Tag Archive for: Junior Mixed Rounders

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!

 

 

 

GAA Rounders Weekend Preview – Super Sunday Showdown in Galway with 11 matches

With playoff races heating up and unbeaten records on the line, Sunday, 6 July promises to be another pivotal day in the 2025 GAA Rounders Championship.

From the jam-packed fixture list in Galway to top-tier battles in Clonguish, and knockout-shaping clashes in Tymon, Skryne and beyond, teams across all grades are bracing for high-stakes showdowns. Whether it’s a title contender trying to stay perfect or a dark horse making a late charge, this Super Sunday has it all — tension, talent, and a full day of Rounders drama.

This weekend, we’re doing our previews a little differently. With nine Junior matches scheduled for Galway alone, we’re breaking things down by venue and group — starting with the massive triple-header in Galway, then moving to Clonguish, before finishing with the rest of the weekend’s fixtures.

⚫ Junior Men’s –

First up is the Junior Men’s competition, and it’s all eyes on Group A. Kilmore, St. Senan’s, and Galway City Rapparees are all potential All-Ireland winners— but only two will qualify from this stacked group. This is make-or-break for Galway, while Kilmore and St. Senan’s put their unbeaten records on the line. One defeat is the maximum either can afford.

🧢 11.00am – St. Senan’s vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Craig

A battle of the unbeaten. Both sides come in with 3 wins from 3 and strong momentum. Kilmore edged some tight ones, including a 1-run victory over Elphin — though they only batted three innings in that game. Meanwhile, St. Senan’s showcased real class midweek in a 23–14 win over Sporting Limerick.

🔍 Key Factors:

  • Both teams boast clutch batters and reliable pitching.
  • A mental battle awaits — a win here virtually seals a semi-final spot.

📈 Prediction:
Kilmore by 1–2 runs in a high-scoring thriller. But don’t be shocked if it ends in a draw — which would suit both sides. Watch out Craig 😉

🧢 3.00pm – Galway City Rapparees vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Ann

Galway need to make this one count. With just two games played (1 win, 1 loss), they’re still in control of their destiny. Kilmore may have one foot in the knockouts depending on the earlier result — but could a tired squad be vulnerable?

Expect a very different Galway side to the one that narrowly lost to Sporting Limerick. Both defences should be on top in what promises to be a low-scoring, tactical contest.

🔥 Ones to Watch:

  • Galway’s leadership and aggressive base running.
  • Kilmore’s deep, consistent lineup over five innings.

📈 Prediction:
Galway to edge it, but Kilmore will not go down without a serious fight.

🧢 7.30pm – Galway City Rapparees vs St. Senan’s

📍 Referee: Ann

The nightcap could decide everything. If Galway are still alive, this becomes an All-Ireland quarter-final in disguise. For St. Senan’s, this could be their fourth game of the day, leaving them potentially fatigued — but tactically sharp.

If Senan’s beat Kilmore earlier, they’ll be all but guaranteed a knockout spot in Galway on 9th August. But Rapparees, rested and playing at home, will be throwing everything at this.

🔋 Fatigue vs Fire:

  • Galway will be fresher and fighting for survival.
  • St. Senan’s may only need to manage the scoreline.

📈 Prediction:
Galway City Rapparees to sneak it — and keep their knockout hopes alive into the final round against Na Pairsaigh.

⚫ Junior Mixed – Galway Collision Course

We move on to Junior Mixed where, once again, Kilmore, St. Senan’s, and Galway City Rapparees all carry genuine All-Ireland ambitions — but this time, there’s a clear standout.

St. Senan’s are the team to beat. They’ve been knocking on the door in recent seasons and based on form, scoring difference, and roster depth, they should arguably already have an All-Ireland title in the bag. In 2025, they look like hot favourites to finally make it count and you get a feeling they will be targeting this over the men’s.

⚫ 12.30pm – Galway City Rapparees vs St. Senan’s

📍 Referee: Gretta

Galway City Rapparees have already put up a massive 31-run total against Sporting Limerick and know how to score, but they’ll need their best ever defensive performance to stop a Senan’s side that’s scoring freely and fielding with real sharpness.

