Tag Archive for: GAA Rounders

Club Focus: How Galway City Rapparees Built a Club from the Ground Up

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Club Focus: Galway City Rapparees’ Five-Year Surge to Five Semi-Finals

Rounders thrives on feel-good stories, inspiring anecdotes and tales of rapid growth, but the trajectory of Galway City Rapparees over the past five years stands out as one of the most remarkable developments in recent seasons.

From initial conversations in late 2021 about transitioning from softball to fielding teams in five All-Ireland semi-finals in August 2026, the club’s progress reflects strategic vision, community spirit and immense work behind the scenes.

Founded by Joe Naughton, Eoin Wood, Gavin Mulhall and Tomás Kenny, Galway City Rapparees has expanded from an initial roster of 14 players to more than 50 registered members.

Since entering a single Men’s team at the 2021 Junior Day, the club has grown to field five teams across Junior, Intermediate and Senior grades in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed competitions, collecting two All-Ireland titles, three All-Stars and numerous regional honours along the way.

Senior & Intermediate Ranks

That debut outing at the 2021 Junior Day – and winning their first title – in Tymon Park laid the foundation for the club’s current Senior Men’s setup, who contest their All-Ireland semi-final in Monaghan on 16 August.

Galway Rapparees Junior day champion's 2021

Galway Rapparees Junior Day Men’s Winners 2021

Core players such as Cathal Creavan, Ryan Dennis, Jay Hall, Tomás Kenny, Pakie Killilea and Rory McGarvey have transitioned from newcomers to established Senior performers.

Strengthened by players like Tomás Callanan, Dave Gannon, Ajay Kumar, Greg Mannion, Vishal Pathare, and Ili Tuimauga, the unit has proved in its debut Senior season that it belongs among the top four Men’s sides in the country.

At Intermediate level, Rapparees field both Women’s and Mixed teams in 2026.

Intermediate Women

The club’s sole dedicated Women’s squad reached the Junior All-Ireland Final in 2024 before earning promotion to Intermediate for 2025. Currently managed by Rory McGarvey, the team navigated a steep learning curve last year before going unbeaten in their 2026 group.

Galway Rapparees women’s team

Galway Rapparees Women’s Team

They now face 2025 Junior champions Inniskeen Grattans in the All-Ireland semi-final on 15 August. The panel features long-standing members Edel Brennan, Cat Carty, Mel Mannion, Clodagh Naughton, Jenna O’Brien, Jessie Pereira, Laura Salvatore and Alex Stewart, alongside softball recruits Hazel Kilduff and Katie Jessop.

Intermediate Mixed

Drawing players from both higher-grade panels, the Mixed side also enters the knockout stages unbeaten. They meet Dublin Metropolitans in their All-Ireland semi-final on 15 August, looking to build on an impressive group campaign where they overcame some tough teams earlier in the season.

Intermediate mixed team

Galway Rapparees Intermediate Mixed Team

Hosting

All six GAA Rounders All-Ireland Intermediate semi-finals will be hosted by Galway City Rapparees at Coláiste Muire Máthair in Galway City – the second consecutive year All-Ireland knockout fixtures have been staged in the city following a successful Junior hosting in 2025.

GAA Rounders is very grateful to the Board of Galway City Rapparees for allowing us to use their venue and for their assistance and hospitality on the day.

Junior Campaign

Rapparees also hold two spots in the Junior grade knockout stages on Sunday, 9 August, in Edenderry.

Junior Men

Top of their group with an impressive run rate, captain and pitcher Séamus Keegan leads an unbeaten side into their All-Ireland semi-final against Wexford’s Gusserane. The squad has shown tremendous consistency throughout the campaign and will be aiming to continue that form on Sunday.

Junior Mixed

Drawing from across the club’s growing panel depth, the Junior Mixed team secured their semi-final place with a convincing quarter-final victory over Emo. Captained by Eimear Cuddy, they now face a formidable Inniskeen Grattans side, with pitcher/back catcher pairing Séamus Keegan and Sorcha Dowd hoping to reproduce their excellent quarter-final performance.

Rapparees Junior mixed team

Rapparees Junior mixed team

Beyond the Pitch

The club’s growth on the scoreboard has been matched by its success away from the playing field. Over the past 12 months, Rapparees players have earned selections for Connacht Interprovincial squads, five Senior Men represented GAA Rounders at the World Games in Waterford, with Tomás Kenny serving as Vice-Captain of one of the Mixed teams, while the club was also named the 2025 Connacht Club of the Year alongside Ili Tuimauga‘s Intermediate Men’s All-Star award.

Tomas Kenny, Ili Tuimauga & Ryan Dennis at the World GAA Games in Waterford

Tomas Kenny, Ili Tuimauga & Ryan Dennis at the World GAA Games in Waterford

Galway City Rapparees has also placed a strong emphasis on promoting the game within the local community. Through its standalone club website, regular appearances on Galway Bay FM, coverage in the Galway Advertiser and Connacht Tribune, and an active presence across social media, the club has consistently raised the profile of rounders while attracting new members from a wide variety of backgrounds. That commitment to promotion and community engagement has played a significant role in the club’s remarkable growth over the past five years.

