Tag Archive for: Michael Glaveys

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

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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”.

GAA Rounders Women’s All-Ireland Finals Preview

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Well that break didn’t last too long!! The support for the articles, the idea that we should be promoting our teams and our games, the fact that players and managers read them, discuss them and look forward to them – and the huge number of supportive comments on Facebook, texts, emails and calls to ask for them to come back just can’t be argued with (and are very much appreciated – thank you to everyone who took the time to contact me or comment, it was lovely to read them all!)! So the previews are back – I couldn’t be happier and I couldn’t have asked for them to return on a more exciting weekend – GAA Rounders first ever Women’s All-Ireland Finals Day.

The only thing that I’m changing for these three weeks is that I’m not going to predict a winner – not because of anything that anyone said, but because I can’t, for any of the nine Finals. Margins are so, so tight between teams that it would be just sticking a pin in a name to suggest who’ll take the title. And that’s not fair – every team is in their final because of hard work, determination, grit and ability. As we know, this is Rounders, and on the day, anything can happen – so let’s go into all nine games with that knowledge and one of my favourite mantras “she believed she could do it…and she did”!

Junior Women

Starting the day at 11am will be our Junior Women’s Final, contested by two Limerick teams – St. Kieran’s of Ardagh and St. Senan’s of Foynes.

St. Kieran’s Junior Women

St. Kieran’s had a great season at league stages. Winning their first four games with at least one – and twice with three – bats in hand, they cruised comfortably to their final group game against St. Senan’s. Losing that game 17(5)-5(5) meant that St. Kieran’s finished the group in second place, leading to a quarter-final game against Carrickmacross Emmets of Monaghan. That decider in Tymon Park at the end of July saw St. Kieran’s take the win comprehensively with the final score being 18(2)-10(5). Their next meeting was a semi-final against Group B toppers Kilmore of Roscommon and took place in Edenderry on 9 August. Once again, against the odds, St. Kieran’s won, with a bat in hand, 33(4)–18(5).

St. Senan’s Junior Women

St. Senan’s also had a relatively easy journey to quarter-finals with five wins from five games, none of them going to five innings until their final clash with St. Kieran’s. As group winners, they faced Myshall in Tymon Park and, while predicted to have a more difficult game, the final score of 15(5)–2(5) showed their ability to perform under pressure. Their semi-final, against another Carlow side, Leighlinbridge, was the tighter of the two games that day but determination and hard work saw them take the win 15(5)-11(5).

And now these two neighbouring teams and group opponents will meet again to decide which of these sides will be crowned All-Ireland Champions 2026.

GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty with Junior Women’s finalists Linda Clifford of St Kieran’s, Limerick, left, and Kyra Hogan of St Senan’s, Limerick

Both sides have excellent pitchers and catchers. Louise Kelly, 2025 Junior All-Star, is used to pitching for St. Senan’s Intermediate Mixed team from 12m and her accuracy and speed from 10m makes pitches hard to hit. Deirdre Ambrose for St. Kieran’s is similarly accurate and rarely throws bad balls. Walk ons in this game are unlikely to be an issue. Both Back Catchers had great semi-finals but St. Senan’s Dorothy Cullagh had an excellent game with catches, throws to assist and outs on home base. St. Kieran’s Siobhán Halligan impressed with her ability to throw to base fast and accurately.

Baseminders on both teams are strong, with St. Kieran’s Caitríona Hough responsible for multiple semi-final outs while Eimear O’Malley on First for St. Senan’s had the majority of their on-base outs that day.

St. Kieran’s outfielders were highly effective during the semi-final with Ellie Bucke and Sandra Walsh responsible for catches and outs on base. Shortstop, and Captain, Emma Galvin supported her teammates excellently that day covering bases, throwing for outs and tagging players on the running line. While less of Leighlinbridge’s hits went outfield, both Gráinne Noonan and Captain Kyra Hogan had outs on clean catches. St. Senan’s Shortstop Dympna O’Brien covered infield effectively and had two catches of her own.

From analysing the statistics over the season it’s clear that both teams are well matched. While St. Senan’s can rely on the accuracy of bowling, throwing and catching from their pitcher/catcher/First Base trio for outs, St. Kieran’s are stronger outfield and at bat. Both teams are managed by members of GAA Rounders Committees – St. Kieran’s by Ard Chomhairle’s Munster Representative Michael Sheahan and St. Senan’s by Munster Juvenile Committee Representative Ian Sheehy, a man well used to All-Ireland Finals, having won two last year with St. Senan’s and playing in the Intermediate Men’s final next week as well.

Many of the St. Senan’s ladies played in the 2025 Junior Mixed final and have that experience to help them, while this is St. Kieran’s first time to make it through to knock-out games. While they will undoubtedly be nervous, hopefully those jitters will be gone once the game starts and the action begins.

Our Junior Women’s final will be refereed by Galway City Rapparees’ Jay Hall and his umpires will be Justin Perrin (Erne Eagles) and Limekiln’s Áine McLaughlin and Ciarán Weldon.

St. Kieran’s player Máire Dinneen will sing the National Anthem before the final commences.

This is a landmark game in so many ways – two Limerick teams, our first live streamed All-Ireland Junior final, our first ever Women’s Finals Day and the first time a GAA Rounders All-Ireland Championship cup will be presented by a female President – and our hope is that both teams, and their supporters, managers and families can enjoy the entire experience, the historic nature of the occasion and the first of our three All-Ireland Women’s finals.

