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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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Aidan Carr - Kilmore

GAA Rounders Preview 19 April 2026: Senior and Intermediate Championship Opener

GAA Rounders Championship Preview

GAA Rounders Preview: 19 April 2026

The wait is nearly over as the 2026 All-Ireland Championship season gets underway with Senior and Intermediate action across Ballon, Galway, Wexford and Kilmore

The date we have all been waiting for is nearly here and the familiar question of “what will we do on Sunday?” won’t be an issue for the next 22 weeks, because the GAA Rounders All-Ireland Championship season is back!

Last season, the Friday Preview & Predictions article became a weekly talking point, so it returns for 2026. There is a new writer this year, remaining anonymous for what can only be described as “personal safety” reasons, along with a slightly different style of analysis and fewer statistics. The goal, however, remains exactly the same: to start conversations, spark debate and, ideally, give readers every chance to prove the previewer wrong.

Senior Championship Preview

Ballon and Galway host the opening Senior fixtures of the 2026 season, with heavyweight clashes, returning stars and one major milestone for Galway City Rapparees

Ballon hosts a blockbuster opening day

This Sunday, 19 April, the honour of pitching the first ball of the 2026 Senior season will go to either Irene Scanlon of Cavan’s Erne Eagles or Cúchulainn of Carlow’s as yet unrevealed pitcher when their women’s championship clash gets underway in Ballon at 12pm.

Both clubs reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Championship, so there is plenty on the line from the outset. With multiple All-Star winners and nominees from 2025 and previous seasons taking to the pitch for both teams, this promises to be an excellent curtain-raiser. The blend of youth and experience across both squads should produce skilful batting, composed fielding and no shortage of big moments.

At 1.30pm, the focus shifts to the Senior Mixed contest. As 2025 All-Ireland runners-up, Erne Eagles will be determined to show that they remain genuine title contenders in 2026. Cúchulainn, meanwhile, will be equally eager to prove that they can go one step further this year and reach the final themselves. Erne Eagles’ Senior Mixed panel has already thrown up a few surprises, so there will be keen interest in the side that eventually takes the field.

The final game in Ballon at 3pm sees the Men’s teams go head to head. Erne Eagles were also Men’s All-Ireland runners-up in 2025 and recent form suggests they may start as favourites, but underestimating the Carlow side on home soil would be a mistake. Rumour has it that Darryl Dolan is ready to return following his 2025 injury, which would be a significant boost for the visitors. With experienced figures on both sides, including Ard Chomhairle member and Cúchulainn pitcher Peadar Waters, this one has all the ingredients of a tense and closely fought battle.

Referee: Emo stalwart Michael Slevin will take charge of all three games.

Ballon Predictions

Women: Cúchulainn
Mixed: Erne Eagles
Men: Erne Eagles

Galway City Rapparees step into the big time

Ryan Dennis - Galway Rapparees

Ryan Dennis – Galway Rapparees

There is early action in Galway too, with two Senior fixtures down for decision on the grounds of Coláiste Muire Máthair from 1pm. Dublin legends Limekiln travel west to face Mayo’s Kilmeena in Senior Mixed before taking on the newly promoted Galway City Rapparees in Senior Men.

After a difficult 2025 campaign, Limekiln have regrouped, brought in transferred players and assembled a bigger squad. They now look ready to remind everyone why they have been Rounders royalty for more than 20 years. Kilmeena, meanwhile, finished last season strongly after a slow start in Senior Mixed, so they will be determined to hit the ground running this time around.

This looks like a game that could be quick, sharp and highly competitive. Both pitchers will be desperate to give away as little as possible. Limekiln’s outfield will want to stay watertight, while Kilmeena will be eager to contain multi-position stars such as Ciarán Weldon both at bat and in the field. There may also be a few familiar faces in unfamiliar colours, with some players last seen in Kevin’s blue and white now sporting Limekiln jerseys.

At 2.45pm, Galway City Rapparees enter uncharted territory as they play their first ever Senior match. For a club whose men’s team won the Junior Day Blitz in 2021, this has been a remarkable rise. Sunday’s fixture already feels like a milestone moment and it has the makings of a hugely entertaining Senior debut.

Pitching should be fascinating, with the contrasting styles of Ryan Dennis and Chris Hughes presenting very different challenges for batters. Galway have runners and hitters capable of hurting any side and there will be plenty wondering whether Cathal Creaven might produce his first Senior home run. Limekiln’s challenge will be to shut down that running threat, while the Rapparees must stay calm and avoid being overawed by a side with an extraordinary haul of titles and All-Stars across the past two decades.