Rapparees is also one of the Association’s most diverse clubs, with players from Samoa, New Zealand, India, Canada, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland. That international experience has enriched the club’s playing style while creating a welcoming environment that reflects the modern face of GAA Rounders.

Members also contribute significantly away from the field, serving across Ard Chomhairle, Coiste na nÓg and the National Referees Panel, helping to develop and strengthen the game nationally as well as locally.

Club Chairperson Tomás Kenny believes the club’s success has been built on putting people first

“The key to our success lies in the fact that we prioritise the club as a community over success on the field. By making the Rapparees an enjoyable and rewarding place to be, we’ve ensured that numbers keep going up, which in turn has transitioned into better teams. We’ve also learned so much each year from playing other fantastic teams, which in turn has allowed us to play and coach our teams better year on year.”

Club Secretary Joe Naughton says the club’s success is built on the countless volunteer hours that most people never see

“Running five teams is a huge undertaking. Match days require huge organisation and planning while, behind the scenes there’s training to organise, fixtures to plan and a club of over 50 members to look after. 

When you step back and look at what this club has achieved, though, it’s hard not to feel incredibly proud. Reaching five All-Ireland semi-finals is a remarkable achievement and a credit to every player, coach, volunteer and supporter who has played their part. It’s already been an amazing season, and if we can bring home another All-Ireland title, it would simply be the icing on the cake.”

A Club Built for the Future

As the 2026 Championship reaches its penultimate stages on 9, 15 and 16 August, Galway City Rapparees have firmly established themselves as an integral part of the GAA Rounders community. In just five years, they have grown from a small group of former softball players into a thriving community club competing across five teams at Junior, Intermediate and Senior level.

Whatever the outcome over the coming weeks, the club’s remarkable rise has already left a lasting mark on GAA Rounders. Judging by the progress made since 2021, the next chapter in the Rapparees story promises to be every bit as exciting as the first.

GAA Rounders Championship Preview – 9 August 2026

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We’ve made it to the last Sunday of our league! Over 260 games played in 16 short weeks – take a bow all of you who have organised, played in, refereed or travelled to watch one of those matches. You are the lifeblood of GAA Rounders and what keeps our organisation such an amazing community and our sport so exciting and compelling to watch and play.

Sunday will see Senior and Intermediate league games and Junior semi-finals all take place, all in Leinster when Dublin, Offaly and Wexford play host to 12 promising games. Let’s have a look at who’ll be taking to the pitches.

Senior Games – Dublin & Wexford

Wexford’s Glynn Barntown will host Monaghan’s Carrickmacross Emmets who will have an early start to travel the 235km between both clubs. First up at 12.30pm will be the Women from both clubs, followed, at 2pm, by the Mixed teams and the day will close out with the Men at 3.30pm.

In the Women’s competition, Breaffy and Limekiln have already qualified for semi-finals. A win or draw for Carrickmacross will mean they will also go through, leaving Erne Eagles taking the final spot. If the Wexford side win, it will leave a three-way tie between Erne Eagles, Carrickmacross and Glynn Barntown, meaning that Run Rate will decide the final two spots in the semi-finals. We love these “couldn’t be closer” final matches of the league!!

In Mixed, Breaffy, Cúchulainn and Glynn Barntown are all through and a win, or loss, for Carrickmacross will see them join that list of qualifiers.

Men isn’t straightforward either! Erne Eagles, Breaffy and Galway City Rapparees have already booked their semi-final slots, but the final place will go to the winner of Sunday’s game so there’s absolutely everything to play for in all three games.

Referee: Cúchulainn’s AnnMarie Brennan

Predictions: Women & Men – Carrickmacross Emmets; Mixed – Glynn Barntown

In Dublin, Limekiln will host Raheen in their final league games and, while the Dublin Women have already qualified for semi-finals, both sides’ Men’s teams are out of contention for this year. Don’t expect that to make it any less exciting to watch though!

Referee: GAA Rounders Vice-President Michael Dowling

Predictions: Limekiln to win both

Tymon Park will host one final game on Sunday when Intermediate Men from Dublin Metropolitans play Cavan’s St. Clare’s in the very last Intermediate league game of the year. St. Clare’s need to win to join Emo, Kilmore and St. Senan’s in the semi-finals next Saturday in Galway. A win for Dublin Mets will leave a three-way tie between St. Clare’s, Kilmeena and Dublin Mets for fourth place and so the qualifier will come down to Run Rate. This make-or-break game starts at 3.30pm.

Referee: GAA Vice President Michael Dowling

Prediction: St. Clare’s

Junior Semi-Finals

Rapparees Junior mixed team

Rapparees Junior mixed team

Cracking Junior games will take place all day in Edenderry GAA when our top twelve teams take to the two pitches for our Junior Men’s, Women’s and Mixed semi-finals.

We are very grateful to Edenderry GAA’s Committee for inviting GAA Rounders to their fantastic facility and for allowing us to host our Junior Semi-finals in Offaly.

At 11am Junior Women – Kilmore and St. Kieran’s – and Junior Men – Galway City Rapparees and Gusserane – will commence our day’s Rounders.