Ádh mór oraibh go léir

Intermediate Women

At 1pm, our two Intermediate teams will start their final and while the first game is an all-Munster affair, this game is an all-Connacht clash between Roscommon’s Elphin and Galway City Rapparees.

No strangers to finals, both teams have had their share of All-Ireland Sundays over the past few years with Elphin narrowly losing out to Inniskeen Grattans in last year’s Junior Women’s final. Rapparees shared the same fate, to Emo, in the 2024 Junior Women’s final but many of their women who play Intermediate Mixed were part of their Junior Mixed team which won the 2024 All-Ireland, and all Rapparees women will form part of either their Junior or Intermediate Mixed teams who will both contest All-Ireland finals in Mallow GAA on Sunday 13 September….that’s an awful lot of All-Ireland medals between two squads!!

Elphin ladies after their win.

Elphin ladies after their win.

Starting with Elphin, who would have thought this time last year that this group of women who were so disappointed to have missed out on winning their final in Dunganny, would regroup, turn things around and prove just how strong and committed they are by making their way through the group stages with only one defeat? Their first match at Intermediate level, a tough ask for any team, was away to Galway City Rapparees and I don’t think they will mind me saying that they struggled that day, losing 28(3)-6(5). But it is testament to the entire squad that they didn’t let that affect the rest of their season, beating Michael Glavey’s, Kilmeena and St. Clare’s with excellent displays of tactical rounders, showing their skill at bat and fielding. The two month wait between their final league game and their semi-final against Wexford’s Castletown Liam Mellows was well spent preparing and, in a rematch of their 2025 Junior Semi-final on the same pitch against the same opposition, they took the game 15(4)-3(5), sending them marching on to an All-Ireland final for the second time in two years.

Galway Rapparees women’s team

Galway Rapparees women’s team

Their opponents, Galway City Rapparees, are in their second year at Intermediate and while their first year was difficult and didn’t go as they would have liked, girl power and inner belief kicked in this season, and they smashed their second year at the grade. Undefeated all year they have fielded strongly, batted well and ran the bases smartly. Their semi-final, a home match as their club hosted this year’s Intermediate Semi-finals on 15 August, against Inniskeen Grattans was a masterclass in how to take a tight game and turn it on its head, with 16 players home in the final two innings. They took the win 22(5)-8(5) and set up an All-Ireland final against fellow Connacht side Elphin.

As with Junior Women, both finalists met in the group stages so they will be aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses but, let’s be honest, neither side really has a lot of weaknesses! One of Rapparees’ difficulties in 2025 was finding a pitcher with Edel Brennan unavailable and that has been resolved, and how!, this year with the discovery of Katie Jessop and her left-handed pitching skill. Responsible for ten outs in their semi-final against Inniskeen, Katie’s accurate pitching and amazing calmness at catching pop-ups is a huge asset for the Galway side. And it should be noted that this is a side with multiple skilled and talented players – Hazel Kilduff with her powerful throw, super catches and excellent batting, 2024 All-Star, lightening fast Clodagh Naughton, and cool under pressure Mel Mannion, Jenna O’Brien, Eimear Cuddy and Sorcha Dowd. Managed by Rory McGarvey, who understands both Intermediate and Senior level rounders, their ability to work together as a team should not be underrated – communication and their support for one another are visible in every game.

Elphin also have many talented players who can be relied upon to step up when the pressure is applied. Former Breaffy player Avril Coyne has given the team a level of tactical skill which helped them in their transition from Junior to intermediate. New signing for 2026, Gretta Davis has been consistently strong infield and her direction and guidance, along with that of Avril Coyne, has helped Elphin negotiate this year as well as they have. Pitcher Áine McDermott and Back Catcher Ciara Butler have been making a great team since Junior and continue to do so while Georgina McDermott on Second Base, responsible for five outs in Elphin’s semi-final against Castletown Liam Mellows, is dangerous when a ball comes her way. Kirstin Cronin outfield has a great catch and throw and both she, and twin Katie, are very fast around the bases. Pauline Tansey Brady must be credited with a lot of the success of this Elphin team – her dedication and hard work has brought them a long way in three years and her love of the game and her club are evident in all she does for Elphin.

On a similar point, Club Secretaries for all six club in this year’s Women’s Finals have been excellent all year and their professionalism and organisational skills have made my job so much easier. So go raibh míle maith agaibh Majella, Ian, Caitriona, Joe, Ciara and Eileen!

GAA Rounders president Paula Doherty with Intermediate Women’s finalists Georgina McDermott of Elphin, Roscommon, left, and Clodagh Naughton of Galway City Rapparees, Galway

Having had the pleasure of refereeing both Elphin and Galway City Rapparees this season, I can honestly say that both teams are two of the most sports(wo)manlike sides you can meet. Games are played competitively but fairly, with humour and good grace, appreciation for the opposition’s skill and good play but with a desire to win – and really could we look for more in an All-Ireland final? While only one team can claim the title on Sunday, both sides can be very proud of all they have achieved in the 2026 season, how far they have come since this time last year and what they have brought to the Intermediate Women’s competition and GAA rounders over their time playing our sport. Míle buíochas cailiní…agus go n-eirí an tádh libh go léir!

