Tag Archive for: Junior Rounders

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!

 

Games 5th July: GAA Rounders Championship Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Predictions: Inniskeen Grattans, Carrickmacross Emmets and Skryne

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

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

Predictions: Breaffy to win both

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

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

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

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

Predictions: Galway City Rapparees to win both

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Emo

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

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

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

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

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

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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GAA Rounders Preview: Week 5 Fixtures, Predictions and Senior Showdowns

 

Preview – Sunday 17 May 2026

16 matches across Ireland this weekend

How is it Week 5 of the Championship already? The weeks are flying past and already the league tables are starting to indicate who the front runners for titles might be — and who needs to do a bit of work if they want to be in contention.

With one match on Thursday and 16 matches taking place on Sunday, from Limerick and Waterford to Monaghan and many places in between, let’s take a closer look at who will be playing and who we expect to go home on Sunday with a smile on their faces.

Junior Mixed Action in Athenry on Thursday

It’s always great to kick off a weekend of Championship action with a local derby and Thursday evening’s Junior Mixed clash between Athenry and Galway City Rapparees should provide plenty of entertainment.

Athenry’s move into Junior Mixed adds an interesting dynamic to the competition and they will be expecting to make a strong impression. Galway City Rapparees, meanwhile, will feature several new faces, with a number of players having stepped up to the club’s Intermediate Mixed panel.

With both sides capable of putting up big scores, this could turn into an entertaining and high-scoring contest, but Athenry may just have enough experience coming down from Intermediate level to edge it.

Prediction – Athenry.

Gretta Davis will referee the game.

Senior Action in the Midlands

Six Senior clubs will be headed for the centre of the country, with matches taking place in Athlone and Portlaoise from 11.30am.

In The Heath, Carrickmacross Emmets will set up camp and start their day with a Senior Women’s clash with their hosts. Both teams are newly promoted from Intermediate in 2025 and The Heath will be keen to repeat their win in last year’s All-Ireland final, while Carrickmacross will be aiming to stop them doing just that.

Prediction – The Heath; a full-strength home side should just clinch it.

Carrickmacross’ Mixed team is up next and will take on Mayo side Kilmeena at 1pm. Kilmeena have struggled in their two opening games this season, having been defeated by Limekiln and Breaffy, but they’ll be hoping to turn that around and repeat last year’s win over the same opponents. Carrickmacross have also suffered a loss in the opening round of the 2026 season, so the winner on Sunday will be chalking up their first victory of the season.

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets; Ulster Final day will give the Monaghan side the added spur to take the win.

The final match of the day in The Heath is the hotly anticipated Men’s clash between reigning Senior Champions Carrickmacross Emmets and rising stars and newly promoted Galway City Rapparees. With one win and one narrow defeat behind them, the Galway men are settling nicely into Senior and look very comfortable in the grade. Carrick’s first outing of 2026 resulted in defeat to Breaffy and they’ll be keen to turn that around and move their way up the league table.

This has the makings of the match of the day and will definitely be recommended viewing for anyone in Portlaoise at 2:30pm on Sunday.

Prediction – Carrickmacross Emmets; the Ulster men’s experience should just give them the edge.

Emo’s Michael Slevin will referee all three games.

An hour up the road in Athlone GAA, two more giants of Senior Rounders will face off in Women’s, Mixed and Men’s games when Mayo’s Breaffy take on Dublin side Limekiln.

Breaffy have been clinical so far this season and have easily brushed aside Carlow side Cúchulainn and Monaghan’s Carrickmacross Emmets, but Limekiln will come ready for battle and won’t be easily intimidated or defeated.

Breaffy’s Women’s team has been a force to be reckoned with for several years now, but will this be the year that they meet their match with the strengthened Limekiln 2026 crew? We should know by lunchtime on Sunday.

Predictions: Senior Women – Limekiln; Senior Men & Mixed – Breaffy.

Philip Keane will be the man in charge for all three matches in Athlone.

Intermediate Women’s Action

Two Intermediate Women’s matches are also up for decision on Sunday in Laois and Roscommon.

In Group A, table toppers Castletown Liam Mellows will be hosted by Emo, who will be hoping that home advantage will give them their first win of the season. Having defeated Inniskeen Grattans and Dublin Metropolitans, the Wexford women will be confident of making it three from three on Sunday and, if Sarah Kavanagh on 2nd Base, Pitcher Mandy Callanan and Catcher Sandra Nugent are on form, it would be hard to predict otherwise.

Glynn Barntown’s Mary Roche will referee in Emo.

Prediction: Castletown Liam Mellows.

