard Chomhairle Development Officer Mark Jennings

Prediction: Kilmore to settle early and take the win

Castletown Liam Mellows host key Women’s opener

Also throwing in at 1pm is the first Intermediate Women’s game of 2026, as Dublin Metropolitans head to the picturesque Castletown Liam Mellows pitch in Wexford to face the 2023 All-Ireland Junior Ladies finalists.

Both teams are newly promoted to Intermediate and both will be eager to make an immediate statement in their new grade. With talented and capable players on each side, this could be one of the tightest contests of the weekend and may come down to who handles the occasion best.

Referee: GAA Rounders Leinster Representative, PJ Lalor of Myshall

Prediction: Dublin Mets to just edge it

A season worth following begins again

Although soggy pitches and poor weather have threatened to derail the opening week of Championship action, the seven matches that are set to go ahead should still provide more than enough excitement and drama to whet the appetite for what promises to be another thrilling GAA Rounders season.

If you are near Ballon, Castletown, Galway or Kilmore, this is a weekend well worth supporting in person. For those who cannot make it, results will be uploaded to the website and social media channels as soon as they come in.

As always, thanks go to the players, coaches, managers and club secretaries who keep the show on the road and make sure these matches take place. Thanks too to our referees for officiating, and míle buíochas to everyone who supports our game.

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GAA Rounders Fixtures 2026 Confirmed | Full Championship Schedule & Teams

Fixtures confirmed for 2026 championship season

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

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

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

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

A championship season packed with quality and depth

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

Senior spotlight

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

Intermediate contenders

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

Junior teams to watch

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

Club depth across the country

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

Galway Rapparees

Welcoming new clubs to the championship

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

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

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

Na Gaeil Nua

Season timeline and key dates

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

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

Opening fixtures to launch the campaign

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

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

Clubs entered – 2026 Championships

Senior Championships

Senior Women

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

Senior Men

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

Senior Mixed

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

Intermediate Championships

Intermediate Women

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

Intermediate Men

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

Intermediate Mixed

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

Junior Championships

Junior Women

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

Junior Men

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

Junior Mixed

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

Continued growth across the code

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

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

InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns as Panels, Fixtures and Referees Confirmed

InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

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 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

Celebrating Women in Sport Week 2026 | GAA Rounders Mums, Daughters & Sisters

Women in Sport Week 2026 runs from 2–8 March, and GAA Rounders is proud to celebrate the incredible female athletes who shape our game.

With over 60% of our membership female, Rounders truly spans every generation – from U7 Go Games right through to the Senior Women’s All-Ireland Championships. It is a genuine sport for life. Whether you are a lifelong player, returning after a break, or picking up a bat for the first time, there is a place for you in our community.

Our All-Ireland Championships feature dedicated Senior, Intermediate and Junior Women’s competitions. Uniquely within the adult GAA codes, women also compete alongside men in our Mixed Championships, highlighting the inclusivity and skill that define Rounders.

One of the most special sights in our sport is mothers playing alongside their daughters. These role models show that sport does not have an expiry date. By sharing the field, they pass on confidence, leadership and a lifelong love of the game.

While Part 2 will feature the cousins, wives and sisters-in-law who make Rounders a true family affair, today we celebrate some of our standout Mums & Daughters and Sisters.

The Ultimate Teammates: Mother & Daughter Combos

Carmel & Amy Moloney – Cúchulainn, Carlow

Carmel & Amy Moloney – Cúchulainn, Carlow

From Coach to Teammate: Amy won her first All-Ireland Minor medal under her mother’s coaching. Years later their roles evolved into teammates. Lining out together at Senior level, they reached a historic milestone: winning the All-Ireland Mixed title together in 2022. Sharing the pitch, the pressure, and the ultimate victory is a privilege few ever get to experience.

Pamela & Tyra Brennan – Glynn Barntown, Wexford

Pamela & Tyra Brennan – Glynn Barntown, Wexford

As Pamela emotionally reflects: “When my daughter Tyra moved up through the grades to play beside me on the field – and then win an All-Ireland together – it definitely topped the highlights of our Rounders journey.”

