Tag Archive for: Mallow GAA

GAA Rounders Mixed Finals Day – 13 September 2026 – Review

/by

Day Three of Three Finals’ Days and the bar was high, the expectation was immense and the pressure was on – not just for the five clubs involved but for the organisers as well!!

And none of them disappointed – we had great weather, a fantastic facility in Mallow GAA, super rounders, a party atmosphere and a day filled with fun, friends and craic! What more could we have asked for from our last big day of the 2026 Rounders Championship?

What stood out, again, this Sunday was the standard of Rounders played in all three games and, while we always knew that the Ard Chomhairle was taking a chance in having three weekends of Finals with Junior, Intermediate and Senior games on the same day, the one thing that is absolutely clear from what we did this year is that we put the spotlight on all our players – and the Junior and Intermediate teams more than rose to the occasion. Our three Junior finals have been close, exceptionally skilled games. Our Intermediate games showcased just how high the standard of our middle grade really is and our Senior teams closed all three days with their usual displays of amazing Rounders.

Over the year, since our Finals’ venues were announced, there have been whispers (and shouts!) that Mallow was a strange choice, with no competitive Rounders teams in the county. But we felt that moving around the country to give everyone the chance to see top quality Rounders in their province was the right move – whether we were right or not is a debate for another day but whatever about the county, the venue was perfect. A pitch the size of Croke Park, a covered stand to hold 500 and a bar/restaurant on-site all made for a great Finals location.

For the third Sunday in a row, we were up early and with cables and sound systems, signage and cameras, mats and flags all in place by 10am, we were ready to go!

Junior Final: Galway City Rapparees vs Kilmore

I had made no secret of the fact that this game was special to me for multiple reasons, but it was also very clear how special it was to the two teams involved. Galway City Rapparees had won this same title in 2024 while Kilmore were contesting their first Junior Mixed final – although not the club’s first All-Ireland final, having played in the Junior Men’s 2025 final against St. Senan’s.

All the official admin and photos out of the way, Rapparees won the toss, captain Eimear Cuddy chose to field, and the game started with Oisín Boland up to bat. Kilmore’s first three batters made it safely on base leaving it to Aidan Carr to step up with bases loaded. He didn’t disappoint and got Oisín home with a super shot to outfield that moved everyone on. It took until batter six for Rapparees to get an out, with a fantastic catch by Colin Flannery, followed two batters later by a foul out from Séamus Keegan and an out on first by Mel Mannion. Kilmore managed to get through their entire batting order and bring four home before switching to fielding. In a great display of Kilmore skill, three of the first four Rapparees’ batters were caught out – by Ruth McElhone, Mark Harrington and Clodagh Sheerin – leaving the score 4-0 going into the second.

Kilmore Junior Mixed Team

In the next two low scoring innings, only one runner got home for either team with some great catches from Kilmore pitcher Aidan Carr – literally everywhere on the pitch chasing down pop-ups and foul balls – and two outs on first by Nicola Craughwell, while Rapparees’ outs were spread between Ajay Kumar, Cat Carty and Greg Mannion as well as a foul out and an out on first after a great throw from Sorcha Dowd.

Into the fifth on a 5-0 scoreline, Kilmore brought another four home and Rapparees knew they needed a good scoring innings to give them a chance to get back into the game. Séamus Keegan up first made it safely on base, but Cat Carty’s hit was caught by Clodagh Sheerin. The next two batters made it to base and moved runners along but Mel Mannion’s third good ball was caught by James Jamieson while Greg Mannion was fouled out, giving Rapparees two runners home.

Galway City Rapparees Junior Mixed Team

Into the final innings Kilmore again brought four home, leaving Rapparees needing 11 to draw and force extra innings. Ajay Kumar was fouled out and Sorcha Dowd made it to first but was out on second. While the next four batters got home safely, Eimear Cuddy’s hit didn’t go far enough to prevent the ball getting to Nicola Craughwell on first before she did and the game ended 13-6 to Kilmore.

While the scoreline suggests a wide gap, the actual game was close and the lack of scores in the first three innings just left Rapparees with a mountain to climb once they started getting runners home. They can be very proud of their fielding with their customary blend of outs on first and super clean catches, but, for the Galway side, this match was dominated by their pitcher/catcher duo of Séamus Keegan and Sorcha Dowd who, between them were involved in seven outs. Maith sibh!

While the Rapparees are understandably disappointed with the result, I hope they take heart from the great campaign they had all year, the amazing performances they put in at both knock-out games and the fact that the future for this team is very bright and I have no doubt that we’ll see them in many more finals over the coming years. I’ve said it before but it’s worth saying again, both Junior Mixed finalists are great ambassadors for our game, embodying what is good about our sport in terms of skill, ability, dedication and excellent sportsmanship.

Slightly off topic but it’s only fair to give credit to all eighteen finalists this year – the level of sportsmanship, fair play and respect for officials and fellow players were very noticeable and very much appreciated. Anyone watching our games couldn’t help but notice the excellent manner in which all nine games were played and the positive way our game was portrayed so míle buíochas agus maith sibh go léir!

But Sunday belonged to Kilmore and nobody could doubt how much it meant to them or question the amount of hard work, effort and determination that brought them to that victory. Every player on the pitch made a contribution, every supporter on the sideline and watching online was willing them on and, no different to Gusserane who won the Junior Men’s title last weekend, it was clear that the disappointment of losing a 2025 final gave them just that edge and extra desire to make sure this one was theirs.