The second Intermediate Women’s match of the day will be between local rivals Michael Glavey’s and Elphin. Glavey’s have yet to get their 2026 campaign started and Elphin will be smarting from their 28-6 defeat by a clinical Galway Rapparees two weeks ago, so it’s all to play for.

Elphin’s impressive performances in the 2025 Junior Championship saw them promoted, but is the step up to Intermediate proving too challenging? Have Glavey’s managed to replace their pitcher, Gretta Davis, who has moved to Elphin and will line out on Sunday against her former club?

Prediction: Elphin.

Second up in Michael Glavey’s is a Junior Men Group A game between Elphin and Galway City Rapparees. Elphin haven’t played Junior Men yet this year while Rapparees impressed with a 43-5 annihilation of Sporting Limerick in their first game.

With Home Runs from players on both teams last Sunday, we should hopefully be in for a game of big hitting and great catches.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees.

GAA Rounders Vice-President Michael Dowling will referee both matches in Roscommon.

Junior Games Round-Up

With several Junior teams setting out on their 2026 campaigns this weekend, the highlights look likely to be in Monaghan, where hosts Inniskeen Grattans will welcome Roscommon’s Kilmore for both Mixed and Women’s games.

Kilmore’s women’s experience looks likely to see them take this one comfortably, while the Mixed game should be a much closer affair with talent and serious skill on both teams.

Predictions: Junior Women – Kilmore; Junior Mixed – Inniskeen Grattans.

Amanda Hoxha will referee both games.

National Secretary Shirley Lennon will be busy on Sunday, starting her day in Nobber where she will referee the Junior Women’s match between first-time team Nobber and Carrickmacross Emmets.

With a very impressive display against Skryne in their first ever Championship match midweek, Nobber will be confident and excited to play, and this could be tighter than might be expected.

Prediction: Carrickmacross’ experience to just sneak them through.

Next up in Nobber is the turn of the Carrickmacross Junior Men to face Carlow’s Myshall. This pairing in 2025 was a cracker of a game with no quarter given by either side, eventually won by Myshall.

This is both sides’ first game of the season so it’s hard to predict which way it might go.

Prediction: Myshall, fresh from their Mixed victory at Junior Day, to take the win.

Following that match, up the road in Dunsany, Shirley will referee her third match of the day in a Junior Mixed game between two brand-new Championship sides, Dunsany and Oulart The Ballagh.

Both clubs had teams in the recent Junior Day so both have that experience under their belt. Oulart The Ballagh made it to the Shield Final, quite the achievement for a brand-new club, and will hope that experience will stand to them after their long drive to Meath.

Prediction: Oulart The Ballagh.

Two further Junior games will take place in Limerick and Waterford on Sunday morning.

Junior Women’s sides Knockainey and Kildimo Pallaskenry will play a Limerick derby — one of many this season — while in Waterford City, local side Naomh Pól will take on Carlow’s Leighlinbridge, who enjoyed two successes last Sunday in their first foray into the Mixed Championship.

Predictions: Kildimo Pallaskenry and Leighlinbridge.

We’re still building up to our crazy and insanely busy summer Sundays in June and July, but this weekend looks set to provide some great matches, some interesting introductions to the All-Ireland competition and, if the past four weeks are anything to go by, some unexpected results.

Follow along on our website and socials for the latest scores and updates.

Full Match Predictions

  • Senior Women: The Heath v Carrickmacross Emmets — The Heath
  • Senior Mixed: Carrickmacross Emmets v Kilmeena — Carrickmacross Emmets
  • Senior Men: Carrickmacross Emmets v Galway City Rapparees — Carrickmacross Emmets
  • Senior Women: Breaffy v Limekiln — Limekiln
  • Senior Mixed: Breaffy v Limekiln — Breaffy
  • Senior Men: Breaffy v Limekiln — Breaffy
  • Intermediate Women: Emo v Castletown Liam Mellows — Castletown Liam Mellows
  • Intermediate Women: Michael Glavey’s v Elphin — Elphin
  • Junior Men: Elphin v Galway City Rapparees — Galway City Rapparees
  • Junior Women: Inniskeen Grattans v Kilmore — Kilmore
  • Junior Mixed: Inniskeen Grattans v Kilmore — Inniskeen Grattans
  • Junior Women: Nobber v Carrickmacross Emmets — Carrickmacross Emmets
  • Junior Men: Carrickmacross Emmets v Myshall — Myshall
  • Junior Mixed: Dunsany v Oulart The Ballagh — Oulart The Ballagh
  • Junior Women: Knockainey v Kildimo Pallaskenry — Kildimo Pallaskenry
  • Junior Mixed: Naomh Pól v Leighlinbridge — Leighlinbridge

