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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

🗺️ 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

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GAA Rounders All-Ireland Junior Semi-Finals 2025 – Galway Welcomes the Final 12

All-Ireland Junior Semi-Finals previews 

To see over 50 teams compete at Junior level this season is a phenomenal reflection of the sport’s growth, energy, and inclusiveness across the country. Twelve fantastic teams will battle it out for a place in the All-Ireland finals.

A sincere word of thanks to all of the referees, whose time, dedication, and fairness ensure these games are played in the right spirit. Without you, none of this would be possible.

🍛 Hot Food Available – St. Mary’s Food Hall – front entrance of main building

There’ll be hot food served on-site this Saturday in the food hall at St. Mary’s (Coláiste Muire Máthair) — with discounted meals available to all players, coaches, and supporters.

Enjoy a delicious chicken or vegetarian curry for just €5, or pop in for a tea, coffee, or snack throughout the day.

🟥 Junior Men’s All-Ireland Semi-Finals

📍 Saturday, 9 August 2025 – Coláiste Muire Máthair, St. Mary’s Road, Galway H91 H7F8

🕐 1:00pm – Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan) 🆚 Kilmore (Roscommon)

🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Aine McLaughlin

Inniskeen Grattans bring grit, experience, and momentum into this semi-final after edging out Carrickmacross. With strong showings in the group stages, including a tight 17–11 win over their local rivals and a narrow loss to Myshall, they’ve shown they can handle high-pressure games.

Kilmore, meanwhile, topped Group A and come in as one of the most composed sides in the Junior grade. A single-run thriller loss to Galway City Rapparees (24–23) and a 1-run win over St Senan’s (16–15) show their calmness when it counts. Their defensive discipline is their backbone — and if they manage to shut down Inniskeen’s big hitters by locking down right field, this could be over early.

🔮 Prediction: Kilmore’s outfield coverage could prove the difference — Kilmore 

🕒 3:00pm – Myshall (Carlow) 🆚 St. Senan’s (Limerick)

🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Michael Slevin

Myshall were arguably the most clinical team across both groups, finishing their campaign with two powerful wins including a big win over Carrickmacross.

St. Senan’s, however, have been quietly brilliant all year. Their narrow group stage defeat to Kilmore and big win over Galway Rapparees. They’ll need to bring all their fielding sharpness to halt Myshall’s top-of-the-order hitters — but if they do, this one will go down to the wire.

🔮 Prediction: Could go either way — but on balance and form it’s St Senans

Junior Ladies All-Ireland Semi-Finals

📅 Saturday, 9 August 2025
📍 Coláiste Muire Máthair, St. Mary’s Road, Galway H91 H7F8

🕐 1:00pm – Castletown Liam Mellows (Wexford) 🆚 Elphin (Roscommon)

🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Michael Slevin

Castletown were sharp and efficient in their 18–10 quarter-final win over St. Martin’s, showing once again that they’re the most balanced side in the competition. Defensively composed and clinical at bat, the Wexford side have been top contenders since Day 1.

Elphin produced a strong performance of their own, defeating Carrickmacross 13–6 in the quarters. They’ve got plenty of grit and can frustrate sides if they stay composed — but they’ll need to find another gear to take down Castletown.

🔮 Prediction: Castletown have the edge in a lot of departments — Castletown 

🕒 3:00pm – Dublin Metropolitans (Dublin) 🆚 Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan)

🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Sean Bailey

The Mets booked their place with a controlled 15–10 win over Leighlinbridge.  This Ladies side has quietly built momentum, full of athletic players who thrive in big moments.

Inniskeen overcame a determined Kilmore team 14–8 in a dogged quarter-final. They’ve shown character throughout the campaign, and while they may be underdogs, they won’t be short on fight or spirit.

🔮 Prediction: Mets too slick and too strong — Dublin

🟡 Junior Mixed All-Ireland Semi-Finals

🕐 1:00pm – Dublin Metropolitans (Dublin) 🆚 St. Senan’s (Limerick)

🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Sean Bailey

St. Senan’s have been the standout team in the grade — unbeaten, clinical, and firm favourites to go all the way. Their mix of athleticism, cohesion and consistent scoring has made them the benchmark in Junior Mixed this season. Their 14–9 quarter-final win over Wolfe Tones was another example of their composure and game control.

The Dublin Mets are no strangers to the big stage, and they’ll be buoyed by the return of their bowler who could disrupt Senans’ rhythm and shift the momentum. The Mets are powerful hitters with big-game pedigree — but they’ll need to be flawless to break down this Senans outfit.

🔮 Prediction: Senans are too slick and too steady — Senans

🕒 3:00pm – Galway City Rapparees (Galway) 🆚 Gusserane (Wexford)

🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Aine McLaughlin

The Galway City Rapparees were ruthless in their 16–8 win over Inniskeen — a clinical performance built on smart bowling, sharp defence and timely hitting. Their Junior Mixed side continues the club’s reputation for rising on big days — and playing at home only strengthens their chances.

Gusserane blitzed Kilmeena 24–6 in the quarter-final and arrive with confidence, power, and one of the best run rates in the grade. But you get the feeling they haven’t faced bowlers or a defensive setup as clever as the Rapparees all year. On their day, Gusserane can hurt anyone — but the home field advantage in Galway could be decisive.