Jen, Amy & Katie Kelly – Leighlinbridge, Carlow

Jen, Amy & Katie Kelly – Leighlinbridge, Carlow

Amy has played alongside her mother, Jen, since the very beginning. Jen is renowned as a powerhouse hitter, often showing the girls exactly “how it’s done,” though Amy is now delivering some massive hits of her own. The family unit is now complete with Katie recently joining her mother and sister on the field.

Clare & Leah McNally – Leighlinbridge, Carlow

Clare & Leah McNally – Leighlinbridge, Carlow

Leah is a versatile player with a long throw and a talent for pitching, inheriting her mother’s knack for big hits. Her mother, Clare, is the club’s backbone – balancing roles as a selector and coach. Beyond their skills, the duo is famous for bringing the “craic” to every training session.

Karen & Sarah Lynch & Hazel Costello – Skryne, Meath

Karen & Sarah Lynch & Hazel Costello – Skryne, Meath

What began with Karen joining Skryne in 2024 quickly became a full family affair. Her daughter, Hazel, joined later that year, and by 2025 Karen’s sister (and Hazel’s aunt), Sarah, joined the crew to complete the family trio.

Double Trouble: The Twins

Katie & Kirstin Cronin – Elphin, Roscommon

Katie & Kirstin Cronin – Elphin, Roscommon

Twins Katie and Kirstin joined Elphin in 2024. “I like playing with my twin because we support one another – she always has my back,” says Katie. Kirstin adds a competitive twist: “We push each other more than anyone. I never want to let her get to the next base, so I work twice as hard to get her out!”

Sister, Sister: The Unbreakable Bond

Gráinne & Aileen Gavin – Breaffy, Mayo

Gráinne & Aileen Gavin – Breaffy, Mayo

The Gavin sisters play for the reigning Senior Women’s champions, Breaffy. In 2025 they didn’t just win matching All-Ireland medals – they both earned All-Star nominations, Gráinne for Senior Mixed Female Player of the Year and Aileen for Senior Women’s Centre Outfield.

Ciara & Katie Groonell – Breaffy, Mayo

Ciara & Katie Groonell – Breaffy, Mayo

This sister duo is a force to be reckoned with. At the 2024 All-Stars both took home awards: Katie for Senior Female Mixed Player of the Year and Ciara for Senior Women’s Roaming Player. Ciara, now Breaffy’s Club Secretary, says winning those awards together made an already amazing journey even more special.

Lindsey O’Reilly & Lisa Flood – Erne Eagles, Cavan

Lindsey O’Reilly & Lisa Flood – Erne Eagles, Cavan

For Lisa and Lindsey, Rounders is a lifelong story. Both started at ten years old and, despite Lisa’s ten-year detour abroad, they are back playing side-by-side for Erne Eagles.

They were originally inspired by another sister duo – their cousins Rosaleen and Dympna – ensuring the “Eagles” bond stays in the family.”

Lorraine O’Connor & Michelle Dockery – Elphin, Roscommon

Lorraine O’Connor & Michelle Dockery – Elphin, Roscommon

“There’s something rebellious about playing with your sister at our age,” they share. “No talk of work or school runs – just us on a patch of grass laughing until we cry.”

Susan, Margaret & Catríona Griffin – Kildimo Pallaskenry, Limerick

Susan & Catríona Griffin – Kildimo Pallaskenry, Limerick

Susan & Margaret Griffin – Kildimo Pallaskenry, Limerick

While they played Community Games as children, these three sisters were never on the same team until now. They represent their club in both Rounders and Camogie. This year, the bond grew even stronger as Margaret’s stepdaughter, Katelyn O’Dwyer–Guerin, joined the team, proving to be an excellent addition with her ability to hit beyond outfield.

Margaret & Katelyn – Kildimo Pallaskenry, Limerick

Margaret & Katelyn – Kildimo Pallaskenry, Limerick

Having started in the 1990s but never sharing a lineup, these sisters have waited 30 years to play on the same team.

Noeleen & Brenda Greally – Skryne, Meath

Noeleen & Brenda Greally – Skryne, Meath

With Noeleen serving as Club Secretary and Brenda as Club Chairperson, these sisters aren’t just playing the game – they are running the show!

Marie & Jackie Neary – Elphin, Roscommon

Jackie Neary – Elphin, Roscommon

Marie Neary – Elphin, Roscommon

Marie and Jackie joined Elphin at its inception. For them, Rounders is the perfect balance of team sport and social connection.