Our Intermediate Women’s final will be refereed by Erne Eagles’ Darryl Dolan and his umpires will be fellow Eagles Gerard Clerkin, Paul Mollaghan and Shane Sheridan.

The National Anthem will be performed by Galway City Rapparees’ Jay Hall.

Senior Women

Two exciting games over, our Senior Women will take to the pitch for a 3.30pm start and while, for one side this is familiar territory, having been in the same position for the past four years, for the other it’s been a while since they featured in a Senior Women’s Final. Enter Breaffy of Mayo, going for five in a row, and Limekiln of Dublin.

Unbeaten all year, Breaffy are heading into this match looking to win their fifth Senior All-Ireland Women’s Championship in a row. Both teams met already this year, in Athlone in May, and Breaffy took the win 11(5)-5(5) but a lot has changed for Limekiln in those three months. With new signings this year – Serena Costelloe, Erica Meslin, Marilin Neiland and Katarina Prazakova from Kevin’s and Colette McCaul from St. Clare’s – their team was just working out the dynamics of where the new additions would fit in. As the season progressed that became very clear and the newer and established players began to work together seamlessly and became stronger with every game.

Breaffy Senior Women

Breaffy’s team saw some new additions this year and they have also settled into the team well over the course of the season. GAA Rounders President Paula Doherty’s Third Base position was taken over in various games by Mikaela Foy, Treasa Fitzgibbon, Laura Williams and Moreblessing Ndlovu while Paula Lenehan returned to cover First Base at various times this year. Consistently excellent Michelle Hopkins, Katie Groonell, Helen Gallagher and the Gavin sisters – Gráinne and Aileen – continue to impress in every game.

Topping the group Breaffy played fourth place Erne Eagles in their semi-final on a wet day with challenging conditions in Monaghan GAA’s Centre of Excellence. Although Breaffy were expected to win comfortably, the Cavan ladies had other ideas and pushed the defending champions to the very last bat of the last innings, just narrowly missing out on bringing the game to extra innings with a 15(7)-13(7) result.

Screenshot

Limekiln had an easier semi-final, beating Carrickmacross Emmets 11(7)-5(7) to secure their spot in the final. Pitcher Serena Costelloe has played a blinder all year with excellent pitching, catching and throwing for outs on base. Assisted by Erica Meslin at Short Stop, Kate O’Reilly behind the batter and experienced and composed Base Minders like Amanda Kealy, Marion Hughes and Eileen Goggins, infield is well covered. Outfield Yvonne Healy, Captain Emma Hudson, Colette McCaul and Ellen Maguire are reliable and skilled at both catching and throwing back to home to prevent runs being scored.

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

With a bit of history on the line here – if Breaffy win, they will match the five in a row record held by Castlebar and Rathdowney while Limekiln’s last Senior Women’s All-Ireland title was in 2005 and it has been 10 years since they appeared in a Women’s All-Ireland final – the winner of this game will add something to the statistic book. Whatever the result, we look forward to enjoying a closely contested, fast-paced game which will showcase our talented players and our exciting sport.

Beirigí bua!

The honour of refereeing this Senior Final will go to Cúchulainn’s AnnMarie Brennan and her umpires will be PJ Lalor (Myshall), Leah Mullins (Cúchulainn) and Justin Perrin (Erne Eagles).

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.

Cluiche Corr – Cluichí Ceannais na mBan | St Kieran’s v St Senan’s

Cluiche Corr – Cluichí Ceannais na mBan | Galway City Rapparees v Elphin

Cluiche Corr – Cluichí Ceannais na mBan | Breaffy v Limekiln

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

GAA Rounders Women’s All-Ireland Finals 2026 – Universe

Finally, the very best of luck to all players involved in Sunday’s finals. Be proud of your achievement and enjoy the experience – we know that you will all do yourselves, your clubs and GAA Rounders proud and we are all looking forward to a fantastic day of top quality Rounders in Abbotstown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAA Rounders Championship Preview – 2 August 2026

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After a two Sunday break – while we let the limelight fall on some county hurlers and footballers – we’re back to league action and the last two Sundays of games before we start Intermediate and Senior knockout stages.

While last Saturday was a fantastic day of quarter-finals, our Junior teams can take this weekend off and we’ll focus on our Intermediate and Senior grades.

13 games will take place in Wexford, Carlow, Mayo and Galway and Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams will all take to the pitch to fight it out for semi-final places in those six competitions.

The West Is Most Definitely Awake!

After a fantastic Junior Mixed win in Dublin last weekend, no rest for Galway City Rapparees as their Senior Men, Intermediate Mixed and Intermediate Women all line out this Sunday. Hosting neighbours Kilmeena, slightly further away neighbours Michael Glavey’s and not neighbours at all Erne Eagles, this promises to be a brilliant day of Rounders in Galway – never mind Race Week, this is the Galway sporting action everyone will be watching!

Galway City Rapparees Senior Men

With two pitches on the go for the day, action starts at 12pm with Senior Men when the hosts take on Erne Eagles. Undefeated this season, the Cavan side are the team to beat. Just showing up on Sunday will take them to the top of the table while a win for Rapparees will put them on level points with Breaffy. As Breaffy won their head-to-head match, they’ll still be higher placed. However, for a team in their debut year at Senior, that would be some achievement. A loss on Sunday will leave the Galway men dependant on whether Carrickmacross Emmets beat Glynn Barntown on 9 August to see if they qualify in third or fourth place out of the group for Semi-finals.