This is the first of three crucial games and could shape how the rest of the day unfolds. A win for Senan’s puts one foot in the semi-finals; a Galway win throws the group wide open.

🔍 Key Factors:

  • Can Galway get on base consistently against Senan’s powerful infield?
  • St. Senan’s are ruthless at turning errors into scores — Galway must stay composed.

📈 Prediction:
St. Senan’s by 3-5 runs — unless Galway’s big hitters catch fire early.

⚫ 4.30pm – Galway City Rapparees vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Ann

Galway and Kilmore have not met in the championship before, the Rapparees won junior in 2024 but have a completely different squad this year and may show more composure in the middle innings. Kilmore have been clinical so far in 2025 and sit on 3 wins from 3. Galway’s record is 2 from 2 — with a huge scoring difference, both teams still very much still in the hunt.

It’s unlikely both can go through unless St. Senan’s falter later. So for Galway, this is must-win territory.

🔥 Ones to Watch:

  • Galway’s composure and knowledge may out do Kilmore’s base running.
  • Kilmore’s tight defence and clever batting have closed out games with little fuss so far.

📈 Prediction:
Galway to win by a couple of runs in a tense, low-scoring battle with Galway likely to secure a knock out position.

⚫ 6.00pm – St. Senan’s vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Gretta

What a finish. If St. Senan’s are still unbeaten at this point, they’ll want to finish the group stage with a statement win. Kilmore, depending on earlier results, may be fighting to stay alive or simply playing for seeding. Either way, this will be a high-quality, tactical matchup — and could easily be a preview of the All-Ireland final.

💡 What to Expect:

  • Both sides will know the table permutations by this stage — expect scoreboard management and smart base running.
  • Conpared to the men a draw here is of no use unless both have earlier wins.

📈 Prediction:
St. Senan’s to edge it late and head into the knockouts as clear title favourites.

👱‍♀️ Junior Ladies – Galway Triple Header

Three Group B clashes take place in Galway this weekend, and they’ll play a crucial role in deciding who reaches the Junior Ladies knockout stages. Sporting Limerick currently lead the group having played four games, but Kilmore, Elphin, and even St. Kieran’s are likely to be the knockout contenders.

Here’s what to watch for in each of the three games:

👱‍♀️ 11:00am – St. Kieran’s vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Gretta

Kilmore come into this one with their backs against the wall. They’ve been on both sides of nail-biters in recent weeks and need to win both games in Galway to stand any chance of progression. St. Kieran’s, meanwhile, have shown glimpses of real promise, including a draw with Sporting Limerick.

🔍 Key Factors:

  • Kilmore need to start fast — and maintain the momentum.
  • St. Kieran’s have to be clinical when batters are on base.

📈 Prediction:
St Kieran’s by 3 runs – expect a dramatic finish.

👱‍♀️ 12:30pm – Knockainey vs Kilmore

📍 Referee: Craig

A quick turnaround for Kilmore sees them take on a Knockainey side desperate for their first win. Knockainey have pushed teams close and can’t be underestimated. This could be the ultimate banana skin.

🔥 Ones to Watch:

  • Knockainey’s base running
  • Will Kilmore be able to hold composure playing back-to-back?

📈 Prediction:
Kilmore by 5 or 6 Kilmore might have enough players and hitters to get the win.

👱‍♀️ 3:00pm – Elphin vs Knockainey

📍 Referee: Gretta

This match could determine whether Elphin make the knockouts. They’ve beaten Kilmore already and showed real firepower when on form. Knockainey will be playing their second game of the day — and their defensive discipline will be tested.

🔋 What to Expect:

  • Elphin’s experience in tight games might be the difference and they have one of the best bowlers in the country at junior level.
  • Knockainey will look to disrupt rhythm with aggressive fielding.

📈 Prediction:
Elphin by 4–6 runs to stay in the hunt.

