Tag Archive for: Kilmeena Rounders

2026 GAA Rounders Transfers: Full List of Player Moves

2026 GAA Rounders Transfers

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

Everyone is moving to Limekiln!

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

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

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

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

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

Limekiln v Galway Rapparees

Peter Salmon, right – J98Media

Other Senior & Intermediate Transfers

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

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

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

Gretta Davis

Gretta Davis – moving from Michael Glavey’s to Elphin

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

Junior Transfers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full 2026 Transfer List

Serena Costelloe – Kevin’s to Limekiln
Erica Meslin – Kevin’s to Limekiln
Merilin Neiland – Kevin’s to Limekiln
Colette McCaul – St. Clare’s to Limekiln
Peter Salmon – The Heath to Limekiln
Austin O’Meara – The Heath to Emo
Katie McLoughlin – Kilmeena to St. Clare’s
Gerard Walsh – Breaffy to Kilmeena
Gretta Davis – Michael Glavey’s to Elphin
Tríona Moran – Erne Eagles to Galway City Rapparees
Joel Carter – Mayo Gaels to Garrymore
Paul Murphy – Mayo Gaels to Garrymore
Gerard Scahill – Mayo Gaels to Breaffy
Sophie Moroney – St. Senan’s to Kildimo Pallaskenry
Sachin Krishnan – Inniskeen Grattans to Wolfe Tones
Liz Fitzgerald – Glynn Barntown to Kilanerin Ballyfad
Grace Power – Skryne to Dunsany
Lisa Power – Skryne to Dunsany
Lorna Byrne – Skryne to Dunsany
Shirley O’Neill – Fethard St. Mogue’s to Gusserane

GAA Rounders Fixtures 2026 Confirmed | Full Championship Schedule & Teams

Fixtures confirmed for 2026 championship season

GAA Rounders is pleased to confirm that the fixtures for the 2026 All-Ireland Championships across Senior, Intermediate and Junior grades have now been finalised and circulated to clubs nationwide.

The 2026 season represents the largest championship programme to date, with clubs from across the country set to compete in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed competitions. The schedule runs from April through to September and provides a clear national pathway from league stages to quarter-finals, semi-finals and All-Ireland Finals.

At Senior level, each championship will be played on a single-league basis, with the top four teams progressing to the semi-finals. In Intermediate, the Men’s competition will follow a full-league structure, while the Women’s and Mixed Championships will be played across two groups. Junior competitions will again feature a broader group structure to reflect strong entry numbers and continued growth throughout the country.

Official season structure: league stages will run through spring and summer, with knockout fixtures scheduled from late July onwards before the All-Ireland Finals in late August and September.

A championship season packed with quality and depth

There are strong storylines at every grade heading into the new season. In Senior Women, Breaffy will bid for an outstanding five-in-a-row, while the Mayo club will also be chasing a Senior Mixed three-in-a-row. The Senior Men’s Championship, meanwhile, looks one of the most competitive in years, with genuine strength spread across the field.

Senior spotlight

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Erne Eagles, Glynn Barntown, Limekiln, Cúchulainn, Raheen and Galway City Rapparees ensure real depth in the top grade, particularly in what promises to be a fiercely contested Senior Men’s Championship.

Intermediate contenders

Kilmeena and Emo are expected to have strong seasons at Intermediate level, while St. Senan’s, St. Clare’s, Kilmore, Galway City Rapparees and Dublin Metropolitans all add further quality to the grade.

Junior teams to watch

In Junior Women, St. Senan’s, Kilmore and Myshall will attract attention, while Junior Men should see strong campaigns from Myshall and Galway City Rapparees. In Junior Mixed, Kilmore, Leighlinbridge and Garrymore look well placed, with several counties also welcoming new entrants.

Club depth across the country

Glynn Barntown, Carrickmacross Emmets, Galway City Rapparees, Inniskeen and Kilmeena are all entering four or more teams, reflecting the growing strength of club structures and player development within the code.

Galway Rapparees

Galway Rapparees

Welcoming new clubs to the championship

The 2026 Championships also mark an important step forward for participation, with a number of new clubs entering the All-Ireland structure across different grades.