The second Senior match of the day in Galway, at 1.45pm, will be between Erne Eagles and Kilmeena in Senior Mixed. In April, who would have predicted that Eagles, last year’s beaten finalists, would find themselves at the bottom of the table in July? With both teams propping up the table, this game will be played for pride and not having the ignominy of finishing last!

Galway City Rapparees Intermediate Women

Galway City Rapparees’ Intermediate Women have had a fairly quiet summer up to now, not having played since May. Having beaten Elphin and St. Clare’s, their season got off to a great start but will the two-month break, as well as playing two games in the same afternoon, mean that they’re fired up and ready to march on to semi-finals or that they’ve lost their edge? Smart money is probably on the first option! Kilmeena have had a disappointing year, and injuries and player unavailability has left them struggling. A win at the end of the season would definitely boost confidence for next year and for their Senior Mixed game which follows the Women’s game. No matter the result of this game, the Galway girls will have to keep their heads high and their gamefaces on and get ready for a second Women’s game against Roscommon’s Michael Glavey’s at 3.30pm. Another side that hasn’t had the best season, Glavey’s would undoubtedly love to record a win and sneak up the table to match St. Clare’s on points. With neither Kilmeena nor Glavey’s in a position to qualify out of the group, wins on Sunday will just make everyone feel a bit happier and will end the season on a high. Normally so kind and positive, it seems unlikely that Rapparees will grant those wishes!

Erne Eagles Intermediate Mixed

The final Intermediate game of the day, at 1.45pm, features Galway City Rapparees’ and Erne Eagles’ Mixed teams. Another group where Rapparees have had a quiet summer – they haven’t played an Inter Mixed game since May either – they still have two games to play to finish out their league fixtures. They also play St. Senan’s next Tuesday and losing to both the Limerick and Cavan sides would mean that Rapparees would be out of the Championship. Erne Eagles lost to St. Senan’s but beat both St. Clare’s and Michael Glavey’s and will be hoping for a third win in a row to bring them into their second consecutive semi-final.

Predictions:

  • Senior Men – Erne Eagles
  • Senior Mixed – Erne Eagles
  • Intermediate Mixed – Galway City Rapparees
  • Intermediate Women – Galway City Rapparees to win both

Referees:

  • Senior Games – Seán Bailey
  • Intermediate Games – Shirley Lennon

Also in Connacht there will be one game at 1pm in Mayo – where they’ll probably still be celebrating – when The Heath head to Breaffy for both sides’ final game of this year’s league. Undefeated Breaffy meeting ‘yet to register a win’ The Heath looks predictable but, sometimes, it’s those very games that surprise everyone and, while the ladies from The Heath have struggled with player availability and the jump from Intermediate to Senior this year, they have a fantastic never-say-die attitude that has served them well this year. It would be great to see a really good contest here and for both sides to play their best and show what they can do!

Prediction: Breaffy

Referee: Gretta Davis

Sunny South-East Showdown!

370km away, in southern Wexford, Glynn Barntown will be hosting their near neighbours Raheen in Senior Men’s and Women’s, and Intermediate Mixed games. Starting at 12.30pm with Men, form would suggest that the hosts will be victorious. Raheen have yet to win a match this year and, while Glynn Barntown’s performances haven’t always been amazing, a win would bring them to midtable and, with Carrickmacross Emmets still to travel to them next weekend, would give them a fighting chance of qualifying for semi-finals.

Raheen Rounders

Senior Women is still a bit difficult to predict qualifiers from, and with two games each left to play, Glynn Barntown and Raheen have more opportunities than most to work their way up the table. Raheen won’t qualify but Glynn Barntown, if they can win this Sunday and the following weekend against Carrickmacross, will hope to make a semi-final. Raheen’s Women’s team this year has seen plenty of new faces who have stuck with it all season and are improving but it will likely take until next year before they start winning against seasoned Senior Women’s sides. But, for a team only in their second year at Senior, they are holding their own, have fielded every game and played their best.

The middle game in Wexford on Sunday is between both club’s Intermediate Mixed teams. A win for Raheen will guarantee them a semi-final place while a loss will leave three teams – Dublin Metropolitans, Glynn Barntown and Raheen – on 16 points and every run scored on Sunday could prove vital. Raheen know a defeat would see them eliminated on Run Rate, while Glynn Barntown would need to record a double-digit victory to overtake Dublin Metropolitans and claim a semi-final spot.

Predictions:

  • Senior Men – Glynn Barntown
  • Senior Women – Glynn Barntown
  • Intermediate Mixed – Raheen

Referee: PJ Lalor

Leinster Clashes: Carlow vs Dublin & Laois vs Wexford

And finally, to Carlow, where Cúchulainn are giving Galway City Rapparees a run for their money in the hosting stakes and putting on four games, starting at 11am. Dubliners Limekiln will head south and the day will start with Senior Men. This is the Carlow men’s final group game while Limekiln still have to host Raheen next weekend. While Erne Eagles, Breaffy and Galway City Rapparees all qualify for semi-finals, the fourth place is between Glynn Barntown and Carrickmacross Emmets and will be decided next weekend. Neither Cúchulainn nor Limekiln will qualify but this won’t stop them from playing a competitive match for the five points and a higher place on the table.

