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GAA Rounders InterProvincial Tournament – 27 September 2026

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Barely two weeks after completing our third consecutive weekend of All-Ireland Finals, we’re all back on the road this Sunday and converging on the middle of the country and Athlone GAA for our InterProvincial Tournament. It’s been three and a half years since our last InterProvincial Tournament in Abbotstown – that was a Mixed event and the shield was won by Leinster. This time around we’ve mixed things up and are having two competitions – one for Men and the other for Women so both winners will be inaugural InterProvincial Champions – and that’s not something you get to be every day!

A quick explanation of the rules before we start previewing! What the InterPros Committee set out to achieve was to have squads as balanced as they could be. We wanted players from as many clubs as possible, playing at all three grades, to be given the opportunity to represent their province.

  • Each squad can be made up of 15 players, three each from Senior, Intermediate and Junior
  • No club was to have more than five representatives over the 15-player panel
  • Each starting team must be made up of three players from each grade and substitutions are to be like grade for like e.g. a Junior player can only be substituted for another Junior player
  • Player grades are based on the highest grade they played in 2025

As we go through the panels, you’ll see that we did bend these rules in a few cases where the required number of players weren’t available because, ultimately, we all want these games played and the rules were mainly to ensure that one panel wasn’t made up of 15 senior players and another of 15 junior players!

The semi-finals line-ups for both are Connacht vs Munster and Leinster vs Ulster and we’re staggering times so that each province’s teams are playing at opposite times. Let’s take a look at the panels, the players and what we can expect from the day.

Where? Athlone GAA, N37 PW42

When? 12pm Connacht vs Munster Women

              12.15pm Leinster vs Ulster Men

              2pm Leinster vs Ulster Women

              2.30pm Men’s Final

              4pm Women’s Final

Cost?   Free

Women’s Competition

Connacht vs Munster – 12pm

Connacht, the squad with the biggest Management Panel, also has a whole lot of All-Ireland finalists from Senior, Intermediate and Junior and, at first glance, is a very well-rounded, talented bunch of women (and Craig!).

Managed by three Galway City Rapparees players – Craig Davis, Jenna O’Brien and Gwen Redmond – and Kilmeena’s Caitríona Cox, this squad pulls from six Connacht clubs with a number of very experienced players set to line out.

Senior players are Breaffy’s Helen Gallagher and Kilmeena’s Noleen Coghlan and Irene Kaye. Intermediate Representatives are Elphin’s Gretta Davis (who played in 2025 with Intermediate side Michael Glavey’s), Athenry’s Assumpta Feeney, Lisa Guilfoyle and Tara Reapy and Galway City Rapparees Hazel Kilduff, Clodagh Naughton, Jessie Pereira (two extra Intermediate players allowed as there are only three Seniors). Connacht Women’s Junior representatives are Elphin’s Ciara Butler and Avril Coyne and Kilmore’s Nicola Craughwell and Clodagh Sheerin.

Connacht Women’s Squad

While a number of players on the eight original squads in March weren’t available for the rescheduled game in September, a special mention to Kilmore’s Ana Carr who misses out on her place following her injury incurred in the Junior Women’s Semi-final in August. We have no doubt that Ana will be on the next Connacht InterPros team!

Co-captains are Clodagh Sheerin and Hazel Kilduff.

Munster Rounders has no Senior teams and the only Intermediate players are the ladies who line out for St. Senan’s Mixed team, so special allowances had to be made for their squad. The revised date meant a lot of the original players were now unavailable so the new squad is made up of Knockainey player Jacki Hehir; St. Senan’s Back Catcher Dorothy Cullagh; Na Piarsaigh Back Catcher Sarah Stanley and nine of the St. Kieran’s ladies who played in last month’s Junior Women’s All-Ireland. They are Linda Clifford, Stephanie Downes, Gráinne Enright, Siobhán Halligan, Caitríona Hough, Majella O’Connor, Ashling O’Sullivan, Ashley Redmond and Sandra Walsh.

Munster is managed by St. Kieran’s Michael Sheahan and their Captain is Linda Clifford with Dorothy Cullagh as Vice Captain.

