Tag Archive for: Rounders Ireland

GAA Rounders Week 4 Preview – Sunday 25th May

GAA Rounders Week 4 Preview
Sunday 25th May

Breaffy vs Kilmeena – Senior Mixed (1pm)

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

Prediction: Breaffy

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

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

Prediction: Breaffy

Cuchulainn vs Glynn Barntown – Senior Ladies (11am)

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

Prediction: Glynn Barntown

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

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

Prediction: Glynn Barntown

Cuchulainn vs Glynn Barntown – Senior Men (2pm)

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

Prediction: Clean sweep for Glynn Barntown

Carrickmacross vs Drumhowan – Junior Ladies (11am)

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

Prediction: Carrickmacross

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

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

Prediction: Carrickmacross

Carrickmacross vs Limekiln – Senior Men (2pm)

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

Prediction: Carrickmacross

The Heath vs Kevin’s – Senior Mixed Game OFF

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

Prediction: OFF

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

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

Prediction: Skryne

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

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

Prediction: Wolfe Tones

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

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

Prediction: Sean Connolly’s

Myshall vs Dublin Metropolitans – Junior Ladies (11am)

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

Prediction: Dublin Metropolitans

Myshall vs Dublin Metropolitans – Junior Mixed (1pm)

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

Prediction: Dublin Metropolitans

Myshall vs Inniskeen Grattans – Junior Men (3pm)

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

Prediction: Inniskeen Grattans

Raheen vs Emo – Intermediate Mixed (11am)

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

Prediction: Emo

Ballinagore vs Mayo Gaels – Junior Mixed (5pm)

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

Prediction: Ballinagore

Garrymore vs Kilmeena – Junior Mixed (6pm)

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

Prediction: Kilmeena

Go Games Rounders Pilot a Hit at Kevins GAA Club in Dublin

Go Games Light Up Loreto!

The Kevins Club in Dublin hosted a high-energy Go Games pilot for boys and girls aged 12 and under on Saturday, 10th May—and the reaction? A home run! While Go Games are well-known in GAA circles, Rounders hasn’t yet rolled out a full national version—until now. Judging by the smiles, cheers and non-stop action last Saturday, that might be about to change.


Mini Pitches, Maximum Fun

Over 80 children from Kevins, Na Fianna, and Emo took to the mini-pitches at Loreto College on Crumlin Road for an afternoon of fun-focused Rounders. Four games ran simultaneously between 3:30 and 5:30 pm. With the focus on skill-building and teamwork, no scores were recorded—just grins and great shots! The format encouraged clubs to mix boys and girls, creating exciting opportunities for kids to make friends, learn together, and enjoy the game.
 

“The Only Problem? Getting Them to Leave!”

That was the verdict from many parents, who praised the well-timed afternoon slot that allowed dual-code kids to join in after morning football or hurling. And the big bonus? Loads of new members signed up to Kevins thanks to the event!

 

Batting, Bowling, and Blazing Home Runs

The kids learned to bat, bowl, catch, throw and more. Many parents were surprised at the fast-paced sprints and sharp movements that aren’t as common in traditional GAA. It was skill development disguised as fun—ABCs, RJTs and communication skills all in action! And yes, there were Home Runs. Big ones. With even bigger celebrations. “I’ve never seen our kids run that fast on a hurling pitch,” one coach chuckled.

 

Special Guests & Big Smiles

National Secretary Shirley Lennon dropped in to lend her support, and All-Ireland winner Serena Scott gave out coaching tips and encouragement to future stars.

 

Survey Says… More Please!

Parents filled in a short survey after the event. When asked “Will your child play Rounders again?”, the most popular answer was a loud and clear: YES! Favourite activities? “Batting” and “Having Fun With Friends” took the top spots. Because that’s what Go Games is all about!

 

Want In? Here’s How

More events are scheduled throughout the summer in Dublin, and new clubs are welcome to try it out. You only need 9 players and a GAA pitch (35m x 35m) to host a Go Games Rounders event. No goalposts needed, just enthusiasm and a ball! If your club is interested, get in touch at secretary.rounders@gaa.ie.

Let’s bring the joy of Rounders to every corner of Ireland!