Men’s game over, the Mixed teams will take to the pitch at 12.30pm. As with Men, Breaffy and Glynn Barntown have definitely qualified, so the rest of the pack is chasing third and fourth places and a win here would keep both sides in the mix. The only thing separating both teams now is Run Rate with Cúchulainn’s keeping them ahead for now. Expect neither side to give anything in this must-win game.

Cuchulainn Senior Women

The final Senior game of the day will be between both sides’ Women’s teams at 2pm. Limekiln’s Women have played so well this season – for a side containing so many players who never played together before this year. Cúchulainn’s last outing – against The Heath – was a masterclass in excellent batting, with four Home Runs scored, and they’ll be looking for a similar performance again on Sunday. Unlikely that Limekiln will give them that opportunity, but it should be a great game between two well-matched sides.

Predictions:

  • Senior Men – Cúchulainn
  • Senior Women – Limekiln
  • Senior Mixed – Limekiln

Referee: Michael Dowling

And that’s it for our penultimate week of league action. ‘Must-win’ games, ‘result doesn’t matter at all’ games and ‘last day out this season’ games – all will be played with the same heart and determination that our players have shown all season. And all will be worth heading out to watch and support our players give it their all.

Whether you’re on a sideline in Connacht or Leinster, we hope you enjoy Sunday’s games and whether you’re playing on a pitch in the west or the south-east we wish you all the very best of luck!

 

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InterProvincial GAA Rounders Returns as Panels, Fixtures and Referees Confirmed

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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

GAA Rounders Intermediate Championship Semi-Finals – Full Previews

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GAA Rounders Intermediate Championship Semi-Finals – 17 August 2025

The 2025 GAA Rounders Intermediate Championships reach a thrilling climax this Sunday, 17 August, as six semi-finals take centre stage in Dunganny. We have 7 countries represented – Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Cavan, Monaghan, Laois and Wexford.

With places in the All-Ireland finals on the line, the action spans across the Mixed, Men’s, and Ladies grades — each match carrying its own storylines, rivalries, and potential for drama. From Galway City Rapparees’ explosive batting to Kilmeena’s rematch with a full-strength Emo, and Carrickmacross Emmets’ unbeaten charge in the Ladies grade, fans can expect high-scoring clashes, tense innings, and plenty of All-Ireland dreams at stake.


🎟️ Click here to buy tickets for All‑Stars

Intermediate Men’s Championship Semi-Finals

Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025  |  Venue: Dunganny  |  Throw-in: 12:00

Galway City Rapparees vs St Clares (Cavan)

Intermediate Men’s Semi-Final

Galway City Rapparees head into the semi-finals as group winners with three wins from four and a +24 run difference.
Their standout display came against St Clares in July when they blasted 25 runs in just two innings —
ruthless batting that left no way back.

The Rapparees have married explosive hitting with disciplined defence all season. Their only setback was a one‑run loss
to Emo, 26–25 (5), showing they can be pushed but are rarely overwhelmed.

St Clares battled into the last four with key wins, including 20–4 (5) over Dublin Metropolitans.
They can post big numbers, but they must be far tighter in the field to avoid a repeat of that heavy defeat to Galway.

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees — likely to take control early if they find rhythm.

Kilmeena (Mayo) vs Emo (Laois)

Intermediate Men’s Semi-Final

Kilmeena racked up 92 runs in four games, finishing joint‑top on points with the best run difference in the group (+42).
Their only meeting with Emo ended 34–18 (3) in Kilmeena’s favour.

That result comes with an asterisk — Emo had only eight players available and were severely under strength.
At full complement they’re a different proposition, as shown by their 26–25 (5) win over Galway City Rapparees.

Kilmeena’s power hitting and solid fielding make them favourites, but they’ll be wary of a near‑full‑strength Emo with a point to prove.

Prediction: Kilmeena — margin shrinks if Emo start fast.

Intermediate Mixed Semi-Finals

Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025  |  Venue: Dunganny  |  Throw-in: 2pm

Emo (Laois) vs Galway City Rapparees

Intermediate Mixed Semi-Final

Emo swept Group B unbeaten with a massive +59 run difference and three statement wins:
29–7 vs Na Fianna (4), 37–17 at Glynn Barntown (5), and 40–23 at Raheen (4).
They score in bursts and rarely let opponents settle.

Galway City Rapparees finished level on points with Erne in Group A, edged to second only on run rate.
Highlights included 17–10 vs St Clares (3) and a composed 6–2 away at Michael Glaveys (4).
Their 12–19 defeat to Erne came while under strength, so it’s a poor guide to their ceiling.

If Galway are full strength, their defence can slow Emo’s early surge — but they’ll need a fast start to avoid a chase.

Prediction: Emo

Erne Eagles (Cavan) vs Raheen (Wexford)

Intermediate Mixed Semi-Final

Erne topped Group A on run rate with three wins. Their headline result was a 22–20 over St Clares despite batting only
(3) innings, plus a 19–12 against Rapparees on the day Galway were short-handed.
The sole slip was 16–19 to Michael Glaveys (4).

Raheen finished second in Group B and showed steel in a 16–14 away win at Glynn Barntown (4).
Even versus Emo they posted 23, so they can score if the game opens up.

