Tag Archive for: Inniskeen Grattans

Junior Mixed All-Ireland Quarter-final Previews – 25 July 2026

Saturday, 25 July 2026 | Tymon Park, Dublin

Much like our Junior Women’s Championship, the Junior Mixed competition featured an action-packed group stage. Across three groups, 18 teams competed in 39 thrilling matches, spanning counties from Galway to Dublin, Derry to Wexford, and Limerick to Roscommon.

These eight teams – Carrickmacross Emmets, Emo, Galway City Rapparees, Inniskeen Grattans, Kilmore, Leighlinbridge, Myshall and Na Piarsaigh – have all fought hard to earn their quarter-final places in Tymon Park in Dublin on Saturday afternoon, and we look forward to seeing them all showing us just why they’re among the top Junior Mixed teams in Rounders at the moment.

We’ve seen home runs, incredible one-handed catches, masterclass pitching, clinical fielding, and explosive base running. Now, we’re down to the final eight teams fighting for a spot in the semi-finals. Here is how the quarter-final match-ups stack up ahead of Saturday’s action in Tymon Park.

Galway City Rapparees (Galway) vs Emo (Laois)

Time: 1pm
Referee: Shirley Lennon (Meath)

Galway City Rapparees topped Group A with three wins from three and will now face the third placed team in Group C, Emo. Having beaten their nearest rivals, Na Piarsaigh, with a bat in hand, Rapparees never looked in any danger and cruised comfortably to top spot in their group. Emo had two difficult games against Group winners Leighlinbridge and second-placed Myshall but had comfortable wins over newcomers Dunsany, Naomh Pól and Oulart The Ballagh.

Galway City Rapparees

Emo’s Junior Mixed team is a new addition for 2026 and features some of last year’s All-Ireland winning Minor Men’s team as well as strong players from last year’s Intermediate Mixed team like Michael Slevin, Barry Ryan and Niamh Horgan. Rapparees can call on Senior Men’s team players like Ajay Kumar, Greg Mannion and Dave Gannon as well as 2025 All-Star nominee Cat Carty and you have to feel that the depth and skill of their panel gives them the edge.

However, any squad under Michael Slevin can never be dismissed and Emo teams over the years have consistently shown that their fighting spirit and determination can get them over any difficult patch. Rapparees’ ability to pull together and work as a unit is one of their key strengths and this, as well as their excellent batting and communication on the pitch makes them a formidable opponent.

On the day, expect neither of these sides to give up and we can look forward to a battle to the end!

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Kilmore (Roscommon) vs Myshall (Carlow)

Time: 3pm
Referee: Danielle Keane (Laois)

This will be the second match of the day for both these clubs and, depending on how their women’s teams have performed in the morning, this game could start with a determination to avenge the morning’s result or a desire to continue a winning streak.

With six wins from six and a perfect 30 points on the table, Kilmore should be quietly confident. With at least one bat in hand from every league game, they proved their superiority at the group stage. Their opponents, Myshall, only lost to group leaders, Leighlinbridge, but won their other games comfortably, although their fellow Group C teams were, in general, less experienced than Kilmore’s Group B conquests.

Both sides have very skilful pitcher, catcher combinations – Myshall’s PJ Lalor and Matthew Roberts and Kilmore’s Aidan Carr and James Jamieson – who work well together and are able to successfully achieve outs both at home base and first. Kilmore’s Mixed team benefits from having some of the strongest women players form their Junior Women’s team in Ana Carr, Joann Sharkey, Ruth McElhone and Nicola Craughwell and the wealth of experience they bring from that team benefits the Mixed no end.

Myshall, on the other hand, have the Senior experience of Gillian Nolan and Margaret Simpson to boost that of their longtime Junior Women such as Alma Rae, Anita O’Donoghue and Mya Farrell.

There really is very little to separate these teams and our guess is that this could well be the match of the day. Expect neither side to give an inch but mostly expect seriously impressive fielding, strong batting, great catches and a tight scoreline.

Prediction: Kilmore

Leighlinbridge (Carlow) vs Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan)

Time: 3pm
Referee: Áine McLaughlin (Dublin)

Leighlinbridge, the second Carlow side to be involved in two quarter-finals on Saturday come into the knockouts in a very strong position having won all six of their group games, most of them extremely impressively. They will face Inniskeen Grattans of Monaghan, a side not unfamiliar with quarter-finals, having reached this stage in 2025 and lost to Galway City Rapparees. Having only seen defeats this year to local rivals Carrickmacross Emmets and group toppers Kilmore, their league campaign has been steady and well fought.