CLONGUISH PREVIEW | 6 JULY 2025

🧢 SENIOR MEN –

After a packed slate in Galway, we now turn our attention to Clonguish, where seven games will take place on Sunday, 6th July. From crucial Senior Men’s clashes to important fixtures in the Junior grades, this venue could prove pivotal in shaping the final group standings. With several teams still chasing qualification, every run, out, and inning will matter.

🔵 Breaffy vs Carrickmacross Emmets
📍 Cancelled

A rematch with knockout intensity. These two sides know each other well, and Breaffy come into this with strong belief they can go one step further after losing the 2024 final and after easy wins over Linekiln, Raheen and Michael Glaveys it’s deserved. But they face a Carrickmacross outfit that has been almost flawless this year, notching big wins including over Glynn, Glaveys, Limekiln and Raheen. Expect fireworks early as Breaffy look to get on the board quickly and disrupt Emmets’ rhythm.

  • 💪 Carrickmacross have been ruthless with the bat, averaging over 16 runs per game.
  • 🧠 Breaffy’s experience in pressure games can’t be underestimated — they’ve been here before.

📈 Prediction:

⚪️ Glynn Barntown vs Michael Glaveys
📍 Cancelled

This could get lively. Glynn were poor against Carrickmacross but bounced back with a clinical win over Cuchulainn. They’ll be eyeing up a big scoring day here to boost run rate and keep knockout hopes on track. Michael Glaveys, unfortunately, have struggled this season, but will look to spoil the party.

  • 🔥 Watch for Glynn’s middle order — they’ve been excellent when setting or chasing targets.
  • 🚧 Glaveys must limit errors in the field and tighten up their outfield throwing to stay in the game.

📈 Prediction:

🥎 Senior Mixed Previews – Sunday, 6 July – Clonguish

It’s crunch time in the Senior Mixed Championship and Clonguish plays host to two high-stakes battles. Glynn Barntown are aiming to maintain their perfect record, while Carrickmacross Emmets know a second win would launch them back into knockout contention. Breaffy, the reigning All-Ireland champions, have been superb so far — and Kilmeena are still searching for their first win in a tough group.

🕥  Breaffy vs Carrickmacross Emmets

📍 Cancelled

Breaffy come into this fixture unbeaten and full of confidence, having already taken down The Heath, Kilmeena and Limekiln. Their defence has been rock solid, and they look every inch the All-Ireland champions. Carrickmacross, however, showed their class in a 22–16 shootout win over The Heath and will know that another victory here could catapult them into serious semi-final contention.

  • 📌 What to Expect:
  • Breaffy’s powerful hitting and structured fielding game to set the tone.
  • Expect Carrickmacross to come out swinging, especially early innings.

🔮 Prediction:

🕒 3:00pm – Glynn Barntown vs Kilmeena

📍 Referee: Iain

Top versus bottom on paper — but this one could be closer than expected. Glynn Barntown have been flawless so far: four wins from four, including big victories over Cuchulainn, Erne Eagles and Carrick. Kilmeena are winless, but they’ve been involved in high-scoring games and showed real fight in recent clashes, narrowly losing to Erne Eagles (13–10).

  • 🔥 Key Battle:
  • Glynn’s control and late-innings poise vs Kilmeena’s unpredictable, attacking style.

🔮 Prediction:
Glynn Barntown to maintain their unbeaten streak — but Kilmeena won’t make it easy.

Junior Triple Header –

It’s a full day of action in Clonguish and our preview from that venue finish off at junior level as Sean Connolly’s face off against Carrickmacross Emmets across all three Junior grades: Men’s, Ladies and Mixed. With referee Amanda on duty throughout, consistency could be key in a day that could shape the future of Group A and B standings.

🧢 Junior Men: Sean Connolly’s vs Carrickmacross

📍 Cancelled

Sean Connolly’s are still looking for their first win and have struggled to contain opposition batters, with a -10 run rate and 25 runs conceded in just two outings. Carrickmacross, by contrast, have looked more organised and come in with a win already under their belt. However, Sean Connolly’s are improving with every game and this might be their best chance yet to grab a statement result.