Eagles have the edge for power and experience, but Raheen’s knack for tight finishes keeps this live deep into the game.

Prediction: Erne Eagles

Intermediate Ladies Championship Semi-Finals

Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025  |  Venue: Dunganny  |  Throw-in: 4pm

Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan) vs Michael Glaveys (Roscommon)

Intermediate Ladies Semi-Final

Carrickmacross Emmets arrive as unbeaten group winners, pairing deep batting with sharp infield work.
Glaveys have shown resilience in tight games and will try to keep this low-scoring and error‑free.

If Emmets settle early, their scoring pressure should tell; Glaveys need a fast start and tidy fielding to stay in range.

Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets

The Heath (Laois) vs Glynn Barntown (Wexford)

Intermediate Ladies Semi-Final

The Heath have been consistent all season, combining disciplined batting with a well‑organised defence.
Glynn Barntown bring more attacking punch and can rack up runs quickly when the order clicks.

Expect a tight contest: The Heath’s structure versus Glynn’s scoring bursts.

Prediction: Heath

Respect the Game – Respect Each Other

  • 👏 Cheer great catches – no shouting while a player is attempting to catch the Sliotar
  • ⚾ Respect pitchers  – tough job, big skill.
  • 🫡 Back the refs – no arguing calls.

Play hard. Play fair. Keep it positive.

GAA Rounders Weekend Match Previews – Sunday, 13 July 2025

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Full GAA Rounders previews for Sunday, 14 July 2025 across all grades – Junior, Intermediate, and Mixed. Predictions, fixtures, venues, referees, and qualification stakes.

 

Intermediate Men

🥎 Emo vs St Clares 

📍 Emo | 🕛 12pm | Ref – AnnMarie

It’s all on the line in Emo as both teams chase a semi-final spot. The hosts must win to stay alive and will back themselves strongly on home turf. St Clares know a win here or away to Rapparees will likely be enough – but they’d rather not leave it to the final day.

🔮 Verdict: Emo by 3

Intermediate Ladies

🥎 Michael Glavey’s vs Galway City Rapparees 

📍 Glavey’s | 🕚 11am | | Ref: Iain

Glavey’s know a win will likely book their semi-final place. They have had a very good season and deserve their spot. Galway are still chasing a first win in Intermediate Ladies, but they’ve shown promise and will be hoping to cause an upset.

🔮 Verdict: Michael Glavey’s by 6

🥎 Glynn Barntown vs Kilmeena – Intermediate Ladies

📍 Ballinagore | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref –  Danielle

It’s a huge clash in the race for the top four. A Glynn win would leave them in a strong position with two games left. Kilmeena have found form late, and despite four early losses, they remain dangerous contenders, but know a loss and it’s likely their last game of the season.

🔮 Verdict: Kilmeena by 5

Intermediate Mixed

🟡 Michael Glavey’s vs Galway City Rapparees 

📍 Glavey’s | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref – Iain

This is a key tie in Group A as both sides chase a top-two finish. Glavey’s sit joint-top with two wins from three, and another victory would leave them with one foot in the semi-finals. They’ve conceded just 36 runs across three games, showing they are one of the strongest defensive units in the group.

Remarkably, this is only Galway City Rapparees’ second match – but they made a solid start with a 23–6 win over Athenry. Still, the jump from Junior to Intermediate is no small task, and this test away to Glavey’s will give them a clearer sense of where they stand at this level.

Both sides are defensively disciplined, and this could be a low-scoring, tactical affair. Don’t be surprised if neither side breaks double figures, with every base earned likely to count.

🔮 Verdict: Michael Glavey’s by 4

Junior Mixed

⚫ Kilmeena vs Garrymore

📍 Kilmeena | 🕞 3:30pm | Ref: Iain

Kilmeena have already secured second place in Group D, so this could be a chance to experiment. Garrymore will be eager to take advantage and finish strong – don’t rule out a surprise here.

🔮 Verdict: Garrymore by 1

⚫ Inniskeen vs Sean Connolly’s

📍 Inniskeen | 🕝 2:30pm | Ref: Jack

Inniskeen are still unbeaten and chasing top spot in Group A. Sean Connolly’s have struggled throughout, and this one could be a step too far.

🔮 Verdict: Inniskeen by 8

⚫ Elphin vs Sporting Limerick

📍 Elphin | 🕓 4:00pm | Ref: Paula

Two sides still searching for their first win in Group B. Elphin have home advantage, but both teams have been shipping big scores. Expect a close battle.

🔮 Verdict: Elphin by 1

⚫ Galway City Rapparees vs Na Piarsaigh

📍 Galway | 🕞 3:30pm | Ref: Ann

A huge game in Group B with quarter-final places on the line. The Rapparees are keeping in it and have a strong run rate edge. Na Piarsaigh won’t make it easy and would need a big win to secure a knockout place. Galway should have the edge at home.

🔮 Verdict: Rapparees by 3

Junior Men

🔴 Carrickmacross vs Gusserane

📍 Clonguish | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref: Shirley

Carrickmacross are 0 from 2 and under pressure, while Gusserane sit fourth after a tough campaign. Both sides will be eager to finish strong, but with qualification likely out of reach, this is more about pride than progress.