  • Women: Kilrush Askamore (Wexford) and Nobber (Meath)
  • Men: Na Gaeil Nua (Dublin)
  • Mixed: Clontuskert (Galway), Dunsany (Meath), Naomh Pól (Waterford) and Oulart The Ballagh (Wexford)

Their inclusion is a welcome sign of continued expansion and reinforces the positive momentum currently behind GAA Rounders at club level.

Na Gaeil Nua

Na Gaeil Nua

Season timeline and key dates

  • Senior Championships: commence on Sunday 19 April
  • Junior Championships: commence on Sunday 10 May
  • League stages: run through April, May, June and July
  • Quarter-finals: where applicable, are scheduled for late July
  • Semi-finals: take place in August
  • All-Ireland Finals: are scheduled from late August into September

Among the headline dates are the Senior Women’s and Junior Women’s Finals at the National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown on 30 August, the Men’s Finals at Offaly GAA Centre of Excellence on 6 September, and the Mixed Finals at Mallow GAA on 13 September.

Opening fixtures to launch the campaign

The championship season gets under way with a number of high-profile ties. The opening Senior programme includes Cúchulainn against Erne Eagles in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed, Galway City Rapparees against Limekiln in Senior Men, Limekiln against The Heath in Senior Women and Limekiln vs Kilmeena in Senior Mixed.

At Intermediate and Junior level, the early rounds will immediately test squads across multiple counties, with a packed programme set to run throughout the spring and summer months.

Clubs entered – 2026 Championships

Senior Championships
Senior Women

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Cúchulainn, Erne Eagles, Glynn Barntown, Limekiln, Raheen, The Heath

Senior Men

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Cúchulainn, Erne Eagles, Galway City Rapparees, Glynn Barntown, Limekiln, Raheen

Senior Mixed

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Cúchulainn, Erne Eagles, Glynn Barntown, Kilmeena, Limekiln

Intermediate Championships
Intermediate Women

Castletown Liam Mellows, Dublin Metropolitans, Elphin, Emo, Galway City Rapparees, Glynn Barntown, Inniskeen Grattans, Kilmeena, Michael Glavey’s, St. Clare’s

Intermediate Men

Dublin Metropolitans, Emo, Kilmeena, Kilmore, St. Clare’s, St. Senan’s

Intermediate Mixed

Dublin Metropolitans, Emo, Erne Eagles, Galway City Rapparees, Glynn Barntown, Gusserane, Michael Glavey’s, Raheen, St. Clare’s, St. Senan’s

Junior Championships
Junior Women

Athenry, Carrickmacross Emmets, Castleknock, Castletown Liam Mellows, Clonguish, Drumhowan, Glynn Barntown, Gusserane, Inniskeen Grattans, Kilanerin Ballyfad, Kildimo Pallaskenry, Kilmore, Kilrush Askamore, Knockainey, Leighlinbridge, Myshall, Na Piarsaigh, Nobber, St. Kieran’s, St. Martin’s, St. Senan’s, Skryne, Sporting Limerick

Junior Men

Castleknock, Carrickmacross Emmets, Elphin, Galway City Rapparees, Gusserane, Inniskeen Grattans, Myshall, Na Gaeil Nua, Na Piarsaigh, Sporting Limerick

Junior Mixed

Athenry, Ballinagore, Castleknock, Carrickmacross Emmets, Clontuskert, Dunsany, Elphin, Emo, Galway City Rapparees, Garrymore, Inniskeen Grattans, Kilmeena, Kilmore, Leighlinbridge, Myshall, Naomh Pól, Naomh Trea, Na Fianna, Na Piarsaigh, Oulart The Ballagh, Slaughtneil, Sporting Limerick, Wolfe Tones

Full fixture details, venues, competition structures and knockout dates should be read in conjunction with the official Senior, Intermediate and Junior fixture booklets circulated to clubs.

Continued growth across the code

With hundreds of fixtures scheduled and participation continuing to rise, the 2026 All-Ireland Championships reflect the ongoing development of GAA Rounders across Ireland. The spread of teams across Senior, Intermediate and Junior grades, combined with the arrival of new clubs and the strength of established contenders, points to a season of real substance from opening day through to finals weekend.

Supporters are encouraged to follow official GAA Rounders channels throughout the season for fixture updates, results, reports and championship news.

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

 

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