The Women’s match will see the unbeaten Roscommon side take on Limerick’s St. Kieran’s, runners-up in their league group. While Kilmore were favourites to win their quarter-final against Wexford’s Gusserane, St. Kieran’s were expected to have a harder time getting past Carrickmacross Emmets. Kilmore have demonstrated all year that they are excellent fielders – spectacular catches from Ruth McElhone, Clodagh Sheerin, Nicola Croughwell and Ana Carr in the quarter-final pay testament to that – and super base runners but they are also excellent batters, able to place balls outfield in the gaps between fielders. St. Kieran’s are also skilled batters and their pitcher, Deirdre Ambrose, is accurate and fast. With back catcher Siobhán Halligan, the two make a formidable team for getting outs. On the day, Kilmore’s experience, cool heads, calm fielding and strong batting should see them take the win.

Referee: National Secretary Shirley Lennon

Prediction: Kilmore

The Men’s match will also see unbeaten Galway City Rapparees take on Wexford’s Gusserane, runners-up in their league group. Topping their group and bypassing the quarter-finals, Rapparees will be rested and ready for this challenge while Gusserane had a tough fight on their hands in Tymon Park two weeks ago to get past Monaghan side Inniskeen Grattans. With pitcher Séamus Keegan and back catcher Colin O’Halloran working in sync to get outs on home and straight to first, Rapparees are a well-oiled fielding machine that also have the batting skills to get runs on the board. Gusserane, who played Intermediate Mixed this year, are also a tight outfit with a strong pitcher in Karel van der Merwe and excellent fielders in Conor Murphy and Morgan Nash Colfer. Expect neither side to give an inch in this potentially tight and super close game.

Referee: The Heath’s Danielle Keane

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

After a short break, or not depending on how long the first games take, we’ll be back to action with two 1pm games – again one Women’s and one Men’s match.

In Men, Carlow’s Myshall will take on Dublin’s Na Gaeil Nua. Group toppers Myshall also skipped Quarter-finals, while Na Gaeil Nua beat Limerick side Na Piarsaigh to earn their place on Sunday. With an excellent pitching/catching combo in PJ Lalor and Matthew Roberts, Myshall have the potential to punish third good balls not hit or clips that go backwards. Newcomers to Rounders, Na Gaeil Nua have proved that experience isn’t everything and have shown all season that they can bat and catch like seasoned professionals. Shortstop Ryota Yamagochi and 2nd Base Javier Isern can both bat far and run fast and it will be containing them and their teammates that will cause Myshall problems.

Not the first time these sides have met, having played each other last month in the league, the victors that time were Myshall. Have Na Gaeil Nua learned from their mistakes that day or will Myshall be ready to win again?

Referee: The Heath’s Danielle Keane

Prediction: Myshall

Our lunchtime Women’s game is between unbeaten Carlow side Leighlinbridge and unbeaten Limerick team St. Senan’s so this really will be unchartered territory for the team on the wrong side of Sunday’s scoresheet.

Leighlinbridge Junior Women

St. Senan’s pitcher, Louise Kelly, has been their secret weapon all season and her ability to pitch fast and accurately has caused problems for all the sides they have met so far. Many of St. Senan’s women also play Intermediate Mixed and the skills honed at the higher grade have worked to their advantage in ensuring smart batting, fast fielding and quick outs. However, they have yet to come up against an opponent like Leighlinbridge who can also field and bat and have won several league games by more than double scores and with multiple bats in hand. Their quarter-final defeat of Skryne was clinical in its tactical efficiency with three up three out and no mercy given for any errors made. This will be both teams’ toughest battle to date – who will be strong enough to make it through?

Referee: The Heath’s Philip Keane

Prediction: St. Senan’s

And finally, at 3pm it will be time for our two Mixed semi-finals with repeat appearances from Kilmore and Galway City Rapparees, this time taking on Limerick’s Na Piarsaigh and Monaghan’s Inniskeen Grattans respectively.

The Galway side comprehensively beat strong Laois team Emo in their quarter-final with excellent performances from Ajay Kumar – scoring a Home Run, pitcher Séamus Keegan, back catcher Sorcha Dowd, Mel Mannion on 1st Base and 3rd Baseminder Cat Carty. Shortstop Greg Mannion missed nothing outfield and, at bat, had some great hits. While Inniskeen also had an excellent performance against Leighlinbridge to make their way into the semi-finals – shortstop Trevor Hilliard was a one-man wall past which few balls made it, it wasn’t quite as impressive or comprehensive. Their fielding was just a bit less tight and their batting not quite as sharp, but the intervening two weeks may have given them time to hone those skills and be ready for the Rapparees.

Referee: National Secretary Shirley Lennon

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Kilmore have impressed all season with their excellent fielding and clever batting and comprehensively won through their group, not losing a game. Their depth of squad is such that even on days when key players are not available, they can make it work and still get the runs in and outs needed to secure the win. Key to their success is pitcher Aidan Carr and his accurate, fast and smart bowling. His ability to catch short pop-ups and throw to base has caught many batters out. Outfield Mark Harrington is a powerhouse and has both an excellent catch and throw. Keeping it in the family Mark’s son, Eli, and Aidan’s wife, Ana, are both important infielders who can be relied upon to catch, throw and bat accurately. Jamie Sharkey at shortstop is dangerous if a ball is batted short and Oisin Boland is not an outfielder you want to direct a ball towards! Na Piarsaigh have their share of excellent fielders and Patrick Fitzgerald has been responsible for many outs. At shortstop Ian Jennings was formidable during their quarter-final defeat of Carrickmacross Emmets, while pitcher/catcher Alan Healy and Sarah Stanley were both responsible for multiple outs. Although Na Piarsaigh’s ability to keep calm during what was the most tense finish to any of the ten quarter-finals that day was seriously impressive and won them the match, they weren’t facing a team as collectively strong as Kilmore and it’s hard to see how they will have the batting power in particular to overcome the Roscommon side.