Inniskeen Grattans

Inniskeen’s Mixed team women all play Intermediate Women’s rounders this year and the extra level of skill this has brought to their game has been evident in their Mixed matches. Julianne Smith in outfield misses very little that come her way while Layla McArdle and Carol McKeown are both very reliable players that consistently perform well. Inniskeen’s Mixed team pitcher/catcher combo of Seán O’Connor and Ciarán McArdle bring their Men’s team expertise to Mixed and all in all, this is a team that, on the day, is well able to produce the goods and win this match.

Leighlinbridge are in their first year at Junior Mixed and, while they have recruited former Intermediate player Jason Curran, their core players are all in their inaugural year at this code and are impressing. While their women – Tracy McNally, Louise Riddell, Chiara Trench and Jen Kelly among others – have been honing their skills at Junior Women for the past two years, this year’s combination of playing both Mixed and Women’s Rounders seems to have given them an extra edge and made their play just that bit sharper.

This has the makings of another game that could go all the way to the wire!

Prediction: Leighlinbridge

Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) vs Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan)

Time: 3pm
Referee: Shirley Lennon (Meath)

Two more teams in their second contest of the day make up the pairing for our final Junior Mixed quarter-final. Na Piarsaigh’s men and Carrickmacross’ women won’t have much time to recover from their earlier games before they need to be on their best form again for this game.

Having lost only to group toppers Galway City Rapparees, Na Piarsaigh have won two games. Carrickmacross Emmets, qualifying from the larger Group B, have four wins under their belt.

Once again, Carrickmacross is a team with an excellent pitcher/catcher team in Paul Boylan and Darren Hughes and, when on top form, Paul Boylan is among the best Junior pitchers in the country. Rachel Boylan at Short-stop misses very little and is a fantastic leader on the pitch, constantly aware of where the play is heading.

Carrickmacross Emmets

Na Piarsaigh’s outfield are accurate and punish pop-ups with some great catches. At bat they can place balls into outfield gaps but Carrickmacross’s greater experience and teamwork would indicate that they have what it takes to get this over the line and take the victory.

Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets

Once the last out is called on our 3pm Mixed games on Saturday we’ll have our full Junior Semi-final line-ups across our Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Championships and we’ll be one step closer to knowing who will contest our Junior Finals in August and September.

We wish the very best of luck to every player, mentor, and supporter across the 13 clubs competing this weekend. Reaching an All-Ireland quarter-final is a fantastic achievement—play hard, leave it all on the pitch, and enjoy the occasion!

Finally, our very special thanks to Limekiln Rounders for hosting our quarter-finals and for ensuring that the day goes smoothly for all our teams. Rounders truly is an amazing community and, on days like this, there’s nowhere any of us would rather be!

Junior Men’s Quarter-final Previews – 25 July 2026

Saturday, 25 July 2026 | Tymon Park, Dublin

Our Junior Men’s competition began this year with ten teams split across two groups. Group A featured Carrickmacross Emmets, Gusserane, Inniskeen Grattans, Myshall, Na Gaeil Nua, and Castleknock (who unfortunately withdrew in May). Group B comprised Connacht and Munster sides Elphin, Galway City Rapparees, Na Piarsaigh, and Sporting Limerick (who also withdrew prior to the end of the league campaign).

With Group B consisting of only four teams, sides played each other twice in home-and-away fixtures. The group winners—Myshall and Galway City Rapparees—advance directly to the semi-finals on 9 August in Edenderry. Meanwhile, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th placed teams from Group A, along with the 2nd placed team from Group B, head to Tymon Park this Saturday to battle it out for those final two semi-final spots.

Here is how our two Junior Men’s quarter-finals shape up!

Quarter-final 1: Gusserane (Wexford) vs Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan)

Time: 1pm
Referee: Danielle Keane (Laois)

Although Gusserane finished level on points with Myshall at the top of Group A, Myshall claimed top spot via their head-to-head victory. Nevertheless, Gusserane finished all three of their league wins with a bat in hand, boasting an impressive 2.5 Run Rate—by far the highest in their group. Having also captured the Junior Men’s title at Junior Day in May, there is no doubting the Wexford side’s pedigree.

Opposing them are Inniskeen Grattans—Junior Men’s semi-finalists in 2025 and finalists in 2024—who have been a consistent power at this grade for years. With their Women’s squad earning promotion to Intermediate this season, the Men will be eager to stake their own claim for 2027. Following a steady campaign of two wins and two losses, Inniskeen have been reliable, though perhaps not yet peaking. The combination of pitcher Seán O’Connor and catcher Ciarán McArdle works seamlessly to create opportunities for outs on first base and off foul tips, while Trevor Hilliard brings relentless work rate and lightning speed to the Short-stop position.

For Gusserane, pitcher Karel van der Merwe has been in fine form, while Morgan Nash Colfer in the outfield and Conor Murphy at Short-stop form an intimidating defensive barrier.