Referee: Seán Bailey of Michael Glavey’s will be behind the catcher for both Galway fixtures.

Galway Predictions

Mixed: Limekiln
Men: Galway City Rapparees

Intermediate Championship Preview

The Intermediate campaign also begins on Sunday, with Dublin Metropolitans on the road in both Men’s and Women’s action

Kilmore ready for Intermediate test

Aidan Carr - Kilmore

Aidan Carr – Kilmore

The Intermediate Championship begins with an early start on the road for Dublin Metropolitans, whose men travel to Roscommon to face local favourites Kilmore, last year’s Junior Men’s All-Ireland runners-up.

With a full year of Intermediate experience behind them, Dublin Mets may look like favourites on paper. Even so, Kilmore should not be underestimated. Both teams bring quality players into this opener. The Mets can call on the Carley brothers, Jack Cheyne and Leonard Looney, all selected for the Leinster Interprovincials side. Kilmore, meanwhile, are represented by Aidan Carr, Breian Carroll, Mark Harrington and James Jamieson, who fill four of the five Junior spots on the Connacht Interprovincial panel.

Nerves are inevitable for Kilmore in their first Intermediate game following promotion, but home advantage should help settle them. With first pitch at 11am, this has the feel of one of the most interesting games of the opening weekend.

Referee: Breaffy star and Ard Chomhairle Development Officer Mark Jennings

Prediction: Kilmore to settle early and take the win

Castletown Liam Mellows host key Women’s opener

Also throwing in at 1pm is the first Intermediate Women’s game of 2026, as Dublin Metropolitans head to the picturesque Castletown Liam Mellows pitch in Wexford to face the 2023 All-Ireland Junior Ladies finalists.

Both teams are newly promoted to Intermediate and both will be eager to make an immediate statement in their new grade. With talented and capable players on each side, this could be one of the tightest contests of the weekend and may come down to who handles the occasion best.

Referee: GAA Rounders Leinster Representative, PJ Lalor of Myshall

Prediction: Dublin Mets to just edge it

A season worth following begins again

Although soggy pitches and poor weather have threatened to derail the opening week of Championship action, the seven matches that are set to go ahead should still provide more than enough excitement and drama to whet the appetite for what promises to be another thrilling GAA Rounders season.

If you are near Ballon, Castletown, Galway or Kilmore, this is a weekend well worth supporting in person. For those who cannot make it, results will be uploaded to the website and social media channels as soon as they come in.

As always, thanks go to the players, coaches, managers and club secretaries who keep the show on the road and make sure these matches take place. Thanks too to our referees for officiating, and míle buíochas to everyone who supports our game.

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InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns as Panels, Fixtures and Referees Confirmed

InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

Some of the best Rounders players in the country will be on show in Athlone GAA on Sunday 29 March

This year’s tournament will look a little different. The last InterProvincials were played as a mixed competition, but this time the format changes with separate Men’s and Women’s tournaments being played across the same afternoon.

Across the extended panels announced this week, players from around 30 clubs have been nominated from across the four provinces.

Match Schedule

Time Match Referee
12:00 Munster vs Connacht – Women Danielle Keane
12:15 Leinster vs Ulster – Men Áine McLaughlin
1:45 Leinster vs Ulster – Women Danielle Keane
2:15 Munster vs Connacht – Men Áine McLaughlin
3:30 Women’s Final Michael Dowling
4:15 Men’s Final Paula Doherty

Final Squads

The lists released this week are extended panels. Each province will now cut those squads down to a final 15 players before the tournament.

Teams must include players from each championship grade:

  • 3 Senior players + 2 Senior substitutes
  • 3 Intermediate players + 2 Intermediate substitutes
  • 3 Junior players + 2 Junior substitutes

The finals should be a bit special too, with Rounders President Paula Doherty set to referee the men’s final, while former President Michael Dowling will take charge of the women’s final — a nice touch to round off the day.

With six matches across the afternoon and players travelling from clubs across the country, the InterProvincials promise to be a great showcase for the game and a brilliant chance to see some of the top Rounders players in Ireland on the same pitch.

