All-Ireland Junior Semi-Finals previews
To see over 50 teams compete at Junior level this season is a phenomenal reflection of the sport’s growth, energy, and inclusiveness across the country. Twelve fantastic teams will battle it out for a place in the All-Ireland finals.
A sincere word of thanks to all of the referees, whose time, dedication, and fairness ensure these games are played in the right spirit. Without you, none of this would be possible.
🍛 Hot Food Available – St. Mary’s Food Hall – front entrance of main building
There’ll be hot food served on-site this Saturday in the food hall at St. Mary’s (Coláiste Muire Máthair) — with discounted meals available to all players, coaches, and supporters.
Enjoy a delicious chicken or vegetarian curry for just €5, or pop in for a tea, coffee, or snack throughout the day.
🟥 Junior Men’s All-Ireland Semi-Finals
📍 Saturday, 9 August 2025 – Coláiste Muire Máthair, St. Mary’s Road, Galway H91 H7F8
🕐 1:00pm – Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan) 🆚 Kilmore (Roscommon)
🧑⚖️ Referee: Aine McLaughlin
Inniskeen Grattans bring grit, experience, and momentum into this semi-final after edging out Carrickmacross. With strong showings in the group stages, including a tight 17–11 win over their local rivals and a narrow loss to Myshall, they’ve shown they can handle high-pressure games.
Kilmore, meanwhile, topped Group A and come in as one of the most composed sides in the Junior grade. A single-run thriller loss to Galway City Rapparees (24–23) and a 1-run win over St Senan’s (16–15) show their calmness when it counts. Their defensive discipline is their backbone — and if they manage to shut down Inniskeen’s big hitters by locking down right field, this could be over early.
🔮 Prediction: Kilmore’s outfield coverage could prove the difference — Kilmore
🕒 3:00pm – Myshall (Carlow) 🆚 St. Senan’s (Limerick)
🧑⚖️ Referee: Michael Slevin
Myshall were arguably the most clinical team across both groups, finishing their campaign with two powerful wins including a big win over Carrickmacross.
St. Senan’s, however, have been quietly brilliant all year. Their narrow group stage defeat to Kilmore and big win over Galway Rapparees. They’ll need to bring all their fielding sharpness to halt Myshall’s top-of-the-order hitters — but if they do, this one will go down to the wire.
🔮 Prediction: Could go either way — but on balance and form it’s St Senans
Junior Ladies All-Ireland Semi-Finals
📅 Saturday, 9 August 2025
📍 Coláiste Muire Máthair, St. Mary’s Road, Galway H91 H7F8
🕐 1:00pm – Castletown Liam Mellows (Wexford) 🆚 Elphin (Roscommon)
🧑⚖️ Referee: Michael Slevin
Castletown were sharp and efficient in their 18–10 quarter-final win over St. Martin’s, showing once again that they’re the most balanced side in the competition. Defensively composed and clinical at bat, the Wexford side have been top contenders since Day 1.
Elphin produced a strong performance of their own, defeating Carrickmacross 13–6 in the quarters. They’ve got plenty of grit and can frustrate sides if they stay composed — but they’ll need to find another gear to take down Castletown.
🔮 Prediction: Castletown have the edge in a lot of departments — Castletown
🕒 3:00pm – Dublin Metropolitans (Dublin) 🆚 Inniskeen Grattans (Monaghan)
🧑⚖️ Referee: Sean Bailey
The Mets booked their place with a controlled 15–10 win over Leighlinbridge. This Ladies side has quietly built momentum, full of athletic players who thrive in big moments.
Inniskeen overcame a determined Kilmore team 14–8 in a dogged quarter-final. They’ve shown character throughout the campaign, and while they may be underdogs, they won’t be short on fight or spirit.
🔮 Prediction: Mets too slick and too strong — Dublin
🟡 Junior Mixed All-Ireland Semi-Finals
🕐 1:00pm – Dublin Metropolitans (Dublin) 🆚 St. Senan’s (Limerick)
🧑⚖️ Referee: Sean Bailey
St. Senan’s have been the standout team in the grade — unbeaten, clinical, and firm favourites to go all the way. Their mix of athleticism, cohesion and consistent scoring has made them the benchmark in Junior Mixed this season. Their 14–9 quarter-final win over Wolfe Tones was another example of their composure and game control.
The Dublin Mets are no strangers to the big stage, and they’ll be buoyed by the return of their bowler who could disrupt Senans’ rhythm and shift the momentum. The Mets are powerful hitters with big-game pedigree — but they’ll need to be flawless to break down this Senans outfit.
🔮 Prediction: Senans are too slick and too steady — Senans
🕒 3:00pm – Galway City Rapparees (Galway) 🆚 Gusserane (Wexford)
🧑⚖️ Referee: Aine McLaughlin
The Galway City Rapparees were ruthless in their 16–8 win over Inniskeen — a clinical performance built on smart bowling, sharp defence and timely hitting. Their Junior Mixed side continues the club’s reputation for rising on big days — and playing at home only strengthens their chances.
Gusserane blitzed Kilmeena 24–6 in the quarter-final and arrive with confidence, power, and one of the best run rates in the grade. But you get the feeling they haven’t faced bowlers or a defensive setup as clever as the Rapparees all year. On their day, Gusserane can hurt anyone — but the home field advantage in Galway could be decisive.
🔮 Prediction: Expect fireworks, but the edge goes to the hosts — Rapparees