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Elphin rounders team

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

Sunday’s Rounders Results: Breaffy Blitz, Glynn Barntown Sweep, and Carrickmacross Men Shine

Sunday’s Rounders Results: Breaffy Blitz, Glynn Barntown Sweep, and Carrickmacross Men Shine

The 2025 GAA Rounders season produced another action-packed Sunday with standout results across all grades.
Breaffy delivered a fireworks show with a two massive home wins, Glynn Barntown completed a senior sweep in Ballon, and Carrickmacross Emmets men’s impressed.
Emo extended their unbeaten run, while Gusserane, Wolfe Tones, and Kilmeena made statements in the junior ranks. Here’s the full breakdown from Sunday, 25th May.

Senior Mixed

Cuchulainn 17–22 Glynn Barntown
Cuchulainn’s offence fired early, with scores from Amy Maloney, Leah Mullins, Carmel Maloney, Caroline Waters, Billy Connors, and Pearce Ryan. They posted 5 in both the first and third innings, but Barntown’s 16-run burst across the middle innings proved too much to overcome.

Limekiln 7–6 Carrickmacross Emmets
A razor-tight Senior Mixed contest saw Limekiln edge Carrick by a single run. Chris Hughes was outstanding, delivering under pressure and leading Limekiln’s late push.

Breaffy 28–12 Kilmeena – Senior Mixed
Breaffy’s Mixed team made it two dominant wins on the day, racking up a massive score in blustery conditions. Mark Jennings and Leo Cannon hitting home runs. Even after emptying the bench, Kilmeena stayed competitive and scored consistently, but couldn’t match Breaffy’s relentless attack.

Senior Men

Carrickmacross Emmets 15–6 Limekiln
Carrick controlled the game from start to finish. Paddy Bermingham launched a 3-base screamer to clear the bases, while Justin nailed a trademark rocket to 1st for the out of the day. Barry Lambe quietly fouled out a chunk of Limekiln’s batting lineup.

Breaffy 31–6 Michael Glaveys
Breaffy were clinical once again. Jamie Murphy hit three home runs, with support from John Gibbons (2), Colin Cannon. They hit three in a row at one point in a relentless display.

Cuchulainn 7–11 Glynn Barntown
Cuchulainn spread their scoring with contributions from Kevin Laszczak, Adam Kelly, Peadar Waters, Ronan Broderick, Evan Dunphy, and Fiachra Shier. A 5-run fourth inning sealed it for Barntown.

Senior Ladies

Cuchulainn 7–15 Glynn Barntown
Barntown’s scoring across the final innings pushed them ahead. Cuchulainn were led by Amy Maloney, and Caroline Waters, who showed promise in both attack and defence.

Intermediate Mixed

Raheen 23–40 Emo
Three from three for Emo. Eoin Keenan made a brilliant sliding catch, JP sent a home run into the ditch, and Áine anchored things as backstop. Raheen hit 5 home runs but couldn’t match Emo’s firepower.

Junior Men

Myshall 7–6 Inniskeen Grattans

Sean Connollys 19–31 Gusserane

Junior Ladies

Dublin Mets 13–12 Myshall

Carrickmacross Emmets 15–6 Drumhowan Geraldines

Sean Connollys 17–12 Skryne

St Kierans 23–6 Knockainey

Kilaneran 11–8 Ferns St Aidans

Junior Mixed

Wolfe Tones 25–15 Sean Connollys

Kilmeena 9–7 Garrymore

CLICK FOR LEAGUE TABLES

*Updates will be done as results appear

GAA Rounders Week 4 Preview – Sunday 25th May

GAA Rounders Week 4 Preview
Sunday 25th May

Breaffy vs Kilmeena – Senior Mixed (1pm)

Breaffy are the reigning All-Ireland champions and looked every bit the part in their opening rounds. This is the first ever championship meeting of the two Mayo clubs. Kilmeena, newcomers to the senior grade, will be up against it after losing their opener to The Heath, 13–11. With a polished batting order and disciplined fielding, Breaffy should have this wrapped up early.

Prediction: Breaffy

Breaffy vs Michael Glaveys – Senior Men (2:30pm)

Michael Glaveys have found the Senior Men’s grade a tough transition and will need to find form quickly. A trip to Breaffy is a tough ask. The hosts have shown immense progress over the past 24 months and will look to use home turf to their advantage.

Prediction: Breaffy

Cuchulainn vs Glynn Barntown – Senior Ladies (11am)

Cuchulainn are gritty but lost an epic opening battle against Erne Eagles, 34–30. Glynn Barntown’s infield is clinical, and their batting lineup shows no signs of slowing. They must be favourites for the title—this fixture will show whether that’s justified.