While this tie could easily go either way on the day, Gusserane’s players gaining extra sharpness through Intermediate Mixed play, alongside their strong group form, gives them a razor-thin edge… though we are fully prepared to be proven wrong!

Prediction: Gusserane

Quarter-final 2: Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) vs Na Gaeil Nua (Dublin)

Time: 1pm
Referee: Chris Hughes (Dublin)

Group B was always expected to be a tussle between Galway City Rapparees and Na Piarsaigh for top spot. After the Rapparees took a convincing victory in the first leg and the sides drew their second encounter, the Connacht club secured automatic semi-final qualification. Na Piarsaigh defeated Elphin at home and were awarded a walkover in the reverse fixture, meaning they come into the knockouts with one played win under their belts.

Dublin newcomers Na Gaeil Nua also hold one win, having dramatically defeated Carrickmacross Emmets with a bat in hand. While both sides mirror each other in overall league wins, Na Piarsaigh bring vastly superior competitive experience. The Limerick club fields teams across all three Junior grades, with their Mixed squad also featuring at Tymon Park this Saturday.

Na Gaeil Nua boast plenty of athletic raw talent—hitting, catching, and batting with real power—though they are still navigating the finer tactical nuances of the game. Na Piarsaigh, on the other hand, feature game-smart veterans who know every inch of a Rounders pitch.

This match promises to be a thrilling battle of experience and tactical composure vs raw talent and enthusiasm—definitely one not to be missed!

Prediction: Na Piarsaigh

That wraps up our Junior Men’s preview! Our final piece—analysing the Junior Mixed Quarter-finalists—will be released tomorrow evening.

GAA Rounders World Games Exhibition Matches

GAA World Games – 16 July 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Teams

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

Match Highlights

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

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

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

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

Game 2: Men’s Exhibition Match (2pm)

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

The Teams

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

Match Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

The Skills Challenge

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

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

Game 3: Mixed Exhibition Match (4.30pm)

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

The Teams

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

Match Highlights

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

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

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

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

Celebrations & Acknowledgments

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

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

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

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

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!

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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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🌟 2025 Junior All-Star Nominees Announced

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

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

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

🏆 Junior Mixed (Male)

Matthew Flynn – Gusserane
Conor Murphy – Gusserane
Morgan Nash Colfer – Gusserane
John Hanlon – St Senan’s
Niall Sheehy – St Senan’s

🏆 Junior Mixed (Female)

Josephine Hickey – St Senan’s
Louise Kelly – St Senan’s
Aoife O’Carroll – St Senan’s
Cat Carty – Galway City Rapparees
Breda Rossiter – Gusserane

🏆 Junior Men’s

John Paul Mulvihill – St Senan’s
Euan Sheehy – St Senan’s
Niall Sheehy – St Senan’s
Philip Brooks – Inniskeen Grattans
Eoin Rea – Myshall

🏆 Junior Ladies

Kathrina Byrne – Inniskeen Grattans
Layla McArdle – Inniskeen Grattans
Carol McKeown – Inniskeen Grattans
Julianne Smith – Inniskeen Grattans
Áine McDermott – Elphin

👏 Congratulations to all nominees on being recognised among the top Junior performers of the 2025 season — an achievement that reflects strong finishes, consistency, and impact in the final stages of competition.

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

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

All-Ireland Intermediate & Junior Finals Day Preview

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

Buy Tickets – Junior & Intermediate All-Ireland Finals

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

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

Intermediate Men’s All-Ireland Final Preview

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

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

Form Snapshot

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

Galway City Rapparees

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

Emo

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

Rivalry & Storylines

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

Key Match-Up

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

Prediction

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

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

Emo men’s team

Intermediate Mixed All-Ireland Final Preview

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

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

Road to the Final

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

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

Form Guide

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

Key Battle

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

Verdict

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

Prediction: Emo

Erne Eagles intermediate mixed team

Intermediate Ladies Final – Carrickmacross Emmets v The Heath

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

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

Carrickmacross Emmets

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

The Heath

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

Head-to-Head

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

Prediction

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

Verdict: Carrickmacross Emmets

The two Monaghan ladies teams. Innishkeen and Carrickmacross

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

All-Ireland Junior Men’s Final Preview

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

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

Form Snapshot

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

Kilmore

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

St Senans

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

Key Match-Up

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

Prediction

Verdict: Kilmore

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

St Senan’s men’s team

All-Ireland Junior Mixed Final Preview

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

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

Form Snapshot

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

Gusserane

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

St Senans

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

Key Match-Up

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

Prediction

Verdict: St Senans

All-Ireland Junior Ladies Final Preview

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

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

Form Snapshot

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

Elphin

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

Inniskeen Grattans

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

Key Match-Up

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

Prediction

Verdict: Elphin

GAA Rounders Weekend Match Previews – Sunday, 13 July 2025

Full GAA Rounders previews for Sunday, 14 July 2025 across all grades – Junior, Intermediate, and Mixed. Predictions, fixtures, venues, referees, and qualification stakes.