Junior Mixed Final Referee Shirley Lennon with Player of the Match, Kilmore’s Clodagh Sheerin

I refereed the game – and what an amazing game it was to have as my first ever All-Ireland final! My wonderful umpires were Hazel Hartigan of Kildimo Pallaskenry, Ian Sheehy of St. Senan’s and Michael Sheahan of St. Kieran’s. Our Player of the Match was Kilmore Second Baseminder Clodagh Sheerin, who had an amazing game, with four outs and some of her signature lightening fast running to get on base and home as well.

Intermediate Final: Emo vs Galway City Rapparees

One game in and we were so ready to keep the momentum going and get some more teams on the pitch! With only enough time to grab a snack and a drink, Galway City Rapparees were back, this time taking on Emo in the Intermediate Mixed final.

Emo’s 2026 squad is a blend of experience and youth and had been showing all year that they are more than capable of taking on established sides and winning. Their pitcher/catcher duo of Liam Horgan and Dan White have been fantastic to watch all season and for two 16-year-olds they have skill and talent in abundance. Backed up by seriously skilled male players like JP Tynan, Eoin Keenan and Aaron Keane outfield, and experienced and talented females – Niamh Horgan, Catherine O’Keeffe, Ava Murphy and Chloe Keenan – who have multiple All-Ireland titles between them infield, on paper this team looked strong.

Emo Intermediate Mixed Team

Galway Rapparees starting nine were the familiar setup we’ve seen over the season and with their four women part of the Intermediate Women’s All-Ireland winning team from two weeks ago, and their five men all part of the Senior team who reached an All-Ireland semi-final in their first year at the grade, this was another impressive lineup.

Emo fielded first and got off to a slightly rocky start when nerves led to an overthrow on what should have been an out on first. Rapparees batters were strong and base by base they managed to load the bases to allow Tomás Kenny bring their first score home. Up next, Jessie Pereira was fouled out by some excellent pitching from Liam Horgan while Pakie Killilea’s hit was caught by Eoin Keenan. Although Ryan Dennis made it on base, next batter up, Jenna O’Brien, was caught out by JP Tynan, meaning Galway finished their first at bat with four home.

Galway City Rapparees Intermediate Mixed Team

Emo’s first four batters all made it to first base but Eoin Keenan was out on Second after a great throw from Rory McGarvey to Jessie Pereira. Ava Murphy’s hit was caught by Catcher Cathal Creaven and Catherine O’Keeffe’s pop-up was caught by Ryan Dennis leaving Emo with three runs scored.

The second innings was low scoring with just one run in for Rapparees while their excellent fielding kept Emo scoreless. Cathal Creaven caught two fantastic outs while Tomás Kenny on Third Base also had an excellent catch.

In the Third, Rapparees upped their game and brought six runners home while Rory McGarvey outfield caught out two consecutive batters, keeping Emo runs to two. The score heading into the fourth was 11-5 to Rapparees.

In another low scoring innings, only Pakie Killilea made it home for Rapparees while Emo suffered three outs from four batters. Jessie Pereira and Aaron Keane were the sole scorers for their respective teams in the final innings and the game ended 13-6 to the Galway side.

While Emo didn’t get the result they were hoping for, their fielding at times was superb with excellent accurate pitching from Liam Horgan – involved in five outs – two great catches from the ever-reliable JP Tynan, excellent accuracy on base from Niamh Horgan and Chloe Keenan and good batting and base running from Liam Horgan and Dan White. As a young, settling in and blending together team, it is clear that with some continued practice and game play – no doubt helped along during the upcoming CWL Winter League – this team will be a force to be reckoned with next year.

Rapparees’ finely tuned batting and fielding was the key to their success in this game. Mistakes were instantly punished, any chance to steal a base was taken, pop ups were mostly caught and while outs on base were few, this is because Ryan Dennis’ pitching was so accurate, and Cathal Creaven’s catching so spot on, hits were sent high or long into the hands of ready outfielders and just making it on base was a massive achievement.

Bitten by the Senior Rounders bug in 2026, Galway City Rapparees will now join the elite group of six clubs with three Senior Teams for 2027 and we very much look forward to seeing how their Women’s and Mixed sides perform next season.

Intermediate Mixed Final Referee PJ Lalor with Player of the Match, Emo’s Niamh Horgan

Our Referee for our Intermediate Final was PJ Lalor, ably assisted by Hazel Hartigan, Niall Sheehy and Michael Sheahan and their well-deserved pick for Player of the Match was Emo’s Niamh Horgan who was responsible for four outs.

The anthem for this game, and the Junior Mixed Final, was sung by Elin Mulhall of Galway City Rapparees.

Senior Final: Breaffy vs Glynn Barntown

Our last final of the day, the 2026 Finals and the 2026 Season was our Senior Mixed game between reigning Champions, going for three in a row, Breaffy and Glynn Barntown.

Just as the Senior game began, the sun, which had been threatening to shine all day, broke through and it was a beautiful summer’s afternoon with two of the best Rounders teams in the country about to battle it out to be our Senior Mixed champions.