Referee: The Heath’s Philip Keane

Prediction: Kilmore

And then there’ll be six – our six Junior Finalists. The best of the best who will bring their A game to Abbotstown, Kilcormac and Mallow and aim to be crowned All-Ireland Champions for 2026. All we can say is bring it on! Sunday will be some day of Rounders and we can’t wait to be there to see every bit of it.

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GAA Rounders Remembers Liam O’Neill

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We were saddened to hear of the death of former GAA President Liam O’Neill. The Laois native was Úachtarán CLG for a term from 2012 to 2015 and is credited with having ushered in a new era of the GAA which included the introduction of the Black Card to Gaelic football, the HawkEye system and the beginning of the discussions around integration of the LGFA and Camogie Association as well as the Football Review Committee.

From a Rounders perspective, Mr O’Neill was a great supporter of our code and was responsible for the purchase of Rounders bats for circulation all over the country. He saw the positive contribution our game could offer to the wider GAA community and was a passionate promoter of Rounders as an addition to all GAA clubs. As President of the GAA, he promoted our sport in a way not done before and GAA Rounders owes him a debt of gratitude.

In 2016 the GAA launched a Strategic Plan for Rounders and Liam O’Neill, at the time, said that “This is a fantastic opportunity to provide a boost to the great game of Rounders and I congratulate everyone who has been involved in bringing the project to this stage. I have said consistently since the start of my tenure that the future for our games lies in broadening their appeal to all members of the family and there is no better code to facilitate this than Rounders. Everyone can play this game.”

“We are working hard to bring all of our codes closer together and this plan will help us deliver that goal.”
GAA Rounders extends our sympathy to Liam’s wife Áine, his children Caoimhe, Ciarán and Clíodhna and his extended family and friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam 

 

2026 GAA Rounders Transfers: Full List of Player Moves

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2026 GAA Rounders Transfers

Although the new GAA Rounders Constitution has removed the traditional 28 February deadline, the start of the year has remained a busy time for players looking to pull on new jerseys. Let’s take a closer look at who is moving where and how these signings might shift the balance of power in 2026!

Everyone is moving to Limekiln!

Dublin Senior Club Limekiln, based in Tymon Park, has been incredibly active, recruiting a mix of fresh talent from across Leinster and Ulster.

Serena Costelloe, Erica Meslin & Merilin Neiland have all made the short move from Crumlin to Walkinstown. The former Kevin’s ladies were left teamless when Kevin’s didn’t enter the All-Ireland Championship this year. Serena played in Limekiln’s Mixed win over Kilmeena in Galway on 19 April and had a starring role as Pitcher in Limekiln Senior Women’s defeat over newly promoted The Heath, making it home three times and being involved in seven outs. Erica’s first appearance for Limekiln came in that same Senior Women’s game and she also proved what a versatile and skilled player she is, getting home each of her five times up to bat while also playing her part in five outs.

Back row, left – Colette McCaul; fourth from left, Serena Costelloe. Front row, left – Erica Meslin

Not content with signing Leinster female players, Limekiln have also recruited former St. Clare’s player and former Junior All-Star Colette McCaul. With her strength at bat, her speed and her ability to catch any ball at Left Outfield, Colette has shown that several years away from the sport hasn’t dimmed her abilities or talents and was a force to be reckoned with during the Senior Women’s win over The Heath.

Limekiln’s final signing – so far – this year is The Heath’s Peter Salmon. A versatile player who can contribute outfield or on base, batting and fielding, Peter also joined the Limekiln crew for his first match on 19 April in Galway where he had a brilliant first Senior Men’s match in blue and yellow, contributing three runs and five outs.

Limekiln v Galway Rapparees

Peter Salmon, right – J98Media

Other Senior & Intermediate Transfers

Also leaving The Heath, who this year have no Mixed or Men’s teams in the Championship, is Austin O’Meara who is staying in the same county and moving to 2025 Intermediate Men’s and Mixed Finalists Emo. Emo’s first Intermediate Men’s outing this year will be on 10 May when they host Kilmeena and we look forward to seeing Austin on the pitch that day.

Leaving Kilmeena for a move to the blue and white of St. Clare’s is Katie McLoughlin. St. Clare’s will welcome Katie to their Mixed and Women’s Intermediate teams and will hope her addition to the squad will help their chances of an Intermediate title in 2026.

Moving the other direction, to Kilmeena, is Breaffy’s Gerard Walsh while also in Connacht, former Michael Glavey’s Intermediate Women’s pitcher, Gretta Davis, has moved the short distance to newly Elphin. Gretta’s experience as a pitcher and Intermediate player will be seen as a major coup for Elphin as they navigate the jump to the Intermediate grade.