Caroline & Nicola Noblett – Kilanerin Ballyfad, Wexford

Caroline & Nicola Noblett – Kilanerin Ballyfad, Wexford

Despite a ten-year age gap the two have found a shared passion on the field, proving that it is never too late to start.

Lisa, Laura & Róisín Lynch – St. Clare’s, Cavan

Lisa, Laura & Róisín Lynch – St. Clare’s, Cavan

Laura, Lisa and Roisin Lynch are integral to the heart of the club. Lisa anchors the team as catcher, Laura patrols centre outfield and Roisin keeps everything moving as PRO.

While Lisa and Laura have been mainstay players from underage to senior level, the three sisters are famous for the banter they bring to the team.

Coming later this week: Part 2 – The In-Laws, Partners, and Cousins of GAA Rounders!

Connacht Cup 2025 Preview – Full Fixtures, Predictions & History

🏆 Connacht Cup 2025 Preview – Athlone Set for a Festival of Rounders

The 2025 Connacht Cup takes centre stage this Saturday, 18th October in Athlone, bringing together a brilliant mix of clubs from across the country for one of the most enjoyable and competitive days on the Rounders calendar.

With ten teams split into two groups, fans can expect a full day of action — from 10:00 am group games right through to the Connacht Cup Final at 4:00 pm. Each team will play four round-robin matches, ensuring everyone gets plenty of game time before the finals decide who takes home the silverware.

There will be some matches streamed on YouTube, we will post details on Friday.

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📍 Athlone GAA Grounds

Pairc Chiaráin, Ballymahon Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

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🗺️ Use the map above for parking and entrance details on match day.

⚫ Group A (Pitches 1–2)

Teams: Kilmore Blue, Rapparees Black, Breaffy, Erne Eagles, Kilmeena

This looks the tougher group, featuring a repeat of the Senior Mixed All-Ireland Final between Breaffy and Erne Eagles. Adding in another senior outfit in Kilmeena makes this pool a real test for Kilmore Blue (Junior) and Galway Rapparees Black (Intermediate), who could be already stretched after splitting their squads to field two teams on the day.

🟡 Group B (Pitches 3–4)

Teams: Kevins, Kilmore White, Elphin, Rapparees Yellow, Leighlinbridge

It’s great to have Kevins back in action — they missed this year’s championship but were Senior semi-finalists in 2024, and there’s no doubt they’ll be highly competitive once again. Rapparees Yellow, Kilmore White, and Elphin all bring plenty of energy and experience at junior and intermediate level, while Leighlinbridge make their first appearance in mixed Rounders, adding further excitement to the lineup.

This may be the slightly easier group on paper, but with several evenly matched teams and plenty of attacking flair, it should still produce some cracking contests throughout the day.

🏁 Final Fixtures – 16:00

🏆 Connacht Cup Final: TBC
⚾ Plate Final: TBC
🛡️ Shield Final: TBC

🔮 Predictions

Here is our best guess at who might make it through the groups.

Connacht Cup Final – Breaffy vs Kevins: Breaffy’s record is phenomenal, and while Kevins will push them hard, experience might just tell. Prediction: Breaffy by 3–4 runs.
Plate Final – Erne Eagles vs Elphin: The Eagles’ power hitting should prove decisive. Prediction: Erne Eagles by 5–2.
Shield Final – Kilmeena vs Kilmore Blue: Kilmeena’s senior experience gives them the edge. Prediction: Kilmeena by 6–3.

📜 Connacht Cup Final History

Year	Final	Winner	Score
2021	Breaffy vs Glynn Barntown	Breaffy	10–5
2022	Breaffy vs Galway Rapparees	Breaffy	7-2
2023	Kevins vs Breaffy	Kevins	2–1
2024	Breaffy vs Galway Rapparees	Breaffy	6–5

Breaffy’s dominance over recent years is remarkable — four finals, three titles, and a reputation as the team to beat. St. Kevins remain the only club to dethrone them, setting up a fitting rematch in Athlone this weekend.

Special thanks to Connacht Representative Mark Jennings for organising this year’s event.