🔮 Prediction: Expect fireworks, but the edge goes to the hosts — Rapparees 

Rivalries Renewed and First Wins Targeted – Intermediate Rounders Previews

Some teams are chasing top spots, others are only getting started—but one thing’s certain: this weekend’s Intermediate Rounders action will shape the season.

 

🔹 Intermediate Ladies – Sunday 1 June 2025

🏟️ Emo – 11:00am
The Heath vs Kilmeena

The Heath opened with a statement win over Michael Glavey’s, 24–12, powered by a dominant batting display and sharp infield communication. They come in rested and high on confidence.

Kilmeena, meanwhile, are on the ropes. Three games, three defeats – but all close affairs. They lost 10–9 to Glavey’s, 11–10 to St. Clare’s, and heartbreakingly 22–21 to Carrick. Their scoring is consistent, but they’ve fallen short in the crunch.

Key Battle: Can Kilmeena finally close out a tight one? Or will The Heath’s polish prove too much?
Form Guide: Heath W1, Kilmeena L3
Prediction: The Heath by 4

🏟️ Emo – 12:30pm
Emo vs Galway City Rapparees

This isn’t just any fixture – it’s a rematch of the 2024 Junior Ladies All-Ireland Final, where Emo outplayed Rapparees to lift the title. But a year is a long time in Rounders.

Emo are off to a sluggish Intermediate start, with heavy defeats to Carrickmacross (16–8) and Glynn Barntown (17–7). Their batting hasn’t clicked, and they’ll be desperate to rediscover the intensity that brought them glory last season.

Galway City Rapparees debut at this grade, but don’t let that fool you. Their squad has matured, and they’ll be laser-focused on exacting revenge for last year’s final. Expect a fast start and plenty of edge.

Key Battle: Old wounds vs fresh fire – Emo’s pride vs Rapparees’ hunger.
Form Guide: Emo L2, Rapparees debut
Prediction: Draw

🏟️ Denn GAA – 10:30am
St. Clare’s vs Michael Glavey’s

St. Clare’s edged Kilmeena 11–10 in one of the most intense games of the season so far. They looked composed and balanced, and will feel this is a winnable clash to keep pace in a very open group.

Michael Glavey’s shocked Kilmeena in their opener and remain a dangerous side, despite their heavy defeat to The Heath last time out. Their pitching has been solid, but errors in the field cost them dearly in that last game.

Key Battle: Glavey’s experience vs St. Clare’s momentum.
Form Guide: Both W1 L1
Prediction: St. Clare’s by 1 in another thriller

🏟️ Na Fianna – Time 
Glynn Barntown vs Carrickmacross Emmets

Carrickmacross Emmets remain one of the few unbeaten teams in the Intermediate Ladies grade after edging Kilmeena and Emo in two high-scoring shootouts. They’re adaptable and composed in the big moments.

But Glynn Barntown may be their toughest challenge yet. Barntown were electric in their 17–7 demolition of Emo and boast the highest RR in the group. With power right through the order and a backstop who can shut down innings, they’ll fancy this.

Key Battle: Barntown’s explosive hitting vs Carrick’s late-game calm
Form Guide: Carrick W2, Barntown W1
Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets by 1–2 runs – but only just

🔹 Intermediate Men – Sunday 1 June 2025

🏟️ Emo – 2:30pm
Emo vs Galway City Rapparees

The Rapparees arrive in Emo brimming with confidence after a dominant 20–6 victory over Dublin Metropolitans. Their blend of aggressive batting and clinical base play was on full display, with a deep lineup that punished every defensive error.

Emo, on the other hand, had a tough opener, falling 14–19 at home to Dublin. While they showed flashes of promise, particularly in their backstop and 3rd base fielding, their inability to extend batting innings cost them dearly. The pressure is now firmly on them, as another loss would make qualification difficult. Emo easily beat the Rapparees in last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final.

Key Battle: Galway’s top order vs Emo’s outfield. If Emo can limit early scoring, this could get interesting.
Form Guide: Galway W1, Emo L1
Prediction: Emo by 6–8

🔹 Intermediate Mixed 

🏟️ Na Fianna
Na Fianna vs Glynn Barntown

Glynn Barntown come into this tie after a humbling 37–17 defeat to Emo in their opener. While they started brightly, they were overpowered by Emo’s relentless hitting and pace between the bases. Barntown now sit second from bottom in Group B and will need a much sharper defensive performance to get back on track.

Na Fianna haven’t played since their 29–7 loss to Emo in early May and currently sit bottom of the group. Their challenge will be not just tactical, but psychological—how do they bounce back after such a heavy defeat?

Key Battle: Barntown’s bounce-back vs Na Fianna’s reset
Form Guide: Na Fianna L1, Barntown L1
Table Position: Emo runaway leaders – this is a battle for second
Prediction: Glynn Barntown by 3

🏟️ Denn GAA
St. Clare’s vs Michael Glavey’s

Michael Glavey’s head into this away fixture on the back of a solid 19–16 victory over Erne Eagles. Their batting depth, especially through innings 3 and 4, turned the tide after a shaky start. With one win from one, they sit level with Galway City Rapparees atop Group A and have one eye on qualification.

St. Clare’s, meanwhile, are the only team in the group yet to play. This opener is crucial, and home advantage might steady early nerves—but they face a side with match sharpness and early momentum.

Key Battle: Glavey’s in-form hitters vs Clare’s fresh legs
Form Guide: Glavey’s W1, Clare’s debut
Table Position: Glavey’s joint-top, Clare’s yet to play
Prediction: Michael Glavey’s by 2