Gretta Davis

Gretta Davis – moving from Michael Glavey’s to Elphin

The final player moving to Connacht is Erne Eagles’ Tríona Moran who moved west to play Junior Mixed and Intermediate Women with Galway City Rapparees.

Junior Transfers

Unfortunately, Mayo Gaels did not affiliate for 2026 and two of their players have made the move to local rivals Garrymore. Both Joel Carter and Paul Murphy played on the Mayo Gaels Junior Mixed team in 2025 and have now transferred to assist the Garrymore Junior Mixed side this year. The third Mayo Gaels player to move is Gerard Scahill who has made the trip to Senior club Breaffy.

The only Munster transfer for 2026 is that of Sophie Moroney from All-Ireland winners St. Senan’s to Kildimo Pallaskenry.

In Ulster, Sachin Krishnan has left Monaghan’s Inniskeen Grattans to go to Antrim’s Wolfe Tones where he will join their Junior Mixed squad.

Meanwhile in Leinster five ladies are on the move as follows:

  • Liz Fitzgerald – Glynn Barntown to Kilanerin Ballyfad
  • Grace Power, Lisa Power, Lorna Byrne – Skryne to Dunsany
  • Shirley O’Neill – Fethard St. Mogue’s to Gusserane

With no official closing date for transfers this year, these are unlikely to be the last moves we’ll see in 2026…so keep an eye on our website and socials for more information on acquisitions and defections!

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Full GAA Rounders Transfer List 2026

A total of 26 player transfers have been recorded for the
2026 season. Seven of these transfers took place after 24 April 2026.

26
Total transfers
7
After 24 April
19
Before 24 April

Transfers After 24 April 2026

Date Player Previous Club New Club Grade Change
25 April Aidan Jayne Glynn Barntown — Senior Dublin Metropolitans — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
25 April Katarina Prazakova Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
3 June Gillian Nolan Cuchulainn — Senior Myshall — Junior Senior → Junior
3 June Margaret Simpson Cuchulainn — Senior Myshall — Junior Senior → Junior
15 July John Michael Nolan Cuchulainn — Senior Myshall — Junior Senior → Junior
23 July Aaron Keane The Heath — Senior Emo — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
5th May Jason Curran Fenagh — Intermediate Leighlinbridge — Junior Intermediate → Junior

Transfers Before 24 April 2026

Player Previous Club New Club Grade Change
Serena Costelloe Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Erica Meslin Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Merilin Neiland Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Colette McCaul St Clare’s — Intermediate Limekiln — Senior Intermediate → Senior
Peter Salmon The Heath — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Austin O’Meara The Heath — Senior Emo — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
Katie McLoughlin Kilmeena — Senior St Clare’s — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
Gerard Walsh Breaffy — Senior Kilmeena — Senior Senior → Senior
Gretta Davis Michael Glavey’s — Intermediate Elphin — Intermediate Intermediate → Intermediate
Tríona Moran Erne Eagles — Senior Galway Rapparees — Senior Senior → Senior
Joel Carter Mayo Gaels — Junior Garrymore — Junior Junior → Junior
Paul Murphy Mayo Gaels — Junior Garrymore — Junior Junior → Junior
Gerard Scahill Mayo Gaels — Junior Breaffy — Senior Junior → Senior
Sophie Moroney St Senan’s — Intermediate Kildimo Pallaskenry — Junior Intermediate → Junior
Sachin Krishnan Inniskeen Grattans — Intermediate Wolfe Tones — Junior Intermediate → Junior
Liz Fitzgerald Glynn Barntown — Senior Kilanerin Ballyfad — Junior Senior → Junior
Grace Power Skryne — Junior Dunsany — Junior Junior → Junior
Lisa Power Skryne — Junior Dunsany — Junior Junior → Junior
Lorna Byrne Skryne — Junior Dunsany — Junior Junior → Junior
Shirley O’Neill Fethard St Mogue’s — Junior Gusserane — Intermediate Junior → Intermediate
Note* Players may not have played at the level, it’s just the highest grade the club plays

Junior Women’s Quarter-finals Previews – 25 July 2026

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Saturday, 25 July 2026 | Tymon Park, Dublin

Our Junior League games for 2026 have now concluded, with the results of 57 Junior Women’s matches collated and analysed. Group tables have been double-checked, and of the 22 teams that set out in May, we are now down to the final eight.

These eight teams – Carrickmacross Emmets, Gusserane, Kilmore, Leighlinbridge, Myshall, St. Kieran’s, St. Senan’s, and Skryne – will take to the pitches at Tymon Park in Dublin on Saturday morning, each giving their all in a bid to secure a place in the Junior Semi-finals on 9 August. We are very grateful to Limekiln Rounders for hosting all ten matches on Sunday and are looking forward to a wonderful day of Rounders!

Let’s take a closer look at how these four quarter-final pairings match up!

St. Senan’s (Limerick) vs Myshall (Carlow)

  • Time: 11am
  • Referee: Áine McLaughlin (Dublin)

St. Senan’s topped Group A (consisting of Limerick and Galway sides) with a maximum 25 points. Myshall finished third in a highly competitive Group C featuring Carlow and Wexford teams. Although Myshall equalled Gusserane on 26 points, the Wexford side took second place owing to their head-to-head victory.