Intermediate Men

🥎 Emo vs St Clares

📍 Emo | 🕛 12pm | Ref – AnnMarie

It’s all on the line in Emo as both teams chase a semi-final spot. The hosts must win to stay alive and will back themselves strongly on home turf. St Clares know a win here or away to Rapparees will likely be enough – but they’d rather not leave it to the final day.

🔮 Verdict: Emo by 3

Intermediate Ladies

🥎 Michael Glavey’s vs Galway City Rapparees

📍 Glavey’s | 🕚 11am | | Ref: Iain

Glavey’s know a win will likely book their semi-final place. They have had a very good season and deserve their spot. Galway are still chasing a first win in Intermediate Ladies, but they’ve shown promise and will be hoping to cause an upset.

🔮 Verdict: Michael Glavey’s by 6

🥎 Glynn Barntown vs Kilmeena – Intermediate Ladies

📍 Ballinagore | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref – Danielle

It’s a huge clash in the race for the top four. A Glynn win would leave them in a strong position with two games left. Kilmeena have found form late, and despite four early losses, they remain dangerous contenders, but know a loss and it’s likely their last game of the season.

🔮 Verdict: Kilmeena by 5

Intermediate Mixed

🟡 Michael Glavey’s vs Galway City Rapparees

📍 Glavey’s | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref – Iain

This is a key tie in Group A as both sides chase a top-two finish. Glavey’s sit joint-top with two wins from three, and another victory would leave them with one foot in the semi-finals. They’ve conceded just 36 runs across three games, showing they are one of the strongest defensive units in the group.

Remarkably, this is only Galway City Rapparees’ second match – but they made a solid start with a 23–6 win over Athenry. Still, the jump from Junior to Intermediate is no small task, and this test away to Glavey’s will give them a clearer sense of where they stand at this level.

Both sides are defensively disciplined, and this could be a low-scoring, tactical affair. Don’t be surprised if neither side breaks double figures, with every base earned likely to count.

🔮 Verdict: Michael Glavey’s by 4

Junior Mixed

⚫ Kilmeena vs Garrymore

📍 Kilmeena | 🕞 3:30pm | Ref: Iain

Kilmeena have already secured second place in Group D, so this could be a chance to experiment. Garrymore will be eager to take advantage and finish strong – don’t rule out a surprise here.

🔮 Verdict: Garrymore by 1

⚫ Inniskeen vs Sean Connolly’s

📍 Inniskeen | 🕝 2:30pm | Ref: Jack

Inniskeen are still unbeaten and chasing top spot in Group A. Sean Connolly’s have struggled throughout, and this one could be a step too far.

🔮 Verdict: Inniskeen by 8

⚫ Elphin vs Sporting Limerick

📍 Elphin | 🕓 4:00pm | Ref: Paula

Two sides still searching for their first win in Group B. Elphin have home advantage, but both teams have been shipping big scores. Expect a close battle.

🔮 Verdict: Elphin by 1

⚫ Galway City Rapparees vs Na Piarsaigh

📍 Galway | 🕞 3:30pm | Ref: Ann

A huge game in Group B with quarter-final places on the line. The Rapparees are keeping in it and have a strong run rate edge. Na Piarsaigh won’t make it easy and would need a big win to secure a knockout place. Galway should have the edge at home.

🔮 Verdict: Rapparees by 3

Junior Men

🔴 Carrickmacross vs Gusserane

📍 Clonguish | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref: Shirley

Carrickmacross are 0 from 2 and under pressure, while Gusserane sit fourth after a tough campaign. Both sides will be eager to finish strong, but with qualification likely out of reach, this is more about pride than progress.

🔮 Verdict: Gusserane by 3

🔴 Inniskeen vs Sean Connolly’s

📍 Inniskeen | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref: Jack

Inniskeen remain firmly in the Group B qualification mix and should have too much for a Connolly’s side still without a point. Run rate could be key, so expect them to go for scores.

🔮 Verdict: Inniskeen by 10

🔴 Elphin vs Sporting Limerick

📍 Elphin | 🕑 2:00pm | Ref: Paula

Both sides are out of contention in Group A, but pride is still at stake. Elphin will hope home advantage gives them a lift, but Sporting Limerick look the sharper side.

🔮 Verdict: Sporting Limerick by 4

🔴 Galway City Rapparees vs Na Piarsaigh

📍 Galway | 🕜 1:30pm | Ref: Ann

It’s a pressure-packed Group A clash with everything—and almost nothing—on the line.