Connacht Interpros Panels

Connacht GAA Rounders interprovincial squad in 2023

Connacht GAA Rounders interprovincial squad in 2023

Connacht Women

Senior
Player Club
Noleen Coghlan Kilmeena
Catriona Cox Kilmeena
Irene Kaye Kilmeena
Catriona Olsen Kilmeena
Helen Gallagher Breaffy
Intermediate
Assumpta Feeney Athenry
Lisa Guilfoyle Athenry
Priscilla Heffernan Athenry
Tara Reapy Athenry
Gretta Davis Elphin
Cat Carty Galway City Rapparees
Hazel Kilduff Galway City Rapparees
Clodagh Naughton Galway City Rapparees
Jessie Pereira Galway City Rapparees
Gwen Redmond Galway City Rapparees
Laura Salvatore Galway City Rapparees
Alex Stewart Galway City Rapparees
Sadie Hunt Kilmeena
Junior
Ciara Butler Elphin
Avril Coyne Elphin
Barbora Novobilska Elphin
Joanne Forde Garrymore
Sarah Tierney Garrymore
Ana Carr Kilmore
Nicola Craughwell Kilmore
Clodagh Sheerin Kilmore

Connacht Men

Senior
Player Club
Victor Del Rosal Breaffy
Mark Jennings Breaffy
Jamie Murphy Breaffy
Richie Vaz Breaffy
Ben Golden Kilmeena
Tommy Hoban Kilmeena
Darragh McDonnell Kilmeena
Ollie Conway Michael Glaveys
Micheal McGreal Michael Glaveys
John Nolan Michael Glaveys
Intermediate
Sean Maher Athenry
Kieran Shaughnessy Athenry
Cathal Creavan Galway City Rapparees
Ryan Dennis Galway City Rapparees
Stewart Hagen Galway City Rapparees
Jay Hall Galway City Rapparees
Tomas Kenny Galway City Rapparees
Ajay Kumar Galway City Rapparees
Rory McGarvey Galway City Rapparees
Vishal Pathare Galway City Rapparees
Ili Tuimauga Galway City Rapparees
Junior
Conor Gunn Elphin
Luke Gunn Elphin
Filip Novobilska Elphin
Pawel Szawernoga Elphin
Colin Flannery Galway City Rapparees
Seamus Keegan Galway City Rapparees
Matt Kelly Galway City Rapparees
Colin O’Halloran Galway City Rapparees
Fintan Hession Garrymore
Frankie Durcan Kilmeena
Frank McNicholas Kilmeena
Will Powell Kilmeena
Aidan Carr Kilmore
Breian Carroll Kilmore
Mark Harrington Kilmore
Jamie Sharkey Kilmore
Kevin White Kilmore

2026 InterProvincials – Munster Panels

Munster Men

Intermediate
Name Club
John Hanlon St. Senan’s
Dean Hogan St. Senan’s
Dean McCarthy St. Senan’s
Ian Sheehy St. Senan’s
Niall Sheehy St. Senan’s
Junior
John Cleary Na Piarsaigh
Gerard Kearns Na Piarsaigh
Leo McKenna Na Piarsaigh
Andrew Cusack Sporting Limerick

Munster Women

Intermediate
Name Club
Grainne Noonan St. Senan’s
Aoife O’Carroll St. Senan’s
Junior
Colette Butler Knockainey
Jacki Hehir Knockainey
Olivia McNamara Knockainey
Miranda O’Brien Knockainey
Emma Walsh Knockainey
Aideen Hogg Na Piarsaigh
Michelle Lambe Na Piarsaigh
Sarah Stanley Na Piarsaigh
Stephanie Downes St. Kieran’s
Caitriona Hough St. Kieran’s
Majella O’Connor St. Kieran’s
Ashling O’Sullivan St. Kieran’s
Diane Curran Sporting Limerick
Eleanor O’Brien Sporting Limerick

2026 InterProvincials – Leinster Panels

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

The victorious Leinster Rounders team in 2023

Leinster Men

Senior
Name Club
Pierce Ryan Cuchulainn
Peadar Waters Cuchulainn
Paul Cooper Glynn Barntown
Garry Jordan Glynn Barntown
Ian White Glynn Barntown
Eoin Johnson Limekiln
Aidan McDonald Raheen
Eunan Furlong Raheen
Austin O’Meara The Heath
Intermediate
Asa Carley Dublin Metropolitans
Beau Carley Dublin Metropolitans
Jack Cheyne Dublin Metropolitans
André Cruz Dublin Metropolitans
Leonard Looney Dublin Metropolitans
Michael Slevin Emo
JP Tynan Emo
Junior
Conor Murphy Gusserane
Shane Coburn Myshall
PJ Lalor Myshall
James Nolan Myshall
Eoin Rea Myshall
Matthew Roberts Myshall