So, do we predict a winner?!! Connacht has a lot of talent all over the field. With multiple great batters, their fielding ability is pretty impressive too. Gretta Davis is an excellent pitcher, the Managers are spoiled for choice for a Short Stop with Avril Coyne, Clodagh Naughton and Irene Kaye all exceptional in the position. Helen Gallagher, Noleen Coghlan, Nicola Craughwell and Clodagh Sheerin are all super base minders and both Hazel Kilduff and Jessie Pereira are safe hands outfield. Both Lisa Guilfoyle and Ciara Butler are great Back Catchers and with a panel of 14 there will be plenty of fresh legs for substitutions.

On the other hand, ten of Munster’s panel of twelve have played in an All-Ireland final less than a month ago, nine of them on the winning side, so it’s hard to imagine they’ll be suffering from a lack of confidence in their abilities. With a full selection of infielders and outfielders and multiple Back Catchers from which to choose, Michael Sheahan’s only dilemma will be who to start as Pitcher with the unavailability of Deirdre Ambrose or Louise Kelly. But no doubt one of the panel has a hidden pitching talent we’re unaware of just yet.

So no, we don’t predict any winners, for any of these games. Mostly because it’s practically impossible but also because, like the All-Ireland finals, these games are so special and it’s such an honour and a source of pride to be chosen to represent your province that all we want for these men and women is to go out there, give it their all, enjoy the match(es) and take away very special memories of their achievement. Win or lose, there aren’t many of us can say we played Rounders for our province!

Leinster vs Ulster – 2pm

Our second Women’s semi-final will be between Leinster and Ulster. Leinster’s panel brings together 15 players from six clubs spread over four counties and is made up of Senior and Intermediate players from Glynn Barntown – Pamela Brennan, Liz Fitzgerald, Stephanie Kelly, Sheena King (Captain) and Alisha Reddy; Senior Cúchulainn ladies Amy Kelly, Leah Mullins and Amy Moloney, fellow Carlow Junior players Jen Kelly, Tracey McNally (Vice Captain) and Louise Riddell from Leighlinbridge and Wexford Junior women Deborah Roche and Christine Stone from St. Martin’s. Representing north Leinster are Dublin Metropolitans’ Laura Cuddihy and Skryne’s Karen Lynch.

Managed by The Heath’s Grace Salmon and Serena Lewis, Leinster’s Senior and Intermediate players are a seriously accomplished bunch and with baseminders and infielders from Glynn Barntown and Catchers and Outfielders from Cúchulainn they will form a strong core team. The three Leighlinbridge women all played their part in their team’s path to the Junior Women’s semi-finals this summer while Karen Lynch can pitch and play outfield and Laura Cuddihy is a strong batter and fielder. Again, this is a powerful batting team so opposing outfielders will need to be ready!

But this Ulster team is more than a match for anything the Leinster squad can fire at them. Outfielders like Lisa Flood, Lindsey O’Reilly, Louise McAndrew and Marie Whelan are excellent at catching and getting the ball back infield quickly and strong baseminders like Sharon Ivers, Carol McKeown and Arleen Ramsey will do damage with any ball thrown to them. Manager Shane Dolan will have multiple Pitcher and Catcher options with Louise Byrne, Áine Cahill, Catherine Deery and Lisa Lynch all capable and confident while Laura Hughes at Short Stop would have to be one of Ulster’s strongest assets.

Captained by Erne Eagles’ Lisa Flood, with Carrickmacross Emmets’ Louise Byrne as Vice-Captain, the Ulster squad is also made up of Carrickmacross Emmets Senior, Intermediate and Junior players Aoife Byrne, Laura Hughes, Aisling McDermott and Marie Whelan; fellow Monaghan side Inniskeen Grattans’ players Catherine Deery and Carol McKeown; Cavan ladies Áine Cahill, Sharon Ivers, Lisa Lynch and Louise McAndrew from St. Clare’s and Lindsey O’Reilly of Erne Eagles while Arleen Ramsey of Belfast side Wolfe Tones takes the final Junior slot on the team.