Breaffy Senior Mixed Team

Breaffy batted first and, while Colm Jordan got safely around the bases, Colin Cannon was tagged out on First while Daithí White caught Michelle Hopkins out. Victor del Rosal also made it around to score a run but Helen Gallagher was fouled out before anyone else got home. Two scored, Breaffy headed out to field and had a great start, with Colin Cannon returning the favour and catching Daithí White out and Chloe Doyle’s outfield hit going straight to Victor del Rosal. With Paul Delaney on Second, Paul Cooper came to bat and hit our first Home Run of the day! While the next two batters made it to base, Aileen Kelly was tagged out on Third and the innings ended 2-2.

Breaffy came in to bat in the Second determined to get ahead and they did that with six runners home, which Glynn Barntown could only answer with getting Garry Jordan around the bases. In the Third, Breaffy again got three home while keeping Glynn Barntown scoreless with two outs on Second Base by Mark Jennings, including a great double out from Victor del Rosal.

Into the fourth with the score 11-3 it was the Wexford side’s turn to have a powerful fielding innings and all the action was with Daithí White on First base who caught the first three batters out on clean catches. In to bat they brought two runners home to narrow the gap to 11-5.

Glynn Barntown Senior Mixed Team

Similar scores for both sides in the Fifth and Sixth – with a second Home Run, this time by Breaffy’s Victor del Rosal – brought us up to the final innings with Glynn Barntown trailing by eight runs. Breaffy at bat scored three with two super catches by Garry Jordan, now moved to Pitcher, and one by Aileen Kelly at right outfield. In to bat for the final time and with two out and nobody home the pressure was on substitute Keira Donnelly. Michelle Hopkins’ pitching was just too good and she fouled out on her third good ball giving the win to the Mayo team with a final score of 18-7.

It was evident how heartbreaking this defeat was for the Wexford team and it was difficult to watch them bow out of the Championship on such a low but, as Referee Michael Dowling said after the game, both teams are part of Rounders royalty and we know they’ll be back, stronger and better, next year.

As befits a Senior All-Ireland final, the fielding in particular in this game was superb. Balls were caught out of the sky, at awkward angles and after excellent runs to be in the right place, we saw two amazing Home Runs, balls hit over 80m, a double out and some amazing pitching from all three pitchers. This is what Senior Rounders is about and this is what all Junior teams aspire to. While they may not always realise it, Senior players who showcase our sport at the highest level are the top tier, the ones we all look up to and the reason why Junior and Intermediate players get better.

And as befits defending Champions there were multiple stand-out Breaffy players on the day. Most impressive runner was Victor del Rosal who came home six times, once as a Home Run. He also had involvement in three outs. Colin Cannon at Short Stop had a great day with three outs while Colm Jordan was his usual magnetic self to any balls sent to left outfield with four clean catches for outs, and three runs scored.

In a very long overdue Senior All-Ireland Final Refereeing debut Michael Dowling (The Heath) was his calm, decisive self and the game ran like clockwork. His umpires were Danielle Keane, Serena Lewis and Grace Salmon of The Heath. Their pick for Player of the Match was Home Run Hero Victor del Rosal, who had a phenomenal day for Breaffy. The final anthem of the day was sung by Clíodhna Henry.

Senior Mixed Final Referee Michael Dowling with Player of the Match, Breaffy’s Victor del Rosal

While Sunday’s games drew the smallest crowds of our three weekends there was still a significant number of supporters for all five clubs and the atmosphere for all three games was electric.

Once again, all three games were live streamed on TG4 Sport’s YouTube Channel by Click Zoom with commentary from PJ Lalor, Danielle Keane, Shirley Lennon, Ian Sheehy and Emma Perrin.

For the final time, huge thanks to the following who made sure the day went off without a hitch; Craig Davis, Gretta Davis, Paula Doherty, Michael Dowling, Martin Hoban, PJ Lalor, Shirley Lennon, Rebecca O’Connell, Michael Sheahan, Ian Sheehy and Peadar Waters

And that’s an official wrap on our 2026 Championship season – and what an unforgettable year it’s been! We’ll have a full recap of the Finals later in the week, but for now, let’s take a moment to reflect on everything we’ve experienced and achieved since it all kicked off back on April 19th. We are so lucky to be part of this incredible GAA Rounders community – a family that brings us together to share the sport we love, forge lifelong friendships, and make memories that last far beyond the final whistle.

 

GAA Rounders Mixed All-Ireland Finals Previews – 13 September 2026

/by

We’ve made it lads! We’re at the last of our three weekends of Finals and there’s every chance the best has been saved for last. That’s a lot of pressure!

Both our Women’s and Men’s Days were amazing in every way – close games, excellent catches, fantastic batting and decent enough weather! – but as our USP, our code that marks us apart from any other Gaelic game at adult level and the GAA’s most inclusive sport, our Mixed finals will be a very special day in our calendar. The first year all three Mixed finals have been played on the same day in the same venue, this promises to be a thrilling, fast-paced and excitement-packed day for players, officials and spectators alike.

Moving out of Leinster, our venue for Sunday will be Mallow GAA and we’re very much looking forward to playing in their excellent facilities. With use of the main pitch, with a covered stand and terrace, we’re anticipating some amazing Rounders all day.