🔮 Verdict: Gusserane by 3

🔴 Inniskeen vs Sean Connolly’s

📍 Inniskeen | 🕧 12:30pm | Ref: Jack

Inniskeen remain firmly in the Group B qualification mix and should have too much for a Connolly’s side still without a point. Run rate could be key, so expect them to go for scores.

🔮 Verdict: Inniskeen by 10

🔴 Elphin vs Sporting Limerick

📍 Elphin | 🕑 2:00pm | Ref: Paula

Both sides are out of contention in Group A, but pride is still at stake. Elphin will hope home advantage gives them a lift, but Sporting Limerick look the sharper side.

🔮 Verdict: Sporting Limerick by 4

🔴 Galway City Rapparees vs Na Piarsaigh

📍 Galway | 🕜 1:30pm | Ref: Ann

It’s a pressure-packed Group A clash with everything—and almost nothing—on the line.

For the Rapparees, the task is deceptively simple: win, and a winner-takes-all showdown with St Senans awaits next weekend. But even with a loss, they’re not dead—provided they can somehow beat Senans by 20 runs or more in the final round. That path to the semi-finals exists… but only just.

Na Piarsaigh are in even deeper limbo. They need to beat Galway, and beat them well—then hope Galway bounce back and thrash St Senans the following week. It’s the ultimate long shot. They’re playing for survival, but relying on the team they’re trying to eliminate to become their unlikely saviours. That’s a Catch-22 if ever there was one.

Galway, still bewildered by how they let their opener slip, won’t want to leave anything to chance.

🔮 Verdict: Rapparees by 5

Junior Ladies

🔴 Clonguish vs Carrickmacross

📍 Clonguish | 🕥 10:30am | Ref: Shirley

Carrickmacross must win to stay in the qualification hunt. A win puts them level on points with Drumhowan and Inniskeen, and run rate could decide who finishes in the top two. Clonguish are out, but they’ll want to finish on a high.

🔮 Verdict: Carrickmacross by 15

🔴 Skryne vs Drumhowan Geraldines

📍 Skryne | 🕘 10:00am | Ref: Áine

Skryne are out, but they can still shape the outcome in Group A. A win here could blow things wide open and offer a lifeline to Carrickmacross or Sean Connolly’s. Drumhowan are on 18 points and need the win to guarantee progression.

🔮 Verdict: Skryne by 1

🔴 Inniskeen Grattans vs Sean Connolly’s

📍 Inniskeen | 🕟 4:30pm | Ref: Jack

Inniskeen are currently joint-top on 18 points. Sean Connolly’s must win both of their remaining games.  A tight one expected with qualification on the line and run rate maybe deciding who qualifies.

🔮 Verdict: Inniskeen by 3

🔴 Elphin vs St Kieran’s

📍 Elphin | 🕛 12:00pm | Ref: Paula

Elphin are unbeaten and in pole position in Group B. St Kieran’s need Elphin to lose both games and then hope for a favourable run rate swing. Their earlier draw with Sporting Limerick may prove costly.

🔮 Verdict: Elphin by 4

🔴 

Elphin vs Sporting Limerick

📍 Elphin | 🕕 6:00pm | Ref: Jay

Depending on the earlier result, this may be Elphin’s chance to seal top spot. Sporting Limerick need a win and a big one to have any chance of sneaking through. Elphin’s bowler may prove decisive even with tired legs.

🔮 Verdict: Elphin by 2

 

Rivalries Renewed and First Wins Targeted – Intermediate Rounders Previews

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Some teams are chasing top spots, others are only getting started—but one thing’s certain: this weekend’s Intermediate Rounders action will shape the season.

 

🔹 Intermediate Ladies – Sunday 1 June 2025

🏟️ Emo – 11:00am
The Heath vs Kilmeena

The Heath opened with a statement win over Michael Glavey’s, 24–12, powered by a dominant batting display and sharp infield communication. They come in rested and high on confidence.

Kilmeena, meanwhile, are on the ropes. Three games, three defeats – but all close affairs. They lost 10–9 to Glavey’s, 11–10 to St. Clare’s, and heartbreakingly 22–21 to Carrick. Their scoring is consistent, but they’ve fallen short in the crunch.

Key Battle: Can Kilmeena finally close out a tight one? Or will The Heath’s polish prove too much?
Form Guide: Heath W1, Kilmeena L3
Prediction: The Heath by 4

🏟️ Emo – 12:30pm
Emo vs Galway City Rapparees

This isn’t just any fixture – it’s a rematch of the 2024 Junior Ladies All-Ireland Final, where Emo outplayed Rapparees to lift the title. But a year is a long time in Rounders.

Emo are off to a sluggish Intermediate start, with heavy defeats to Carrickmacross (16–8) and Glynn Barntown (17–7). Their batting hasn’t clicked, and they’ll be desperate to rediscover the intensity that brought them glory last season.

Galway City Rapparees debut at this grade, but don’t let that fool you. Their squad has matured, and they’ll be laser-focused on exacting revenge for last year’s final. Expect a fast start and plenty of edge.

Key Battle: Old wounds vs fresh fire – Emo’s pride vs Rapparees’ hunger.
Form Guide: Emo L2, Rapparees debut
Prediction: Draw

🏟️ Denn GAA – 10:30am
St. Clare’s vs Michael Glavey’s

St. Clare’s edged Kilmeena 11–10 in one of the most intense games of the season so far. They looked composed and balanced, and will feel this is a winnable clash to keep pace in a very open group.