Both sides are very evenly balanced mixes of experienced senior players, capable Intermediate fielders and strong Juniors but will the depth of the Ulster squad, and the expertise of the skilled tactician that is their manager (I promise he didn’t pay me to say that 😉) give them the edge over the multi All-Ireland and All-Star winning, one extra player strong Leinster side? Sunday afternoon will reveal all!

Men’s Competition

And so we move on to the Men’s Competition. Where, unfortunately, we only have one semi-final, as Munster are unable to field a team and have given a walkover to Connacht who go straight into the final. So let’s have a look at the semi-final at 12.15pm where Leinster will take on Ulster.

Leinster vs Ulster – 12.15pm

Ulster come into this game with 10 of their 14 players the proud owners of shiny new gold All-Ireland medals this month. And even though the rumour is that they’ve spent most of the three weeks since 6 September celebrating, they’re still a fairly solid crew of talented and skilled players. Captained by Erne Eagles’ Justin Perrin, with Inniskeen Grattans’ Seán O’Connor filling the Vice Captain role, they are joined by Eagles Gerard Clerkin, Karl Dolan, Paul Mollaghan and Owen Roe O’Reilly, St. Clare’s men Wayne Gerber, Ciarán Gray, PJ Kelly, Chaz Solomons and Barry Walsh and Junior players from Inniskeen Grattans, Trevor Hilliard, and Wolfe Tones, David Mallon and Matthew Mallon.

Managing this team are two legends of the game – Erne Eagles’ Darryl Dolan and Shane Sheridan – so the experience and knowledge is both on the pitch and the sideline. With multiple talented players for every position, it won’t be an easy decision to pick a starting nine, but we have every confidence that these two will work it out!

Their Leinster opponents are managed by Cúchulainn ladies Carmel Moloney and Caroline Waters and their full squad of 15 has players from seven different teams across the province. Junior players are Myshall’s Shane Coburn, PJ Lalor, James Nolan and Eoin Rea as well as Gusserane’s Conor Murphy. Their Intermediate representatives are Dublin Metropolitan’s Carley brothers, Asa and Beau, Raheen’s Eunan Furlong and Emo stars Austin O’Meara and JP Tynan (Vice Captain). The Senior big guns are from both Glynn Barntown – Paul Cooper (Captain), Garry Jordan and Ian White – and Cúchulainn – Pierce Ryan and Peadar Waters. Some talent in that squad and quite a few lads not long off an All-Ireland final pitch either.

While both teams have undeniably strong Senior players, it may well come down to the depth of Intermediate and Junior talent available. As the bigger province, Leinster has a larger pool from which to draw and with both Junior Men’s All-Ireland finalists coming from the province, all five men had notable involvement in the recent final. Ulster has fewer Junior players and they bowed out of the All-Ireland Championship at an earlier stage. However, Ulster’s Intermediate men are all St. Clare’s players and all five of them played a blinder in their recent All Ireland final making it another very evenly balanced contest.

Men’s Final – 2.30pm

And then we’ll have the Final, which will definitely feature Connacht men, so let’s have a look at them and how they might fare. Managed by Mayo men Martin Hoban of Kilmeena and Aidan Lynskey of Breaffy, with Kilmeena’s Stephen Cox acting as Selector, this panel of 15 has a full complement of players from each grade. With Senior men from Breaffy – Mark Jennings, Jamie Murphy and Victor del Rosal;  Kilmeena – Tommy Hoban (Captain) and Michael Glavey’s – Oliver Conway, the top tier of players is very strong and has key positions both infield and outfield covered. Add to this their Intermediate men of Jay Hall, Tomás Kenny, Ajay Kumar, Rory McGarvey and Cathal Creaven (Vice Captain) – all from Galway City Rapparees and the depth of the panel goes up several notches. All of the Rapparees have been playing Senior Men this season and all except Ajay were part of the Intermediate Mixed team which recently won the All-Ireland final. Then we can include the Junior part of the squad which includes more All-Ireland winners Kilmore – represented by Aidan Carr, Breian Carroll, James Jamieson and Mark Harrington and Garrymore’s Fintan Hession and I think we can safely say that we have a balanced, strong and super impressive side.