St. Senan’s hold a significant asset in pitcher Louise Kelly, who also plays Intermediate Mixed. Accustomed to the 12m pitching distance, her delivery from the 10m Junior Women’s mark comes in faster and harder than many batters are used to facing. Teammates Josephine Hickey, Kyra Hogan, Gráinne Noonan, and Dorothy Cullagh have also played Intermediate Mixed this season, giving St. Senan’s a battle-tested edge.

Myshall, meanwhile, recently secured the transfers of former Senior players Gillian Nolan and Margaret Simpson, whose expertise will inject huge confidence into the squad. Alongside established stalwarts like Alma Rae, Mya Farrell, Anita Donoghue, and Audrey Roberts, Myshall possess a wealth of big-game experience.

The key test for Myshall will be handling the pace and power coming off Louise Kelly’s pitches. Their fielding is strong and their base-minders remain calm under pressure. On the flip side, St. Senan’s have rarely had their fielding or batting fully tested this year – aside from close encounters with St. Kieran’s and Athenry, their wins were comprehensive. Despite an impressive Run Rate five times higher than Myshall’s, St. Senan’s have batted seven fewer innings overall, meaning their comfortable path to the last eight may leave them with something to prove when tested in a high-stakes knockout.

Prediction: Myshall

Kilmore (Roscommon) vs Gusserane (Wexford)

  • Time: 11am
  • Referee: Shirley Lennon (Meath)

Like St. Senan’s, Kilmore topped Group B with a perfect 30 points, defeating teams from Monaghan, Meath, and Longford. Gusserane edged past Myshall to secure second place in Group C.

Rather than relying on a single standout, Kilmore boast a well-balanced, cohesive squad whose players have built strong chemistry over several seasons. Pitcher Irene Reynolds and Catcher Nicola Craughwell form a dynamic duo, complemented by Ana Carr – an exceptional Short-stop who reads the game brilliantly and covers huge ground. Joann Sharkey is rock-solid on 2nd Base, while their outfielders attack long balls fearlessly and at bat the entire squad is able to place their hits smartly into outfield gaps.

Gusserane launched their 2026 season in style by winning at Junior Day before the Championship even began, followed by an opening win against Myshall. Defeats to group leaders Leighlinbridge and St. Martin’s slowed their momentum, but Gusserane responded strongly with victories over Kilanerin Ballyfad and Castletown Liam Mellows. While injuries have tested their squad depth this term, they will hope to be back at full strength for the weekend.

Several Gusserane players feature in Intermediate Mixed, which will stand to them in tense moments. However, Kilmore’s dugout is guided by Intermediate Men’s pitcher Aidan Carr, whose calm tactical leadership and ability to get the best out of his team cannot be underestimated.

Prediction: Kilmore

 

 

Leighlinbridge (Carlow) vs Skryne (Meath)

  • Time: 11am
  • Referee: Jay Hall (Galway)

Leighlinbridge, the second Carlow side in the last eight, became the third team to reach maximum league points, cruising through Group C with an outstanding Run Rate of 8.8.

Their opponents, Skryne, qualified from a contrasting Group B that featured a mix of seasoned contenders and new teams in their debut Championship season. Having competed in Junior Women since 2021, Skryne possess plenty of experience, though they had to battle hard in an opening match win over newcomers Nobber before reaching the knockout stages for the very first time.

Leighlinbridge reached this exact stage in 2025 before being halted by Dublin Metropolitans. However, their technical development and team cohesion over the past 12 months have been clear to see. They look every bit a side that learned from last year’s setback and is now primed to go further.

To disrupt Leighlinbridge’s momentum, Skryne’s outfielders must react quickly to get the sliotar back to home base rapidly and limit multi-run innings. They will also need clinical, aggressive display at the batting mat to keep pressure on the scoreboard.

Prediction: Leighlinbridge

 

 

St. Kieran’s (Limerick) vs Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan)

  • Time: 11am
  • Referee: Mary Roche (Wexford)

The second-placed side from Group A meets the third-placed finisher from Group B in what looks, on paper, to be the most evenly balanced tie of the round.

St. Kieran’s enjoyed a fantastic group campaign, dropping points only to group winners St. Senan’s. Carrickmacross Emmets similarly pushed hard, with their only setbacks coming against Kilmore and Skryne. Both clubs feature seasoned players, astute coaching, and the big-match temperament required when knockouts arrive—making this a strong candidate for game of the morning!

Carrickmacross can call on key game-changers in Rachel Boylan, Sinéad Murphy, Emma Fay, Mary Lambe, and Tracy McMahon. St. Kieran’s rely on a proven core – Deirdre Ambrose, Ellie Bucke, Caitriona Hough, and Steph Downes – who have driven their success all season long. Both management setups will be backing their leaders to produce their best performances when it matters most.

Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets

By lunchtime on Saturday we’ll know who’s taken one step closer to becoming our 2026 Junior Women’s All-Ireland Champions. Best of luck to all eight teams – beir bua agus go mbuafaidh na foirne is fearr!

Tomorrow we’ll be looking at our Junior Men’s Quarter-finalists and on Thursday it will be the turn of our Junior Mixed qualifiers – you won’t want to miss either of those!