Junior Final: Galway City Rapparees vs Kilmore

I really should have told someone in March so you could believe how impressive my future telling skills are, but this was the Junior Mixed final I had hoped to see from before the 2026 season started! Two über-skilled squads with talent to burn on both sides, both highly entertaining to watch and both made up of some of the nicest people you could meet. Having watched, and refereed, both throughout the season, they have only improved as the year went on and are, without a doubt, our two best Junior Mixed sides from the 22 teams which started the year in May.

GAA Rounders President Paula Doherty with Jamie Sharkey and Nicola Craughwell of Kilmore and Mel Mannion and Ajay Kumar of Galway City Rapparees

Kilmore, from Roscommon, topped Mixed Group B winning all six of their games….without needing to ever play five innings. Hitting the knockout stages at the end of July, their quarter-final was against Carlow side Myshall who had also impressed all season. Tight until the fourth innings, Kilmore then found another gear and pulled ahead, going on to win the game 30-12 with a bat in hand.

Kilmore Junior Mixed

This led to a semi-final match-up against Na Piarsaigh of Limerick who had impressed in their quarter-final against Carrickmacross Emmets, winning by the tightest of margins. Having lost their Women’s semi-final to eventual winners St. Kieran’s of Limerick that morning – and having also lost their First Base minder, Ana Carr, to a broken leg and dislocated ankle that morning – the Roscommon side were fired up to ensure that this result went their way. And went their way it did, running out winners on a 16-1 scoreline. On fire that day, Oisín Boland missed nothing and was responsible for six outs from clean catches. A few others helped him out on the day but safe to say Oisín was Player of that Match!

Galway City Rapparees played less matches to get to the knockout stages – their Mixed Group A only had four teams but with three wins in the bag, they were quarter-final bound and met Emo of Laois in Tymon Park. In a fairly clinical display of both batting and fielding skill, they won that game 15-3 with standout performances from Ajay Kumar, Greg Mannion and Cat Carty. Their semi-final pairing was against Monaghan side Inniskeen Grattans who had overcome Leighlinbridge in an exciting and fast-paced quarter-final. Once again, Rapparees hit the ground running and cruised to an 18-7 win with a bat in hand.

Galway City Rapparees Junior Mixed

And now, here we are, with the two top teams facing off in the ultimate challenge to see who is the top Junior Mixed team in Rounders for 2026.

We’re really looking forward to seeing the skill, ability, tactics, game awareness and speed of these players. We can’t wait for the catches – from infielders and outfielders alike. We know we’ll be bowled over (see what I did there!) by the pitchers and the quick reflexes of the back catchers. And we’re expecting top class batting, speedy running and a bit of base stealing! But most of all, we know this will be a display of sportsmanship of the highest level because as well as talent in abundance, these two sides have displayed all year just how sporting and respectful they are – to Referees and their opponents. And win, lose or draw, that’s one of the most important things we could have in an All-Ireland final.

I can’t tell you how excited and honoured I am to be Referee for this game and I’m delighted to be joined by local umpires, St. Kieran’s Michael Sheahan, St. Senan’s Ian Sheehy and Kildimo Pallaskenry’s Hazel Hartigan.

Ádh mór oraibh go léir

Intermediate Final: Emo vs Galway City Rapparees

Nope, not a typo, those Galway City Rapparees will be back again at 1pm in yet another final – three in one year, not too shabby! This time their Intermediate Mixed team will be hoping to take the leap to join their Men in the Senior Ranks in 2027. And standing in their way will be last year’s Intermediate Mixed beaten finalists, Laois’ finest, Emo.

GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty with Intermediate Mixed finalists Tomás Kenny, left, and Alex Stewart of Galway City Rapparees and John Paul Tynan and Claire Hyland of Emo

Since losing out last year, by just one run, to Erne Eagles, Emo have spent this year honing their skills, practicing hard, recruiting a few new players – The Heath’s Austin O’Meara and Aaron Keane – and just doubling down on the great play that got them to last year’s final.

With two geographically split groups in Intermediate Mixed, Emo were drawn against Dublin Metropolitans, Glynn Barntown, Gusserane and Raheen and won all four of their games by at least five runs, setting them up for a semi-final rematch of last year’s final against Erne Eagles. On that August morning in Galway, Emo showed their grit and resilience by winning 17-10 and marching on into the final.

Emo Intermediate Mixed

And what of the Galway Rapparees and their path to the final? In Intermediate Mixed Group B, consisting of Connacht, Munster and Ulster teams they also won all four of their games – against Erne Eagles, Michael Glavey’s, St. Clare’s and St. Senan’s – comprehensively in some cases, and got themselves to a semi-final against Dublin Metropolitans. Another decisive victory (28-6) saw them move one step closer to another title and set up a final against Emo.

Having met last year at the semi-final stages, a game which Emo won by one run, Rapparees will be anxious to overturn that result and take the win and the title. Both sides show excellent game knowledge and we can expect to see clever play, smart batting and some base stealing if infielders are slow.

One of the interesting things about this game is that both teams have very different styles and come at the sport from different angles, but it still has the makings of a very close contest and of being a fine example of how spectacular our game is when played well.

Galway Rapparees Intermediate Mixed

As with the Junior Mixed final, this Intermediate decider will be contested by the top two teams in the country at this level which, on paper, means that we’ll see the best of the best battle it out for the title. In reality what we’ll hopefully see is two teams that really want to play senior next year, 18 players, and substitutes, that want to give their all for their club to take the cup and the honours, and two clubs who have spent an entire year preparing for and working towards this moment showing us just how ready to be part of our 2027 Senior Championship they are.