For the Rapparees, the task is deceptively simple: win, and a winner-takes-all showdown with St Senans awaits next weekend. But even with a loss, they’re not dead—provided they can somehow beat Senans by 20 runs or more in the final round. That path to the semi-finals exists… but only just.

Na Piarsaigh are in even deeper limbo. They need to beat Galway, and beat them well—then hope Galway bounce back and thrash St Senans the following week. It’s the ultimate long shot. They’re playing for survival, but relying on the team they’re trying to eliminate to become their unlikely saviours. That’s a Catch-22 if ever there was one.

Galway, still bewildered by how they let their opener slip, won’t want to leave anything to chance.

🔮 Verdict: Rapparees by 5

Junior Ladies

🔴 Clonguish vs Carrickmacross

📍 Clonguish | 🕥 10:30am | Ref: Shirley

Carrickmacross must win to stay in the qualification hunt. A win puts them level on points with Drumhowan and Inniskeen, and run rate could decide who finishes in the top two. Clonguish are out, but they’ll want to finish on a high.

🔮 Verdict: Carrickmacross by 15

🔴 Skryne vs Drumhowan Geraldines

📍 Skryne | 🕘 10:00am | Ref: Áine

Skryne are out, but they can still shape the outcome in Group A. A win here could blow things wide open and offer a lifeline to Carrickmacross or Sean Connolly’s. Drumhowan are on 18 points and need the win to guarantee progression.

🔮 Verdict: Skryne by 1

🔴 Inniskeen Grattans vs Sean Connolly’s

📍 Inniskeen | 🕟 4:30pm | Ref: Jack

Inniskeen are currently joint-top on 18 points. Sean Connolly’s must win both of their remaining games. A tight one expected with qualification on the line and run rate maybe deciding who qualifies.

🔮 Verdict: Inniskeen by 3

🔴 Elphin vs St Kieran’s

📍 Elphin | 🕛 12:00pm | Ref: Paula

Elphin are unbeaten and in pole position in Group B. St Kieran’s need Elphin to lose both games and then hope for a favourable run rate swing. Their earlier draw with Sporting Limerick may prove costly.

🔮 Verdict: Elphin by 4

🔴

Elphin vs Sporting Limerick

📍 Elphin | 🕕 6:00pm | Ref: Jay

Depending on the earlier result, this may be Elphin’s chance to seal top spot. Sporting Limerick need a win and a big one to have any chance of sneaking through. Elphin’s bowler may prove decisive even with tired legs.

🔮 Verdict: Elphin by 2

Junior Men’s Rounders Championship: Home Form Crucial as Knockout Places Loom

Junior Men’s Championship Review & Predictions

🟢 Group A

Galway City Rapparees could still emerge from Group A, with two crucial home games against Kilmore and St Senans to come on 6th July. Backed by home support and improving with every outing, the Rapparees are still in with a real chance of finishing in the top two.

Kilmore are in pole position and remain unbeaten. Their clash with St Senans will likely decide who secures a semi-final berth. Kilmore’s run rate and efficiency have stood out, and they should top the group.

St Senans have shown plenty of promise and will be a force in future seasons, but they may fall just short this time unless they can pull off a big result away from home against the Rapparees or Kilmore.

Na Piarsaigh and Sporting Limerick have both delivered spirited campaigns and good scoring form, but with games played against weaker opposition, they may struggle to keep pace in the final standings.

🔵 Group B

Myshall’s narrow win over Carrickmacross Emmets was possibly the most telling result of the group stage. It puts them firmly on course to qualify for the semi-finals, but they’ll need to rediscover their scoring touch if they hope to go further in Galway this August.

Inniskeen Grattans are also well-placed, with two wins from three. They’ll need to tidy up defensively, but remain strong contenders. Gusserane and Sean Connolly’s have both been competitive in spells, but the gap to the top two now looks insurmountable.

Carrickmacross Emmets still have a mathematical chance, but the loss to Myshall means qualification is now out of their hands.

🔮 Predicted Semi-Finalists

Group A: Kilmore, Galway City Rapparees
Group B: Myshall, Inniskeen Grattans

Guide to This Weekend’s GAA Rounders Action

Another action-packed weekend of GAA Rounders lies ahead as clubs across the country take to the field on Sunday, 8 June 2025.

With championship points at stake and league tables tightening, every innings matters now.

Scroll on for your full match-by-match previews across Senior, Intermediate and Junior — including predictions, key stats and expected run tallies.

🟢 Senior Mens – Round 4 Preview (8 June 2025)

With Breaffy and Carrickmacross flying, Glynn and Erne finding form, and others still searching for a spark, Round 3 of the Senior Men’s Championship is set to shape the mid-season landscape. From bottom-of-the-table battles to top-of-the-group clashes, here’s what to expect this Sunday.