GAA Rounders World Games Exhibition Matches

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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 World Games Rounders Exhibition Matches LIVE | SETU Waterford 2026

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GAA World Games 2026

Welcome to the GAA World Games Rounders Exhibition Matches – Live from SETU Waterford

Ireland’s leading rounders players come together for a fantastic day of exhibition action.

Today brings together some of the best rounders players in Ireland for three exhibition matches showcasing the Women’s, Men’s and Mixed games.

The action begins with the Women’s Exhibition Match at 12:00pm, followed by the Men’s Exhibition Match at 2:30pm, before the day finishes with the Mixed Exhibition Match at 5:00pm.These games are all about celebrating the players and the sport. You’ll see All-Ireland winners, All-Stars and international players representing clubs from across the country in what promises to be a fantastic day of rounders.
Whether you’ve followed GAA Rounders for years or are watching for the first time, we hope you enjoy today’s action.A huge thank you to ID-Pal for sponsoring today’s live stream and helping bring these matches to supporters around the world.Enjoy the games.

Watch the Women’s Exhibition live

Celtic  Crushers v Shamrock Sluggers

Women’s teams at World Games for GAA Rounders

Women’s teams at World Games for GAA Rounders


Watch the Men’s Exhibition live
Bog Warriors v Turf Titans

Men’s Rounders teams for the World GAA Games

Men’s Rounders teams for the World GAA Games

 

Watch the Mixed Exhibition live

Celtic Chaos v Emerald Avengers

Watch the Mixed Exhibition live Celtic Chaos v Emerald Avengers

Mixed GAA Rounders teams for the World GAA Games

GAA Rounders at World Games

GAA Rounders at World Games

GAA Rounders at World Games

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

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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

Games 5th July: GAA Rounders Championship Preview

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July already! We’re into our fourth month of Rounders Championship fixtures for 2026 and this is Week 11 of our season

18 matches will take place this Sunday in six counties across three provinces and many of them promise to be crackers with quarter-final and semi-final places still up for grabs. Predictions have never been easy but this week, for some games, they’re almost impossible! Let’s preview the action nationwide.

Over half of Sunday’s action will take place in Ulster with six games in Monaghan and four in Cavan – with Senior, Intermediate and Junior teams all taking part.

Kicking off the day’s action at 10.30am, the Senior Women of The Heath will travel north to Mullahoran to take on Erne Eagles.

This is Eagles’ final league match while The Heath still have three more games after Sunday. Eagles have had a mixed season with two wins, two losses and two draws but The Heath are still after their first win of the year. With the top four teams in the group making it to semi-finals on 16 August, there’s still all to play for.

Next up in Mullahoran will be Erne Eagles’ Intermediate Mixed team who will take on another Cavan team – St. Clare’s. This will be St. Clare’s final league game and a win will leave them on the top of the table with 18 points. A win in this game, and in their final game against Galway Rapparees in August, will also give Eagles 18 points to top the table. Favourites Galway Rapparees have only played once this year so it’s difficult yet to predict who will qualify from this group.

The Intermediate Mixed game over, St. Clare’s men will be straight back onto the pitch to play Roscommon’s Kilmore, newly promoted to Intermediate in 2026 and proving they deserve their place in the higher grade with some excellent performances all year against more established teams. This is their final league game and they’ll be hoping to make it count. St. Clare’s will be looking to get to semi-finals and go one step further this year and make it to the final.

The final match of a long, brilliant day of Rounders in Mullahoran will be the Junior Women’s clash between Kilmore and Nobber. Kilmore have taken no prisoners all year and are well established on the top of the table. For a brand-new side in their first year in the Championship, Nobber have proved that hard work, determination, good leadership and a positive attitude can move mountains. Currently lying fourth in the table, we honestly expect them to give Kilmore a great game and make them work for their win!

Predictions: Senior Women – Erne Eagles; Intermediate Mixed – St. Clare’s; Intermediate Men – honestly can’t predict this one, on the day either team could just inch this…but possibly the experience of St. Clare’s should just push them through; Junior Women – Kilmore

Referee: National Secretary Shirley Lennon is setting up camp in Mullahoran for the day!

In the next county, Carrickmacross will have two Rounders venues on the go all day. Senior action will take place in Platinum Tanks Park when Carlow side Cúchulainn travel north to play three games in Monaghan.

At 12pm both sides’ Men’s teams will start the day’s proceedings. With both teams having played four times this season, only one point separates them and a win for Cúchulainn would see them edging up into the top half of the table. Fresh from a comprehensive defeat of Glynn Barntown three weeks ago, confidence should be high for the Carlow men.

Next up will be the Mixed teams. Cúchulainn have yet to win a Mixed game this year while Carrickmacross, after a slow start, have been building momentum. With no other Senior Mixed games taking place this weekend, a win for Carrickmacross would have them sitting nicely on the top half of the table, with only one game left to play before semi-finals.

The day will close with the Women’s teams. Again, just one point separates them on the table with four games played each. Carrickmacross will be hoping that home advantage will give them the edge and that a win will move them to within a point of Limekiln and fourth in the table with a shot at semi-finals in August.

Predictions: Men & Mixed – Carrickmacross Emmets; Women – Cúchulainn

Referee: GAA Rounders Vice President Michael Dowling will take charge of all three games.

Around the corner in the grounds of Inver College, three exciting Junior matches will take place from 11am.