📅 Full Group Fixtures

⏰ Round 1 — 10:00
Group A (P1–P2)
• P1: Kilmore Blue vs Rapparees Black
• P2: Breaffy vs Erne Eagles
Bye: Kilmeena

Group B (P3–P4)
• P3: Kevins vs Kilmore White
• P4: Elphin vs Rapparees Yellow
Bye: Leighlinbridge

⏰ Round 2 — 11:00
Group A (P1–P2)
• P1: Kilmeena vs Rapparees Black
• P2: Kilmore Blue vs Breaffy
Bye: Erne Eagles

Group B (P3–P4)
• P3: Kilmore White vs Elphin
• P4: Kevins vs Leighlinbridge
Bye: Rapparees Yellow

⏰ Round 3 — 12:00
Group A (P1–P2)
• P1: Kilmeena vs Erne Eagles
• P2: Rapparees Black vs Breaffy
Bye: Kilmore Blue

Group B (P3–P4)
• P3: Kilmore White vs Rapparees Yellow
• P4: Elphin vs Leighlinbridge
Bye: Kevins

⏰ Round 4 — 13:00
Group A (P1–P2)
• P1: Kilmeena vs Breaffy
• P2: Erne Eagles vs Kilmore Blue
Bye: Rapparees Black

Group B (P3–P4)
• P3: Kilmore White vs Leighlinbridge
• P4: Rapparees Yellow vs Kevins
Bye: Elphin

⏰ Round 5 — 14:00
Group A (P1–P2)
• P1: Kilmeena vs Kilmore Blue
• P2: Erne Eagles vs Rapparees Black
Bye: Breaffy

Group B (P3–P4)
• P3: Elphin vs Kevins
• P4: Rapparees Yellow vs Leighlinbridge
Bye: Kilmore White

🏁 Finals — 16:00
• Connacht Cup Final: 1st A vs 1st B
• Plate Final: 2nd A vs 2nd B
• Shield Final: 3rd A vs 3rd B

Connacht Cup 2025 – A Celebration of Rounders in the Heart of Ireland

🌟 2025 Intermediate All-Star Nominees Announced

The nominees for the 2025 GAA Rounders Intermediate All-Star Awards have been revealed, recognising the top performers from the closing stages of this year’s Intermediate Championships.

Selections are based on performances across the final few games of the season, highlighting players who delivered when it mattered most.

🏆 Winners will be announced next Tuesday at 7:30pm, with all trophies presented at the All-Stars Night on Saturday, 1st November.

We have our first confirmed All-Star for a club — with all three nominees in the Mixed Female category coming from Erne Eagles. It’s a remarkable reflection of their strength and consistency at Intermediate level this season.

There’s also a unique story within the nominations, as husband and wife duo Justin and Emma Perrin have both been shortlisted for All-Stars — Justin in the Mixed Male category and Emma in the Mixed Female list — marking an incredible shared achievement for the Cavan-based club.

🏆 Intermediate Men’s

Cathal Creaven – Galway City Rapparees
Ili Tuimauga – Galway City Rapparees
Padraig Langford – Emo Rounders

🏆 Intermediate Mixed (Male)

Gerard Clerkin – Erne Eagles
Justin Perrin – Erne Eagles
John Paul Tynan – Emo Rounders

🏆 Intermediate Mixed (Female)

Maggie Brady – Erne Eagles
Amy Lynch – Erne Eagles
Emma Perrin – Erne Eagles

🏆 Intermediate Ladies

Louise Byrne – Carrickmacross Emmets
Marie Whelan – Carrickmacross Emmets
Hannah McNamee – The Heath

👏 Congratulations to all nominees on being recognised among the top Intermediate performers of the 2025 season — an achievement that celebrates quality, consistency, and standout performances when it mattered most.

#GAArounders #AllStars2025 #IntermediateAllStars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Darryl can be found on Instagram: gaarounderscoach

GAA Rounders Senior Finals 2025 – Referees Confirmed & Ticket Info

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

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

⚾ Senior Ladies Final

🕐 1.00pm – Breaffy v Glynn Barntown

Referee: Chris Hughes

⚾ Senior Mixed Final

🕞 3.15pm – Breaffy v Erne Eagles

Referee: Philip Keane

⚾ Senior Men’s Final

🕠 5.30pm – Carrickmacross v Erne Eagles

Referee: AnnMarie Brennan

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

👉 Get Your Tickets Here

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