Ádh mór gach duine…bainigí taitneamh as an cluiche!

Our Intermediate final Referee will be PJ Lalor of Myshall, and he will be assisted by umpires Hazel Hartigan, Michael Sheahan and Niall Sheehy.

And for the final time in these articles I need to recognise and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the five Club Secretaries of the teams involved in Sunday’s finals for their help and assistance all year. Anyone who hasn’t held the title of Club Secretary really can’t understand the number of hours, the commitment, the patience and tenacity and the sheer determination that keeps them going through an entire season of organising, emailing, WhatsApping, chasing, writing, replying and sometimes just annoying people until they get a response. You – and the 62 other Club Secretaries of our 2026 affiliated clubs  – are the backbone of our organisation and I’m in awe of the amount of work you all do voluntarily, for no other reason than that you love Rounders. But today, my special thanks are extended to Joe, Ruth, Claire, Ciara and Aileen – superstars every one of you!

Senior Mixed Final: Breaffy vs Glynn Barntown

Our Final game of the day, and of the Championship season, will be our Senior Mixed final and the honour of lifting the Dympna Reilly Cup will fall to either the defending Champions, Breaffy of Mayo, or Glynn Barntown of Wexford.

As a wise man once said “you don’t just accidentally show up in the finals”! And he’s right – it takes a lot of hard work and dedication – winter leagues, pre-season strength and conditioning, training all season long, hours of travelling, the highs and lows of winning and losing, injuries, arguments, difficult decisions and a lot of jersey washing! And these teams have seen all that, and more, since April when we started back for 2026.

GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty with Senior Mixed finalists Victor del Rosal and Michelle Hopkins of Breaffy and Aileen Kelly of Glynn Barntown

The year started with seven Senior Mixed teams – from Breaffy in the north west to Glynn Barntown in the south east, Limekiln on the east coast to Kilmeena on the west coast, Carrickmacross Emmets, and Erne Eagles in Ulster and Cúchulainn in south Leinster. With everyone playing everyone else, a lot of miles were driven and 21 games played over three and a half months.

Our semi-finals took place on 23 August in Monaghan GAA Centre of Excellence with the first match being contested by Breaffy and Carrickmacross Emmets.

Unbeaten all year, Breaffy won all their league games. With the exception of their May encounters with Cúchulainn and Glynn Barntown, both of which had tight scorelines, they won by multiple runs and often with a bat or more in hand. Their ability to punish mistakes, spot opportunities and work together as a team is why they are going for their third Senior Mixed title in a row. Champions don’t stay Champions unless they put in the work, continue to develop their skills, develop their squads and show up continuously.

Breaffy Senior Mixed

The Breaffy team who won their semi-final against Carrickmacross Emmets was a tried and tested formula of players who know what to do and how to do it, who can anticipate each other’s moves and know how to win games. Leading from the first innings and adding to their score in each successive at bat they kept Carrickmacross bringing home no more than two runners in any innings and scoreless for the final two. While most of the outs were from clean catches – Colin Cannon, Colm Jordan, Michelle Hopkins, Katie Groonell, Victor del Rosal and John Gibbons all getting in on the action – there were also outs on base – from Mark Jennings and Gráinne Gavin – showing their speed at getting the ball to base.

Glynn Barntown’s route to final was similarly impressive with only their defeat to Breaffy marring their perfect record. Their final scores were mostly tighter but a win is a win! Their semi-final was against Carlow side Cúchulainn and it was a cracker, as we knew it would be. Although the Wexford team lead from the first innings, it was one of those games that always had the potential to turn around and every innings was hard fought, by both sides. Glynn Barntown set down a marker in the first with three up, three out which is the start every team wants. But Cúchulainn made them work for their victory with some spectacular catches and outs on base of their own. At their seventh time to bat, Cúchulainn needed five to draw but with two catches and an out on base Glynn Barntown closed that down within the first four batters and booked their place in Sunday’s final against Breaffy.

Glynn Barntown Senior Mixed

As we’ve seen for the past two Sundays in our Senior Finals, coming into a final as defending Champion brings its own level of pressure and Breaffy will be aware of this. They will also want to complete this three in a row while Glynn Barntown will be anxious to take the title – which they last won in 2019 – back to Wexford.

We know that both teams can produce the goods – we’ve seen how skilful and strategic they can be, we know they can catch balls from the sky, hit sliotars 80m, run fast and throw long, we know they both support their fellow players through good and bad and we’re really looking forward to seeing all that, and more, from 3.30pm on Sunday in Mallow.

Beirigí bua gach duine!

A special final deserves a legendary Referee and we’ve kept the best til last and asked our Vice President Michael Dowling to officiate for this game. Keeping it in The Heath family, his umpires will be Danielle Keane, Serena Lewis and Grace Salmon.

Just a reminder for those of you unable to attend that all three finals will be live streamed on TG4 Sport’s YouTube channel with live commentary for all matches. Coverage will start at 10.50am.