Connacht Men’s Managers Aidan Lynskey & Martin Hoban

Kind of glad I’m not predicting any of these games as they’re all fairly hard to call. And isn’t that exactly what we’d hoped for from our InterProvincial Tournament? The best of the best from each province – from all grades – fighting it out to be crowned with one of the highest honours in our sport.

Our Referees on Sunday will be The Heath’s Danielle Keane and Michael Dowling and Limekiln’s Áine McLaughlin. A huge thanks to Joe Higgins of Galway City Rapparees for marking the pitches, to Kilmore’s Ana Carr for all her amazing work in designing our social media videos for the team reveals and to Athlone GAA for hosting our event.

Our InterProvincials Tournament couldn’t happen without the hard work and commitment of a lot of people and, while many of them have already been mentioned above, humour me while I thank them here again.

Ulster – Team Managers Darryl Dolan, Shane Dolan & Shane Sheridan, St. Clare’s Louise McAndrew for sorting pitches for training, Carrickmacross Emmets Ronan Kiernan for organising the Men’s team in March for the original date and Ulster Representative Arleen Ramsey for liaising with Ulster GAA to source kits for all players.

Connacht – Team Managers and Selectors Craig Davis, Jenna O’Brien, Gwen Redmond, Caitríona Cox, Martin Hoban, Aidan Lynskey and Stephen Cox and Galway City Rapparees Joe Naughton for arranging pitches for training and for sorting the team to play Connacht Men in their warm-up game.

Leinster – Grace Salmon, Serena Lewis, Carmel Moloney and Caroline Waters for managing teams but especially to Peadar Waters and PJ Lalor for organising, training, selecting, managing and playing!

Munster – Michael Sheahan who coordinated it all from start to finish and Ian Sheehy who worked tirelessly to get a Munster Men’s team sorted.

Ard Chomhairle for their support but especially to the Committee of Paula Doherty, Mark Jennings and Shirley Lennon

And most importantly, to the players. Without these men and women stepping up, coming to InterProvincial trainings sessions and making themselves available for Sunday, we would have no competition so míle buíochas agus buladh bos mór to you all.

The action starts at 12pm and we look forward to seeing you all there!

One final thing – don’t forget the next date in our calendar – Saturday 7 November is our annual All Stars awards night in the Osprey Hotel in Naas. If last year’s event is anything to go by, this won’t be a night to miss! Tickets on sale now from GAA Rounders All-Stars Night 2026 – Universe

GAA Rounders President Paula Doherty with Breaffy’s Mark Jennings and Jamie Murphy at the 2025 All-Stars Night

 

 

 

 

 

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 Championship Preview – 9 August 2026

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We’ve made it to the last Sunday of our league! Over 260 games played in 16 short weeks – take a bow all of you who have organised, played in, refereed or travelled to watch one of those matches. You are the lifeblood of GAA Rounders and what keeps our organisation such an amazing community and our sport so exciting and compelling to watch and play.

Sunday will see Senior and Intermediate league games and Junior semi-finals all take place, all in Leinster when Dublin, Offaly and Wexford play host to 12 promising games. Let’s have a look at who’ll be taking to the pitches.

Senior Games – Dublin & Wexford

Wexford’s Glynn Barntown will host Monaghan’s Carrickmacross Emmets who will have an early start to travel the 235km between both clubs. First up at 12.30pm will be the Women from both clubs, followed, at 2pm, by the Mixed teams and the day will close out with the Men at 3.30pm.

In the Women’s competition, Breaffy and Limekiln have already qualified for semi-finals. A win or draw for Carrickmacross will mean they will also go through, leaving Erne Eagles taking the final spot. If the Wexford side win, it will leave a three-way tie between Erne Eagles, Carrickmacross and Glynn Barntown, meaning that Run Rate will decide the final two spots in the semi-finals. We love these “couldn’t be closer” final matches of the league!!

In Mixed, Breaffy, Cúchulainn and Glynn Barntown are all through and a win, or loss, for Carrickmacross will see them join that list of qualifiers.