Michael Glavey’s shocked Kilmeena in their opener and remain a dangerous side, despite their heavy defeat to The Heath last time out. Their pitching has been solid, but errors in the field cost them dearly in that last game.

Key Battle: Glavey’s experience vs St. Clare’s momentum.
Form Guide: Both W1 L1
Prediction: St. Clare’s by 1 in another thriller

🏟️ Na Fianna – Time 
Glynn Barntown vs Carrickmacross Emmets

Carrickmacross Emmets remain one of the few unbeaten teams in the Intermediate Ladies grade after edging Kilmeena and Emo in two high-scoring shootouts. They’re adaptable and composed in the big moments.

But Glynn Barntown may be their toughest challenge yet. Barntown were electric in their 17–7 demolition of Emo and boast the highest RR in the group. With power right through the order and a backstop who can shut down innings, they’ll fancy this.

Key Battle: Barntown’s explosive hitting vs Carrick’s late-game calm
Form Guide: Carrick W2, Barntown W1
Prediction: Carrickmacross Emmets by 1–2 runs – but only just

🔹 Intermediate Men – Sunday 1 June 2025

🏟️ Emo – 2:30pm
Emo vs Galway City Rapparees

The Rapparees arrive in Emo brimming with confidence after a dominant 20–6 victory over Dublin Metropolitans. Their blend of aggressive batting and clinical base play was on full display, with a deep lineup that punished every defensive error.

Emo, on the other hand, had a tough opener, falling 14–19 at home to Dublin. While they showed flashes of promise, particularly in their backstop and 3rd base fielding, their inability to extend batting innings cost them dearly. The pressure is now firmly on them, as another loss would make qualification difficult. Emo easily beat the Rapparees in last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final.

Key Battle: Galway’s top order vs Emo’s outfield. If Emo can limit early scoring, this could get interesting.
Form Guide: Galway W1, Emo L1
Prediction: Emo by 6–8

🔹 Intermediate Mixed 

🏟️ Na Fianna
Na Fianna vs Glynn Barntown

Glynn Barntown come into this tie after a humbling 37–17 defeat to Emo in their opener. While they started brightly, they were overpowered by Emo’s relentless hitting and pace between the bases. Barntown now sit second from bottom in Group B and will need a much sharper defensive performance to get back on track.

Na Fianna haven’t played since their 29–7 loss to Emo in early May and currently sit bottom of the group. Their challenge will be not just tactical, but psychological—how do they bounce back after such a heavy defeat?

Key Battle: Barntown’s bounce-back vs Na Fianna’s reset
Form Guide: Na Fianna L1, Barntown L1
Table Position: Emo runaway leaders – this is a battle for second
Prediction: Glynn Barntown by 3

🏟️ Denn GAA
St. Clare’s vs Michael Glavey’s

Michael Glavey’s head into this away fixture on the back of a solid 19–16 victory over Erne Eagles. Their batting depth, especially through innings 3 and 4, turned the tide after a shaky start. With one win from one, they sit level with Galway City Rapparees atop Group A and have one eye on qualification.

St. Clare’s, meanwhile, are the only team in the group yet to play. This opener is crucial, and home advantage might steady early nerves—but they face a side with match sharpness and early momentum.

Key Battle: Glavey’s in-form hitters vs Clare’s fresh legs
Form Guide: Glavey’s W1, Clare’s debut
Table Position: Glavey’s joint-top, Clare’s yet to play
Prediction: Michael Glavey’s by 2

GAA Rounders Week 4 Preview – Sunday 25th May

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GAA Rounders Week 4 Preview
Sunday 25th May

Breaffy vs Kilmeena – Senior Mixed (1pm)

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

Prediction: Breaffy

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

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

Prediction: Breaffy

Cuchulainn vs Glynn Barntown – Senior Ladies (11am)

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

Prediction: Glynn Barntown

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

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

Prediction: Glynn Barntown

Cuchulainn vs Glynn Barntown – Senior Men (2pm)

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

Prediction: Clean sweep for Glynn Barntown

Carrickmacross vs Drumhowan – Junior Ladies (11am)

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

Prediction: Carrickmacross

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

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

Prediction: Carrickmacross

Carrickmacross vs Limekiln – Senior Men (2pm)

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

Prediction: Carrickmacross

The Heath vs Kevin’s – Senior Mixed Game OFF

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

Prediction: OFF

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

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

Prediction: Skryne

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

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

Prediction: Wolfe Tones

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

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

Prediction: Sean Connolly’s

Myshall vs Dublin Metropolitans – Junior Ladies (11am)

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

Prediction: Dublin Metropolitans

Myshall vs Dublin Metropolitans – Junior Mixed (1pm)

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

Prediction: Dublin Metropolitans

Myshall vs Inniskeen Grattans – Junior Men (3pm)

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

Prediction: Inniskeen Grattans

Raheen vs Emo – Intermediate Mixed (11am)

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

Prediction: Emo

Ballinagore vs Mayo Gaels – Junior Mixed (5pm)

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

Prediction: Ballinagore

Garrymore vs Kilmeena – Junior Mixed (6pm)

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

Prediction: Kilmeena