Prediction: Glynn Barntown

Cuchulainn vs Glynn Barntown – Senior Mixed (12:30pm)

Another tough test for the hosts. Glynn Barntown’s mixed side already look like semi-final contenders, showing strong structure and composure in their 12–5 away win over Carrick. Cuchulainn will need to stay error-free and strike early with the bat. Should be a very entertaining contest.

Prediction: Glynn Barntown

Cuchulainn vs Glynn Barntown – Senior Men (2pm)

Glynn Barntown’s third clash of the day—but fatigue shouldn’t be a factor. Their men’s side has great depth and will back themselves to complete a clean sweep. Cuchulainn will be determined, but it may not be enough.

Prediction: Clean sweep for Glynn Barntown

Carrickmacross vs Drumhowan – Junior Ladies (11am)

Carrickmacross have been ruthless in this grade, while Drumhowan smashed 49 runs in just two innings against Sean Connolly’s. This match could decide who qualifies for the quarter-final.

Prediction: Carrickmacross

Carrickmacross vs Limekiln – Senior Mixed (12:30pm)

Both sides lost their opening matches, making this a vital clash—losing two in a row makes competing at senior level extremely difficult. Limekiln bring physicality and presence, but Carrick have more weapons across the diamond. This could be the game of the weekend.

Prediction: Carrickmacross

Carrickmacross vs Limekiln – Senior Men (2pm)

This one’s all about belief. Carrick’s men are developing into a real force and will fancy their chances against a Limekiln side convincingly beaten by Breaffy. Expect a decent crowd and even bigger energy for this clash.

Prediction: Carrickmacross

The Heath vs Kevin’s – Senior Mixed Game OFF

Kevin’s are goneHeath edged past Kilmeena in their opening fixture. Kevin’s haven’t played yet this season, but on their day they could beat anyone. This match will say a lot about how both teams’ seasons are shaping up.

Prediction: OFF

Sean Connolly’s vs Skryne – Junior Ladies (11am)

Sean Connolly’s haven’t impressed so far, conceding heavily to Drumhowan, but if they can shore up their defence, they have the ability to score. Skryne are playing their first game of the season, and if they get the bats going, they could be hard to stop.

Prediction: Skryne

Sean Connolly’s vs Wolfe Tones – Junior Mixed (1pm)

Wolfe Tones opened with a good win, but Sean Connolly’s have enough talent to make this a tight encounter. This could go down to the final inning.

Prediction: Wolfe Tones

Sean Connolly’s vs Gusserane – Junior Men (3pm)

In a strange twist, Sean Connolly’s were one of the few unbeaten teams in 2024 but missed the knockouts due to a walkover. Gusserane will push them hard, but expect the Longford side to end the day on a high.

Prediction: Sean Connolly’s

Myshall vs Dublin Metropolitans – Junior Ladies (11am)

Myshall have been quietly impressive and will see this as a crucial game in their knockout push. Dublin Metropolitans have experience and depth—it could all come down to bowling.

Prediction: Dublin Metropolitans

Myshall vs Dublin Metropolitans – Junior Mixed (1pm)

This could be one of the most exciting games of the round. Both teams are athletic and aggressive. Dublin Metropolitans reached the semi-finals last year and are serious contenders for the title.

Prediction: Dublin Metropolitans

Myshall vs Inniskeen Grattans – Junior Men (3pm)

Inniskeen have far more experience in their squad and, after losing last year’s All-Ireland final, are hungry to go one better. Myshall will try to control the early innings, but it may be a tall order.

Prediction: Inniskeen Grattans

Raheen vs Emo – Intermediate Mixed (11am)

Emo blitzed Na Fianna in Week 1 and cruised past Glynn Barntown last week—easily the form team in the grade. Raheen are entering the competition for the first time this season but were finalists last year and have several senior players. A superb matchup; the winner becomes All-Ireland favourite.

Prediction: Emo

Ballinagore vs Mayo Gaels – Junior Mixed (5pm)

Mayo Gaels are enthusiastic but still developing. Ballinagore are more settled and come in off two solid wins, including a dominant display over Kilmeena. Experience and cohesion should see them through.

Prediction: Ballinagore

Garrymore vs Kilmeena – Junior Mixed (6pm)

A classic Mayo derby. Kilmeena are struggling to find form in Junior Mixed—setting up a second team is always tough—but they’ll know this match could decide who reaches the quarter-finals. Garrymore are gaining momentum, with a solid win over Mayo Gaels behind them.

Prediction: Kilmeena