For anyone who can attend, tickets are required and can be purchased at the following link

GAA Rounders Mixed All-Ireland Finals 2026 – Universe

For the last time this year, the very best of luck to all five clubs involved in Sunday’s finals. One last day of top-quality Rounders, one final Championship Sunday of standing pitchside, one last day of sandwiches and coffee in a tent in the wind and rain…what are we all going to do on 20 September?!! Luckily, we have the InterPros to look forward to on 27 September😉

But first, let’s enjoy our day in The Rebel County and all the excitement and thrills of our Mixed All-Ireland Finals Day. For players and managers alike, what we hope for you for Sunday is that you have a great game, that you do yourselves proud, that you leave it all on the pitch and that you show the entire world watching – in person and online – what a great game Rounders is when it’s played by passionate, talented, committed players.

And the last word goes to Babe Ruth – “Never allow the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game”.

Historic First for GAA Rounders – Croke Park Championship Launch

/by

GAA Rounders Championship Launch – 26 August 2026

In a historic first, GAA Rounders launched our All-Ireland Championship at Croke Park on Wednesday 26 August 2026. After a successful season which commenced on 19 April and has run all summer, the 103 teams who entered the Championship have been whittled down to the final 18 who will contest All-Ireland finals over the next three Sundays.

 

Players from all 18 finalist clubs were in attendance as were Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns and Uachtarán GAA Rounders Paula Doherty.

This marks the start of another first where we will have three weekends of finals starting on Sunday 30 August in NGDC Abbotstown with our three Women’s finals – Junior, Intermediate and Senior – followed on Sunday 6 September by our three Men’s finals in Offaly GAA Centre of Excellence, Kilcormac and finishing on 13 September with our three Mixed finals in Mallow GAA, Cork

In another landmark event for our organisation, all nine finals will be live streamed on TG4 Sport’s YouTube channel, with live commentary. All finals will be available on GAA Rounders YouTube channel after the matches.

 

Key Fixtures Include:

Sunday 30 August, NGDC Abbotstown, Dublin 15

  • Junior Women’s Final (11am): St. Kieran’s (Limerick) vs St. Senan’s (Limerick)
  • Intermediate Women’s Final (1pm): Elphin (Roscommon) vs Galway City Rapparees (Galway)
  • Senior Women’s Final (3.30pm): Breaffy (Mayo) vs Limekiln (Dublin)

    • GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty with Senior Women’s finalists Emma Hudson of Limekiln, Dublin, left, and Michelle Hopkins of Breaffy, Mayo

     

    Sunday 6 September, Offaly GAA Centre of Excellence, Offaly

  • Junior Men’s Final (11am): Gusserane (Wexford) vs Myshall (Carlow)
  • Intermediate Men’s Final (1pm): St. Clare’s (Cavan) vs St. Senan’s (Limerick)
  • Senior Men’s Final (3.30pm): Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan) vs Erne Eagles (Cavan)

  • GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty with Senior Men’s finalists Damien McArdle of Erne Eagles, Cavan, left, and Oran Kiernan of Carrickmacross Emmets, Monaghan

Sunday 13 September, Mallow GAA, Cork

  • Junior Mixed Final (11am): Galway City Rapparees (Galway) vs Kilmore (Roscommon)
  • Intermediate Mixed Final (1pm): Emo (Laois) vs Galway City Rapparees (Galway)
  • Senior Mixed Final (3.30pm): Breaffy (Mayo) vs Glynn Barntown (Wexford)

GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty with Senior Mixed finalists, from left, Victor del Rosal of Breaffy, Mayo, Aileen Kelly of Glynn Barntown, Wexford, and Michelle Hopkins of Breaffy, Mayo

“Today’s launch in Croke Park marks the beginning of one of the most exciting periods in the GAA Rounders calendar said Paula Doherty, Uachtarán GAA Rounders. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring together players, volunteers, officials and the wider Gaelic Games family as we look ahead to three exciting weekends of All-Ireland Finals competition.

Reaching an All-Ireland Final is a significant achievement, and I want to congratulate every club, team and volunteer who has helped make this stage of the season possible. We look forward to welcoming supporters to what promises to be three outstanding weekends of competition and celebration.”

GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty and Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns with Women finalists, back row, from left, Emma Hudson of Limekiln, Dublin, Linda Clifford of St Kieran’s, Limerick, and front row, from, left, Clodagh Naughton of Galway City Rapparees, Galway, Georgina McDermott of Elphin, Roscommon, and Kyra Hogan of St Senan’s, Limerick.

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “The growth in the numbers playing GAA Rounders is a really exciting development for the sport. It is not only a brilliant, skilful game to play and watch, but an opportunity for our clubs to really embrace the manifesto of a GAA Where We All Belong and champion inclusivity. For more than 25 years TG4 have done so much for the development of Gaelic games through their exceptional coverage, and I am delighted that they will add these 2026 Rounders All-Ireland Finals to their schedule and look forward to the enhanced promotion this will bring. Go n-eirí an tadh libh go leir.”

GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty with players from Galway City Rapparees, Galway, back row, Tomás Kenny, left, and Alex Stewart, right and front row, from left, Ajay Kumar, Mel Mannion, and Clodagh Naughton

Tickets for all finals days are available now via Universe

Women’s Finals – 30 August 2026

https://www.universe.com/events/gaa-rounders-womens-all-ireland-finals-2026-tickets-GP4DRF

Men’s Finals – 6 September 2026

https://www.universe.com/events/gaa-rounders-mens-all-ireland-finals-2026-tickets-3KJS9B

Mixed Finals – 13 September 2026

https://www.universe.com/events/gaa-rounders-mixed-all-ireland-finals-2026-tickets-9S8MP1

Broadcast coverage begins at 10.50am on all three dates.