Men isn’t straightforward either! Erne Eagles, Breaffy and Galway City Rapparees have already booked their semi-final slots, but the final place will go to the winner of Sunday’s game so there’s absolutely everything to play for in all three games.

Referee: Cúchulainn’s AnnMarie Brennan

Predictions: Women & Men – Carrickmacross Emmets; Mixed – Glynn Barntown

In Dublin, Limekiln will host Raheen in their final league games and, while the Dublin Women have already qualified for semi-finals, both sides’ Men’s teams are out of contention for this year. Don’t expect that to make it any less exciting to watch though!

Referee: GAA Rounders Vice-President Michael Dowling

Predictions: Limekiln to win both

Tymon Park will host one final game on Sunday when Intermediate Men from Dublin Metropolitans play Cavan’s St. Clare’s in the very last Intermediate league game of the year. St. Clare’s need to win to join Emo, Kilmore and St. Senan’s in the semi-finals next Saturday in Galway. A win for Dublin Mets will leave a three-way tie between St. Clare’s, Kilmeena and Dublin Mets for fourth place and so the qualifier will come down to Run Rate. This make-or-break game starts at 3.30pm.

Referee: GAA Vice President Michael Dowling

Prediction: St. Clare’s

Junior Semi-Finals

Rapparees Junior mixed team

Rapparees Junior mixed team

Cracking Junior games will take place all day in Edenderry GAA when our top twelve teams take to the two pitches for our Junior Men’s, Women’s and Mixed semi-finals.

We are very grateful to Edenderry GAA’s Committee for inviting GAA Rounders to their fantastic facility and for allowing us to host our Junior Semi-finals in Offaly.

At 11am Junior Women – Kilmore and St. Kieran’s – and Junior Men – Galway City Rapparees and Gusserane – will commence our day’s Rounders.

The Women’s match will see the unbeaten Roscommon side take on Limerick’s St. Kieran’s, runners-up in their league group. While Kilmore were favourites to win their quarter-final against Wexford’s Gusserane, St. Kieran’s were expected to have a harder time getting past Carrickmacross Emmets. Kilmore have demonstrated all year that they are excellent fielders – spectacular catches from Ruth McElhone, Clodagh Sheerin, Nicola Croughwell and Ana Carr in the quarter-final pay testament to that – and super base runners but they are also excellent batters, able to place balls outfield in the gaps between fielders. St. Kieran’s are also skilled batters and their pitcher, Deirdre Ambrose, is accurate and fast. With back catcher Siobhán Halligan, the two make a formidable team for getting outs. On the day, Kilmore’s experience, cool heads, calm fielding and strong batting should see them take the win.

Referee: National Secretary Shirley Lennon

Prediction: Kilmore

The Men’s match will also see unbeaten Galway City Rapparees take on Wexford’s Gusserane, runners-up in their league group. Topping their group and bypassing the quarter-finals, Rapparees will be rested and ready for this challenge while Gusserane had a tough fight on their hands in Tymon Park two weeks ago to get past Monaghan side Inniskeen Grattans. With pitcher Séamus Keegan and back catcher Colin O’Halloran working in sync to get outs on home and straight to first, Rapparees are a well-oiled fielding machine that also have the batting skills to get runs on the board. Gusserane, who played Intermediate Mixed this year, are also a tight outfit with a strong pitcher in Karel van der Merwe and excellent fielders in Conor Murphy and Morgan Nash Colfer. Expect neither side to give an inch in this potentially tight and super close game.

Referee: The Heath’s Danielle Keane

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

After a short break, or not depending on how long the first games take, we’ll be back to action with two 1pm games – again one Women’s and one Men’s match.

In Men, Carlow’s Myshall will take on Dublin’s Na Gaeil Nua. Group toppers Myshall also skipped Quarter-finals, while Na Gaeil Nua beat Limerick side Na Piarsaigh to earn their place on Sunday. With an excellent pitching/catching combo in PJ Lalor and Matthew Roberts, Myshall have the potential to punish third good balls not hit or clips that go backwards. Newcomers to Rounders, Na Gaeil Nua have proved that experience isn’t everything and have shown all season that they can bat and catch like seasoned professionals. Shortstop Ryota Yamagochi and 2nd Base Javier Isern can both bat far and run fast and it will be containing them and their teammates that will cause Myshall problems.