Limekiln vs Cuchulainn

📍 Tymon Park 1 | 🕒 12:30pm | 👩‍⚖️ Ref: Sarah

Two teams, two defeats each – but this clash could define who stays in the hunt for semi-finals. Limekiln have at least shown they can swing the bat, with 11 runs against Breaffy and 6 against Carrickmacross. Cuchulainn, on the other hand, were whitewashed 22–0 by Erne and edged out by Glynn. Defence has been their downfall, shipping 33 and 11, and they need a response here.

🔍 Key Stat: Limekiln (-2.3 RR) slightly better than Cuchulainn (-4.0 RR)
🔮 Prediction: Limekiln to edge it
📊 Estimated Runs: Limekiln 13–16, Cuchulainn 6–9

Michael Glaveys vs Carrickmacross Emmets

📍 Michael Glavey’s | 🕒 1:30pm | 👨‍⚖️ Ref: Iain

Carrickmacross might be flying under the radar, but they’ve quietly established themselves as title contenders. They’ve beaten both Glynn Barntown and Limekiln by 9-run margins, conceding just 10 total. Glaveys suffered a 31–6 loss to Breaffy, and unless their fielding sharpens up, they could be in for another long day.

🔍 Key Stat: Carrick have scored 15 in both games
🔮 Prediction: Carrick to go 3 from 3
📊 Estimated Runs: Glaveys 6–9, Carrickmacross 14–18

Raheen vs Breaffy

📍 Tymon Park 2 | 🕒 2:00pm | 👩‍⚖️ Ref: AnnMarie

Raheen’s season begins against the most dangerous offence in the league. Breaffy have put up scores of 21 and 31 in just two games, and already lead the division for runs scored and run rate (+7.0). Raheen are an unknown quantity, but opening against this juggernaut isn’t ideal. It’ll be trial by fire.

🔍 Key Stat: Breaffy are averaging 26 runs per game
🔮 Prediction: Breaffy to win big
📊 Estimated Runs: Raheen 4–7, Breaffy 20–26

Glynn Barntown vs Erne Eagles

📍 Glynn Barntown | 🕒 4:00pm | 👨‍⚖️ Ref: Michael D

Game of the day potential here. Glynn are 1–1 after a convincing win over Cuchulainn and a tough loss to Carrick. Erne Eagles, meanwhile, destroyed that same Cuchulainn side 22–0 in their only outing. The big question: can Eagles replicate that explosive form on the road against a more disciplined side?

🔍 Key Stat: Erne Eagles have not conceded a run yet
🔮 Prediction: Erne Eagles to sneak it in a tight finish
📊 Estimated Runs: Glynn 10–13, Erne Eagles 14–18

🔷 Senior Ladies – Round 2 Preview (8 June 2025)

Breaffy begin their drive for a four-in-a-row this weekend, as the reigning champions finally get their 2025 campaign underway. With Glynn Barntown and Erne Eagles also in strong early form, and Cuchulainn already facing pressure after two defeats, every result this weekend matters.

Glynn Barntown vs Erne Eagles

📍 Glynn Barntown | 🕒 12:30pm | 👨‍⚖️ Ref: Michael D

A heavyweight clash between two of the most composed sides in the competition. Glynn were tidy and clinical in their 15–7 win over Cuchulainn, while Erne Eagles edged a wild shootout 34–30 against the same opposition. This one could decide early top-spot momentum, and Glynn’s tighter defence may just give them the edge on home turf.

🔍 Key Stat: Glynn have conceded just 7 runs. Erne Eagles gave up 30.
🔮 Prediction: Glynn to edge it.
📊 Estimated Runs: Glynn 12–15, Erne Eagles 10–13

Raheen vs Breaffy

📍 Tymon Park 2 | 🕒 12:30pm | 👩‍⚖️ Ref: AnnMarie

This will be Raheen’s first outing of the campaign — and the task could hardly be tougher. Breaffy have dominated Senior Ladies Rounders in recent years, and begin their 2025 season aiming for a fourth straight All-Ireland title. With a deep squad and vast experience, they’ll be looking to make an early statement of intent.

🔍 Key Stat: Breaffy scored 21 in their 2024 opener vs Limekiln.
🔮 Prediction: Breaffy to win convincingly.
📊 Estimated Runs: Raheen 5–9, Breaffy 18–24

🟣 Senior Mixed – Round 3 Preview (8 June 2025)

The Senior Mixed Championship is heating up fast with Glynn Barntown and Breaffy both 2–0 and looking dominant. But with Erne Eagles and The Heath lurking with games in hand, there’s still plenty of shake-up potential. Sunday’s fixtures see all eyes on Wexford and Tymon Park as teams look to stake their semi-final credentials.