GAA Rounders – Meet the Referees – Mixed All-Ireland Finals

/by

Our last day of Finals for 2026 will be Sunday 13 September and Mallow GAA will host our Mixed deciders. As the only GAA code played at adult level by Mixed teams, this will be a showcase for our sport and a day not to be missed. Starting at 11am with our Junior Final, Intermediate teams will take to the pitch at 1pm and our Senior clash will take place at 3.30pm, closing out three amazing weekends of All-Ireland Finals.

Junior Mixed

Contested by two Connacht clubs – Galway City Rapparees and Roscommon’s Kilmore – our Junior Mixed final will be refereed by GAA Rounders National Secretary, Shirley Lennon.

Shirley Lennon

Refereeing since 2024, Shirley has taken on Senior reffing duties this year but really enjoys travelling the country to cover games at whatever level is being played. With one of the highest mileage counts of any Referee this season, Shirley has reffed matches in 11 different counties, and three provinces, since April. Cork will complete the full set of provinces!

This will be Shirley’s first time to referee an All-Ireland final, an honour she is delighted to have been given, and she will bring her knowledge of the game, her love of the sport and her sense of humour to the day!

Fun Fact: Shirley played in the first ever GAA Rounders Junior Mixed All-Ireland final in 2021, so this is a competition very close to her heart!

Intermediate Mixed

Featuring in their third All-Ireland final of the season, Galway City Rapparees will take on Laois side Emo in this eagerly anticipated game and the man behind Home Base will be Myshall’s PJ Lalor.

PJ Lalor

Refereeing since 2025, PJ quickly proved that his calm manner, knowledge of the rules and ability to control a game makes him a great Referee. Stepping up to cover Senior games this year, he has been a regular at fixtures of all grades all over south Leinster and the midlands and is delighted to be appointed to his first All-Ireland final.

Fun Fact: PJ will feature in two All-Ireland finals this year – as well as refereeing the Intermediate Mixed game, he will captain, and play with, the Myshall Men’s team in their Junior final against Gusserane on 6 September.

Senior Mixed

Although the teams who will contest this game have yet to be decided – Senior Semi-finals will take place on Sunday 23 August and the final will be between Breaffy/Carrickmacross Emmets and Cúchulainn/Glynn Barntown – the Referee has been chosen and will be none other than GAA Rounders Vice President Michael Dowling.

Michael Dowling

Within our community, nobody knows our game better, has dedicated more time to the organisation, both at club level and nationally, or loves our sport more than Michael and his years of experience make him an excellent choice to referee this, our final Final of 2026.

Fun Fact: Although involved with GAA Rounders for more years than most of us can remember, this is Michael’s first time to referee a Senior All-Ireland Final. We’re very glad we got the chance to rectify that this year.

And there you have it, all nine All-Ireland Finals Referees revealed. With a blend of experience and enthusiasm, long-time veterans and first-time appointees, the two things all our Referees have in common are a love of our game and a great knowledge of our rules! We wish them all the very best and hope they enjoy their games.

  • Junior Women – Jay Hall
  • Junior Men – Mark Jennings
  • Junior Mixed – Shirley Lennon
  • Intermediate Women – Darryl Dolan
  • Intermediate Men – Philip Keane
  • Intermediate Mixed – PJ Lalor
  • Senior Women – AnnMarie Brennan
  • Senior Men – Danielle Keane
  • Senior Mixed – Michael Dowling

Tickets available as follows:

Women’s Finals – 30 August Buy tickets here

Men’s Finals – 6 September Buy tickets here

Mixed Finals – 13 September Buy tickets here

GAA Rounders Championship – Final Preview of 2026

/by

On this, our last Semi-finals weekend of 2026, we thought it would be a good idea to take a slightly different approach this week… for lots of different reasons!

Predictions

It was brought to my attention last week that some clubs have reportedly expressed frustration throughout the season regarding the preview articles. While no official complaints were submitted to our email or social media channels, I was told that concerns had been raised informally by clubs who felt that match predictions placed unnecessary pressure on their teams.

These articles were never intended to cause upset, single anyone out, or create negativity. If any club or player felt disadvantaged by what was written, I offer an unreserved apology. At the same time, it is worth remembering that predictions were wrong  as much as they were right! None of us has a crystal ball. We looked at the numbers, analysed recent form, and took a guess – it’s sport, and sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don’t!

In fact, the predictions were only ever a very small part of the reason why these articles existed in the first place.

Behind the Byline

Which brings me to the next point. “We” is actually me: Shirley, National Secretary.

I took over writing previews this year from Joe Naughton, our former Communications Officer. Before I did that, he explained to me why he had started them in the first place. It was a simple idea – but a genius one. With nine Championship divisions, most of us know plenty about the other teams and players we come up against, but very little about the other divisions. The previews were his way of trying to change that, to give people a little knowledge about players and teams they might never actually play against, to highlight good performances throughout the Championship and hopefully get people interested in what was happening outside their own division. Most importantly, the idea was to highlight everyone and every team – Junior, Intermediate and Senior, Women, Men and Mixed.