 

👱‍♀️ Junior Ladies: Sean Connolly’s vs Carrickmacross

📍Cancelled

Two sides with genuine top-four aspirations meet here. Sean Connolly’s boast the stronger run rate and have posted 80 runs across three games. Carrickmacross are right on their heels, with an identical win-loss record and a slightly better defensive stat line. This could be the tightest of the three fixtures — a classic midfield shootout that could go either way and have knockout implications.

⚫ Junior Mixed: Sean Connolly’s vs Carrickmacross

📍Cancelled

Closing out the day is the Junior Mixed clash. Connolly’s will be desperate to get off the mark after a tough start to the season. With a -9.5 run rate and no points on the board, they’ll need to be at their sharpest. Carrickmacross are in the mix for a semi-final and will be aiming to boost their run rate here. Expect pressure, passion, and maybe some drama.

🧢 Senior Men – Tymon Park

12:00pm – Raheen vs Erne Eagles

📍 Referee: Chris

Erne Eagles come into this one unbeaten and with momentum, while Raheen are still searching for a spark in this year’s campaign. With two tough losses already, Raheen have no room left for error. The Eagles have been dominant so far and will want to maintain that form heading into the later stages of the group.

🔍 Prediction: Erne Eagles by 8+ runs – but Raheen’s batting could make it closer than expected.

👱‍♀️ Senior Ladies – Tymon Park

1:30pm – Raheen vs Erne Eagles

📍 Referee: Chris

Raheen and Erne Eagles are both in need of a statement win to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Both sides have shown flashes of quality but struggled for consistency. Erne edged one win already, while Raheen are yet to break through. Expect a tight battle where every inning counts, and both defences will need to be switched on.

🔍 Prediction: Erne Eagles to edge a low-scoring contest by 2–3 runs.

⚫ Senior Mixed – Ballon

1:30pm – Cuchulainn vs The Heath

📍 Referee: Michael D

This one could go a long way to deciding who grabs that all-important remaining semi-finals spot. Cuchulainn have already beaten Limekiln and Kilmeena and shown excellent scoring power. The Heath have been a little inconsistent but dangerous on their day. This should be fast, physical and tactical – a classic clash of styles.

🔍 Prediction: Cuchulainn by 3–5 runs with a key catch or double play likely to make the difference.

👱‍♀️ Junior Ladies – Skryne

11:00am – Skryne vs Inniskeen Grattans

📍 Referee: Áine

Skryne are clinging on in the race for top four and must get a result here. Inniskeen will be fresher, and they’ve been tidy in the field with one win from two. Skryne are scrappy and will fight for every base – but they’ll need to tighten up defensively to take this one.

🔍 Prediction: Inniskeen Grattans by 2 runs – but expect late drama.

⚫ Junior Mixed –

1:00pm – Wolfe Tones vs Inniskeen (Skryne)

📍 Referee: Áine

Two potential knockout teams collide in what could be the tie of the round. Wolfe Tones have shown real quality with 2 wins from 3 and a positive run rate. Inniskeen, meanwhile, are one of the most in-form Junior Mixed teams in Ireland and can’t afford to slip. Expect big innings and a game that could go either way.

🔍 Prediction: Inniskeen Grattans by a single score – but Wolfe Tones could force a draw.

11:00am – Naomh Éanna vs Gusserane (Naomh Éanna)

📍 Referee: PJ

Gusserane sit midtable, and a win here keeps them in the conversation. Naomh Éanna need a big performance to get back on track. With both sides looking to make up ground, this game could be more open than most and might come down to fielding discipline under pressure.

🔍 Prediction: Gusserane by 4 runs in a must-win fixture for both teams.

✅ Teams Qualified for Knockout Stages – GAA Rounders 2025

🏆 Intermediate Men

  • Kilmeena
  • Galway City Rapparees

🏆 Intermediate Ladies

  • Carrickmacross Emmets

🏆 Intermediate Mixed

  • Emo

🏆 Junior Men

  • Myshall

🏆 Junior Ladies

  • St Martins
  • Dublin Mets