Limekiln vs Cuchulainn

📍 Tymon Park 1 | 🕒 2:00pm | 👩‍⚖️ Ref: Sarah

A must-win for both. Limekiln edged past Carrick by a run and fell short against Breaffy in a tight 7–5 loss. Cuchulainn, meanwhile, have shown real firepower (29 runs in 2 games) but are shipping far too many (45 conceded). Expect a high-paced contest with pressure on both sides to keep top-4 hopes alive.

🔍 Key Stat: Cuchulainn have the worst defensive record in the division.
🔮 Prediction: Limekiln to hold their nerve in a shootout.
📊 Estimated Runs: Limekiln 11–14, Cuchulainn 10–13

Glynn Barntown vs Erne Eagles

📍 Glynn Barntown | 🕒 2:30pm | 👨‍⚖️ Ref: Michael D

An early blockbuster. Glynn are two from two after wins over Cuchulainn and Carrick, with a solid +1.2 run rate. Erne Eagles, meanwhile, walloped Cuchulainn 23–12 and looked sharp despite just one outing. This clash will tell us if Glynn are true title contenders — or if Erne Eagles deep lineup is ready to explode into the top two.

🔍 Key Stat: Both teams beat Cuchulainn — Erne Eagles did it by 11 runs, Glynn by 5.
🔮 Prediction: Erne Eagles to land a big road win in a high-scoring classic.
📊 Estimated Runs: Glynn 14–17, Erne Eagles 16–20

🟠 Intermediate Men – Round 4 Preview (8 June 2025)

With Galway City, Kilmeena and Emo all showing championship potential and Dublin Metropolitans slipping despite playing three, the Intermediate Men’s title race is wide open. This weekend, all eyes are on Mayo as two of the top contenders clash in what could be a group-defining showdown.

Kilmeena vs Emo

📍 Kilmeena | 🕒 Sunday, 8 June 2025

This is a huge one. Kilmeena come in unbeaten and unbothered, having racked up wins over St Clares and Dublin with a +6.4 run rate. Emo, on the other hand, have shown both sides of their game – solid in their comeback win over Galway City (26–25), less disciplined against Dublin (14–19). Expect a free-scoring contest between two powerful hitting lineups with semi-final implications.

🔍 Key Stat: Kilmeena have scored 52 and only conceded 23 in two games.
🔮 Prediction: Kilmeena to stay unbeaten in a close contest.
📊 Estimated Runs: Kilmeena 20–25, Emo 17–22

🟡 Intermediate Ladies – Round 4 Preview (8 June 2025)

The Intermediate Ladies Championship is proving to be one of the most competitive this season. With six different winners already and no runaway leader, Round 4 could begin to shape the semi-final picture. All eight teams are in action this Sunday in what could be a season-defining day.

Galway City Rapparees vs Glynn Barntown

📍 Tymon Park | 🕒 Sunday, 8 June 2025

The Rapparees are still chasing their first win, having suffered a heavy defeat to Emo after some pitching issues. Glynn Barntown, meanwhile, picked up a tight win over Emo but have already lost to St Clares. This clash could go either way if Rapparees settle early and get their big hitters firing.

🔍 Key Stat: Rapparees’ run rate is -6.6 after one game.
🔮 Prediction: Rapparees to bounce back and hold their composure.
📊 Estimated Runs: Rapparees 20-23, Glynn Barntown 14–17

Michael Glaveys vs Carrickmacross Emmets

📍 Michael Glaveys | 🕒 Sunday, 8 June 2025

Two of the top contenders go head-to-head in what could be a preview of a semi-final. Glaveys are 2-1, their only loss coming to The Heath. Carrick are unbeaten and have already racked up 52 runs across 3 wins. Expect fireworks — and no shortage of ambition from either side.

🔍 Key Stat: Carrickmacross have the best scoring average in the division.
🔮 Prediction: Carrick to win narrowly in the game of the round.
📊 Estimated Runs: Glaveys 15–18, Carrickmacross 18–22

Kilmeena vs Emo

📍 Kilmeena | 🕒 Sunday, 8 June 2025

Both sides have shown real attacking threat — Kilmeena scored 25 in their loss to The Heath, while Emo hit 30 against Rapparees. Defence has been the issue for both, and this could turn into a slugfest. After some really close losses Kilmeena have to win this one or their semi-final chances maybe gone.

🔍 Key Stat: Combined runs conceded between them: 95 in 6 games.
🔮 Prediction: Kilmeena to edge a high-scoring battle.
📊 Estimated Runs: Kilmeena 14-17, Emo 13-16

St Clares vs The Heath

📍 The Heath | 🕒 Sunday, 8 June 2025

Clares bounced back from their opening loss to Carrick with an impressive 11–10 win over Kilmeena. But The Heath look like a serious threat, unbeaten in two and currently boasting the best run differential of all. This is a test of St Clares’ staying power against a clinical unit.