Following the massive popularity of the preview series in 2025, I stepped up to keep the momentum going this year. While I could never replicate Joe’s analytical depth and writing skills, I wanted to bring my own perspective to the previews: celebrating great play, highlighting club milestones, introducing readers to players and teams they might not otherwise know much about, and keeping it light hearted with a touch of good humour. Nobody knows our clubs and players better than I do, and I hope that some of that came across in what I wrote.

I know poor Joe has still been getting the “credit” for these pieces – and while I’m flattered anyone thought they were his, it’s time to set the record straight!

It was me!!

I have had an absolute ball writing these articles each week. It unlocked a creative side I didn’t know I had, and I hope they brought some joy to our players and supporters. To everyone who reached out over the season with kind words and encouragement – and to the people who sent me bits of information, corrected me when I got something wrong or wondered how on earth I knew something (mostly Joe by the way 😉) – thank you so much!

Given the recent feedback over something that takes the best part of a day per week to research and write, voluntarily, it is unlikely that weekly previews will return in 2027. While it is disappointing when a small minority dictates the outcome, sometimes you just have to pick your battles and channel your energy elsewhere!

So there will be no preview or predictions for this weekend’s Senior Mixed Semi-Finals or for our Women’s, Men’s or Mixed All-Ireland Finals. This, then, is my final preview article of 2026. And seeing as I’ve spent the season writing about everyone else, I think I’m allowed to use the rest of this one to say thank you!

Senior Mixed Semi-Finals

Our Senior Mixed Semi-finals will take place at the Monaghan GAA Centre of Excellence in Cloghan on Sunday, 23 August:

  • 1pm Breaffy (Mayo) vs Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan)
  • 3pm Cúchulainn (Carlow) vs Glynn Barntown (Wexford)

Best of luck to all four teams!

The winners will advance to the Senior Mixed All-Ireland Final in Mallow GAA on Sunday, 13 September at 3:30pm.

Thank You to Our Rounders Community

To every single team that entered the 2026 Championship: thank you for giving those of us who love this game an incredible season.

We have seen spectacular catches, amazing hits, lightning-fast base running, fearless fielding, injuries, tears, laughter, joy, and unforgettable celebrations. We have gathered every Sunday, countless Saturdays, and midweek evenings – and really, where else would any of us rather be than pitchside on a summer evening?

We have seen draws, runaway wins, nail-biting finishes, spirited debates, post-match handshakes, and warm hugs. We’ve brewed hundreds of cups of tea, eaten our weight in sandwiches and cakes, and made lifelong friends across every county border. We’ve driven miles, crisscrossed the country, travelled to places new and familiar, and played in rain, blistering sun, and freezing winds – sometimes all in the same afternoon!

We’ve celebrated brilliant wins and spent long journeys home wondering how on earth we managed to lose that one.

And then we got up the following week and did it all over again.

Because that’s Rounders!

Whether this was your club’s debut campaign or your twentieth, whether your journey ended in the group stages or you are heading into an All-Ireland Final – you are the heartbeat of GAA Rounders. This is our sport, our community, our game and I am immensely proud to play a small part in it.

2026 All-Ireland Finals Schedule

What we’ve been working towards all season is just around the corner and now we need everyone to come out and support our finalists and make those three Finals days as amazing as possible! And since I’m not allowed to predict them, you’ll just have to come along and find out who wins for yourselves! Tickets are available via the links below:

Sunday, 30 August – NGDC, Abbotstown, Dublin 15, D15 K4PP https://www.universe.com/events/gaa-rounders-womens-all-ireland-finals-2026-tickets-GP4DRF

  • 11am – Junior Women: Kieran’s (Limerick) vs St. Senan’s (Limerick)
  • 1pm – Intermediate Women: Galway City Rapparees (Galway) vs Elphin (Roscommon)
  • 3:30pm – Senior Women: Breaffy (Mayo) vs Limekiln (Dublin)

Sunday, 6 September – Offaly GAA Centre of Excellence, Kilcormac, Co. Offaly, R42 FX97 https://www.universe.com/events/gaa-rounders-mens-all-ireland-finals-2026-tickets-3KJS9B

  • 11am – Junior Men: Gusserane (Wexford) vs Myshall (Carlow)
  • 1pm – Intermediate Men: Clare’s (Cavan) vs St. Senan’s (Limerick)
  • 3:30pm – Senior Men: Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan) vs Erne Eagles (Cavan)

Sunday, 13 September – Mallow GAA, Mallow, Co. Cork, P51 XV58 https://www.universe.com/events/gaa-rounders-mixed-all-ireland-finals-2026-tickets-9S8MP1

  • 11am – Junior Mixed: Galway City Rapparees (Galway) vs Kilmore (Roscommon)
  • 1pm – Intermediate Mixed: Emo (Laois) vs Galway City Rapparees (Galway)
  • 3:30pm – Senior Mixed: Finalists TBC

Nine All-Ireland Finals. Three Sundays. Plenty more tea and sandwiches. And a little sunshine wouldn’t go astray either!

To every player, coach, referee, volunteer, supporter and long-suffering family member who has spent their summer following us around the country – míle buíochas!

The previews might be finished, but thankfully the Rounders isn’t.

See you all at the Finals!