Not the first time these sides have met, having played each other last month in the league, the victors that time were Myshall. Have Na Gaeil Nua learned from their mistakes that day or will Myshall be ready to win again?

Referee: The Heath’s Danielle Keane

Prediction: Myshall

Our lunchtime Women’s game is between unbeaten Carlow side Leighlinbridge and unbeaten Limerick team St. Senan’s so this really will be unchartered territory for the team on the wrong side of Sunday’s scoresheet.

Leighlinbridge Junior Women

St. Senan’s pitcher, Louise Kelly, has been their secret weapon all season and her ability to pitch fast and accurately has caused problems for all the sides they have met so far. Many of St. Senan’s women also play Intermediate Mixed and the skills honed at the higher grade have worked to their advantage in ensuring smart batting, fast fielding and quick outs. However, they have yet to come up against an opponent like Leighlinbridge who can also field and bat and have won several league games by more than double scores and with multiple bats in hand. Their quarter-final defeat of Skryne was clinical in its tactical efficiency with three up three out and no mercy given for any errors made. This will be both teams’ toughest battle to date – who will be strong enough to make it through?

Referee: The Heath’s Philip Keane

Prediction: St. Senan’s

And finally, at 3pm it will be time for our two Mixed semi-finals with repeat appearances from Kilmore and Galway City Rapparees, this time taking on Limerick’s Na Piarsaigh and Monaghan’s Inniskeen Grattans respectively.

The Galway side comprehensively beat strong Laois team Emo in their quarter-final with excellent performances from Ajay Kumar – scoring a Home Run, pitcher Séamus Keegan, back catcher Sorcha Dowd, Mel Mannion on 1st Base and 3rd Baseminder Cat Carty. Shortstop Greg Mannion missed nothing outfield and, at bat, had some great hits. While Inniskeen also had an excellent performance against Leighlinbridge to make their way into the semi-finals – shortstop Trevor Hilliard was a one-man wall past which few balls made it, it wasn’t quite as impressive or comprehensive. Their fielding was just a bit less tight and their batting not quite as sharp, but the intervening two weeks may have given them time to hone those skills and be ready for the Rapparees.

Referee: National Secretary Shirley Lennon

Prediction: Galway City Rapparees

Kilmore have impressed all season with their excellent fielding and clever batting and comprehensively won through their group, not losing a game. Their depth of squad is such that even on days when key players are not available, they can make it work and still get the runs in and outs needed to secure the win. Key to their success is pitcher Aidan Carr and his accurate, fast and smart bowling. His ability to catch short pop-ups and throw to base has caught many batters out. Outfield Mark Harrington is a powerhouse and has both an excellent catch and throw. Keeping it in the family Mark’s son, Eli, and Aidan’s wife, Ana, are both important infielders who can be relied upon to catch, throw and bat accurately. Jamie Sharkey at shortstop is dangerous if a ball is batted short and Oisin Boland is not an outfielder you want to direct a ball towards! Na Piarsaigh have their share of excellent fielders and Patrick Fitzgerald has been responsible for many outs. At shortstop Ian Jennings was formidable during their quarter-final defeat of Carrickmacross Emmets, while pitcher/catcher Alan Healy and Sarah Stanley were both responsible for multiple outs. Although Na Piarsaigh’s ability to keep calm during what was the most tense finish to any of the ten quarter-finals that day was seriously impressive and won them the match, they weren’t facing a team as collectively strong as Kilmore and it’s hard to see how they will have the batting power in particular to overcome the Roscommon side.

Referee: The Heath’s Philip Keane

Prediction: Kilmore

And then there’ll be six – our six Junior Finalists. The best of the best who will bring their A game to Abbotstown, Kilcormac and Mallow and aim to be crowned All-Ireland Champions for 2026. All we can say is bring it on! Sunday will be some day of Rounders and we can’t wait to be there to see every bit of it.

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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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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