🔍 Key Stat: The Heath are averaging 25.5 runs per game.
🔮 Prediction: The Heath to remain unbeaten and pull away late.
📊 Estimated Runs: St Clares 11–14, The Heath 18–22

🟢 Intermediate Mixed – Round 4 Preview (8 June 2025)

The Intermediate Mixed Championship is where the chaos lives this year — runs flying in every direction, and Emo running riot in Group B with a +59 scoring differential. But this weekend offers a chance for the chasing pack to strike back, with key ties in both groups setting up a crunch mid-season round.

Michael Glaveys vs Athenry

📍 Michael Glaveys | 🕒 Sunday, 8 June 2025 – 3pm

After scraping past Erne Eagles and narrowly losing to St Clares, Glaveys know they need this one to stay on top of Group A. Athenry are still licking their wounds from a heavy opening loss to Rapparees, but with a free round since, they’ll be refreshed. If Glaveys’ defence holds up, they should get over the line — but Athenry will come swinging.

🔍 Key Stat: Glaveys have conceded just 25 runs in 2 games, the best defence in Group A.
🔮 Prediction: Glaveys to grind out a result in a lower-scoring affair.
📊 Estimated Runs: Glaveys 13–16, Athenry 8–12

Raheen vs Na Fianna

📍 Tymon Park | 🕒 Sunday, 8 June 2025 – 3:30pm

This is a must-win for both teams in Group B. Na Fianna were battered by Emo and desperately need to turn their -5.9 run rate around. Raheen, too, were on the wrong end of a 40–23 scoreline last time out, but at least showed they can rack up runs. Expect a fiery clash between two sides looking to bounce back — and avoid the foot of the group.

🔍 Key Stat: Raheen and Na Fianna have shipped 63 runs combined in their only games so far.
🔮 Prediction: Raheen to edge a thriller
📊 Estimated Runs: Raheen 18–23, Na Fianna 16–20

Junior Men’s – 8 June 2025

Elphin v St Senans
Venue: Elphin | Time: 2pm |

Elphin return to home soil badly in need of a lift. They were one run short against Kilmore and suffered a confidence-shattering 26–4 defeat to Na Piarsaigh last time out. A win here would reignite their season — anything else leaves them in big trouble.

For St Senans, this is their championship debut, and they’ll be hoping to make a splash. With every other team in the group having already played at least once, a strong performance would open up a route to the knockout stages. Expect early nerves, but this side has energy to burn.

🔍 Key Stat: Elphin have conceded 51 runs in two matches — the most in Group A.

🔮 Prediction: Elphin to edge it by a couple of runs, but don’t rule out a late Senans rally.

📊 Estimated Runs:
• Elphin – 15.5 runs
• St Senans – 14.0 runs

Junior Mixed – 8 June 2025

Kilmeena vs Mayo Gaels

📅 8 June 2025
📍 Kilmeena – 3pm

Kilmeena are in a must-win scenario after a mixed bag of results in their opening three matches. They’ve scored heavily at times but leaked 65 and 27 in their two defeats. With just one win from three and a run rate of -3.0, their top-four hopes hang by a thread.

Mayo Gaels, meanwhile, have just two games played and no wins on the board. Their -5.6 run rate is one of the worst in the Junior Men’s championship, and their total score of 17 runs across two matches tells its own story. They’ll need a dramatic turnaround to avoid finishing bottom of the group.

🔍 Key Stat:
Mayo Gaels have scored just 17 runs in two games — the lowest scoring side in the entire Junior mixed championship so far.

🔮 Prediction:
Kilmeena to get back on track with a convincing win.

📊 Estimated Runs:
Kilmeena 24 – 10 Mayo Gaels

Junior Ladies Preview – Inniskeen Grattans vs Drumhowan Geraldines

🗓 Date: 8 June 2025
📍 Venue: Drumhowan
🏆 Competition: Junior Ladies – Group A

Fresh from a statement win over Carrickmacross Emmets, Inniskeen Grattans will be brimming with confidence as they prepare to face early group leaders Drumhowan Geraldines.

The Monaghan side have racked up 76 runs in 3 matches, including a dominant win away to Clonguish. Their run rate of 5.2 is the best in the group, and they’re tied at the top of the table with Carrick.

Inniskeen, meanwhile, showed their grit by holding Emmets to just 6 runs in their last outing. If their defence holds again, this could be a tight contest.

🔍 Key Stat:
Drumhowan’s 76 runs in 3 games is very impressive

🔮 Prediction:
Drumhowan are flying and might just have too much firepower – but if Inniskeen’s fielding clicks, an upset could be brewing.

📊 Estimated Runs:
Drumhowan Geraldines: 18–22
Inniskeen Grattans: 12–16