Hosts Carrickmacross Emmets will take on their near neighbours Inniskeen Grattans and Belfast side Wolfe Tones in what will be all three clubs’ final league matches in Junior Mixed Group B. The results of these games will give a fairly clear picture of who will be moving on to quarter-finals on 25 July. With Kilmore likely to top the group, Carrickmacross will want to win both games to be secure of one of the three places on offer. If Carrick lose to Wolfe Tones but beat Inniskeen, we could have three teams on 26 points, so it will come down to run rate to decide who will qualify – exciting times ahead in Inver College on Sunday!

Later in the afternoon, the Junior Women of Drumhowan and Skryne will play at 3pm. This will be Skryne’s last game of the league and Drumhowan’s penultimate outing. Kilmore have already secured top spot in the group thanks to their head-to-head victory over Skryne, so first place is settled. However, there is still plenty to play for with Skryne and Carrickmacross battling for second place. A Skryne win would strengthen their position, while a Drumhowan victory would make the final standings even more interesting. Another exciting Sunday evening is in store!

Predictions: Inniskeen Grattans, Carrickmacross Emmets and Skryne

Referee: Limekiln’s Amanda Hoxha will take charge of all three games.

More Senior games take place in Athlone from 1pm when on-a-roll Breaffy take on Raheen in both Men’s and Women’s. With the form that Breaffy have been showing all year, it’s hard to believe that anyone will give them much trouble and they’re likely to continue their winning ways on Sunday. For anyone spectating, it would be great to see Raheen giving them two great matches and making those wins just a bit harder to achieve!

Predictions: Breaffy to win both

Referee: Michael Glavey’s Seán Bailey will take charge in Athlone.

From Athlone we move west to Galway where Galway City Rapparees will take on Roscommon and Mayo in Junior Men and Mixed.

At 1pm Elphin’s Men will challenge the Rapparees, who remain unbeaten this year and have already secured top spot in the group thanks to their head-to-head victory over Na Piarsaigh. That result has already booked their place in the semi-finals, so Sunday’s game is all about maintaining their unbeaten record. With several squad players expected to feature, Rapparees will still be confident of finishing the league campaign with another win, but Elphin may feel this is a game they can take. It should be a very entertaining match.

Following this, at 3pm, Garrymore take on Rapparees’ Mixed team. Again, Rapparees are unbeaten this year and, unless all the stars majorly unalign this weekend, they look set to top the group and progress to the quarter-finals as winners of Junior Mixed Group A. Garrymore, meanwhile, need to win by a good few runs to move ahead on run rate and keep their hopes of qualification alive, adding another layer of intrigue to what should be an excellent contest.

Predictions: Galway City Rapparees to win both

Referee: Galway City Rapparees’ Jay Hall will take charge in Galway.

Finally, back to Leinster for four Junior matches in Carlow and Laois. In Myshall, the home side will take on Leighlinbridge in Mixed and Wexford team Gusserane in Men and Women.

The Men’s clash should be one of the games of the day with both sides well matched. Gusserane are unbeaten and Myshall only narrowly lost to Carrickmacross. With this being the penultimate game for both teams, the winner here will be well placed to qualify from the group to semi-finals next month.

Gusserane’s Women started the year strong but have struggled with injury and player availability. Myshall have only lost to table toppers Leighlinbridge and look strong to finish in second place.

Finally, those Leighlinbridge table toppers who are also flying high in the Mixed group will take on the hosts and this should be another cracking game. This is Leighlinbridge’s final game while Myshall still have to play Emo and while two wins for them will see them top the group, less than that will see run rate coming into play if Emo and Naomh Pól win their remaining games.

Predictions: Mixed – Myshall; Men – Gusserane; Women – Myshall

Referee: Our Myshall Referee will be Glynn Barntown’s Sarah McGuinness

And last, but certainly not least, will be the clash between Emo and Oulart The Ballagh at 11am in Emo. Only having lost to Myshall and Leighlinbridge, Emo’s newly formed Junior Mixed team are playing really well this year. For a new team in this year’s Championship, Oulart The Ballagh have also done themselves very proud with good displays against more established teams.

Prediction: Emo

That’s some line-up of impressive and must-win games for a summer Sunday and we’d be encouraging anyone in the vicinity of any of those venues to head out and watch some games and support our players. By Sunday evening, some of our quarter and semi-finalists will be revealed and we can start looking forward to knockout games and analysing who’ll be playing who.

Finally, just a reminder: GAA Rounders has always prided itself on being a welcoming, family-friendly sport built on respect, and we’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the following:

  • Respect Referees: Match officials are essential to our game and deserve to be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Their decisions must be accepted without abuse or intimidation.
  • Respect your Opponents: Personal insults, foul language, threatening behaviour or attempts to provoke players or mentors have no place in GAA Rounders.
  • Lead by Example: Managers, coaches and team officials set the standard for their players and supporters and are expected to ensure their sidelines remain respectful throughout every match.
  • Know the consequences: Abusive or intimidating behaviour towards referees, players or officials is unacceptable and will be dealt with under the GAA Rounders Constitution. Clubs are asked to ensure that everyone representing them understands this.

Let’s all work together to ensure that the remainder of the 2026 season is remembered for the quality of the competition and the respect shown by everyone involved.

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

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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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