Leinster Women

Senior
Name Club
Amy Kelly Cuchulainn
Amy Moloney Cuchulainn
Leah Mullins Cuchulainn
Sheena King Glynn Barntown
Alisha Reddy Glynn Barntown
Mary Roche Glynn Barntown
Intermediate
Pamela Brennan Glynn Barntown
Stephanie Kelly Glynn Barntown
Liz Fitzgerald Kilanerin
Junior
Laura Cuddihy Dublin Metropolitans
Jessica Maddock Dublin Metropolitans
Gráinne Martin Dublin Metropolitans
Claire Mulry Dublin Metropolitans
Karen Byrne Glynn Barntown
Jen Kelly Leighlinbridge
Tracy McNally Leighlinbridge
Louise Riddell Leighlinbridge
Jenny Jugessur St. Martin’s
Deborah Roche St. Martin’s
Christine Stone St. Martin’s
Hazel Costello Skryne
Noeleen Greally Skryne
Karen Lynch Skryne
Lauren Smith Skryne

2026 InterProvincials – Ulster Panels

Ulster Men

Senior
Name Club
Paddy Bermingham Carrickmacross
Declan Finnegan Carrickmacross
Ronan Kiernan Carrickmacross
Barry Lambe Carrickmacross
Gerard Clerkin Erne Eagles
Fionn Higgins Erne Eagles
Nathan Loughnane Erne Eagles
Justin Perrin Erne Eagles
Shane Sheridan Erne Eagles
Intermediate
Bryan Dolan St. Clare’s
PJ Kelly St. Clare’s
Chaz Solomons St. Clare’s
Barry Walsh St. Clare’s
Junior
Philip Brooks Inniskeen
Trevor Hilliard Inniskeen
Sean O’Connor Inniskeen
Sachin Krishnan Wolfe Tones
David Mallon Wolfe Tones
Matthew Mallon Wolfe Tones

Ulster Women

Senior
Name Club
Louise Byrne Carrickmacross
Aisling Ginnity Carrickmacross
Olive Hanratty Carrickmacross
Laura Hughes Carrickmacross
Marie Whelan Carrickmacross
Margaret Brady Erne Eagles
Lisa Flood Erne Eagles
Geraldine Goldrick Erne Eagles
Lindsey O’Reilly Erne Eagles
Emma Perrin Erne Eagles
Intermediate
Aoife Byrne Carrickmacross
Aine Cahill St. Clare’s
Laura Lynch St. Clare’s
Lisa Lynch St. Clare’s
Louise McAndrew St. Clare’s
Junior
Aisling McDermott Carrickmacross
Siobhan Cunningham Inniskeen
Catherine Deery Inniskeen
Julianne Smith Inniskeen
Arleen Ramsey Wolfe Tones
Kilmore men’s team before the All-Ireland semi-final

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

All-Ireland Intermediate & Junior Finals Day Preview

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

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

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

Intermediate Men’s All-Ireland Final Preview

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

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

Form Snapshot

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

Galway City Rapparees

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

Emo

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

Rivalry & Storylines

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

Key Match-Up

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

Prediction

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

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

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

Emo men’s team

Emo men’s team

 

Intermediate Mixed All-Ireland Final Preview

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

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

Road to the Final

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

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

Form Guide

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

Key Battle

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

Verdict

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

Prediction: Emo

Erne Eagles intermediate mixed team

Erne Eagles intermediate mixed team


Intermediate Ladies Final – Carrickmacross Emmets v The Heath

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

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

Carrickmacross Emmets

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

The Heath

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

Head-to-Head

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

Prediction

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

Verdict: Carrickmacross Emmets

The two Monaghan ladies teams. Innishkeen and Carrickmacross

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


All-Ireland Junior Men’s Final Preview

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

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

Form Snapshot

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

Kilmore

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

St Senans

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

Key Match-Up

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

Prediction

Verdict: Kilmore

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

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

St Senan’s men’s team

St Senan’s men’s team


All-Ireland Junior Mixed Final Preview

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

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

Form Snapshot

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

Gusserane

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

St Senans

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

Key Match-Up

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

Prediction

Verdict: St Senans


All-Ireland Junior Ladies Final Preview

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

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

Form Snapshot

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

Elphin

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

Inniskeen Grattans

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

Key Match-Up

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

Prediction

Verdict: Elphin