Tag Archive for: St. Clare’s Rounders

Club Focus: Kilmore – Family, Community and a Club That Thinks Big

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GAA ROUNDERS • CLUB FOCUS

Kilmore

Family, Community and a Club That Thinks Big

One of the special privileges of these Club Focus articles is highlighting the clubs that encapsulate everything great about GAA Rounders.

Last week, we featured

Galway City Rapparees

– a club that has achieved meteoric success while keeping community and friendship front and centre.

This week, our focus shifts to another Connacht club where those same core values are immediately evident, with the added bonus of family being hugely important: Kilmore from Roscommon.

Club
Kilmore
County
Roscommon
Province
Connacht

“

Ask anyone in our organisation to name a club that is welcoming, fun, hard-working and highly competitive, and the “boys and girls in blue” will instantly come up.

In a remarkably short space of time, Kilmore has become an integral part of the national Rounders family.

Kilmore • Roscommon • GAA Rounders

It’s time to take a closer look at their story!

A Small Club With a Big Place in GAA History

Many of you may have made the trip to Leitrim’s Carrick-on-Shannon for a hen or stag weekend, but just 10km outside the town, across the border in north Roscommon, lies Kilmore GAA.

For a small rural club, Kilmore has already left a remarkable mark on Irish sport. It was Kilmore GAA that brought forward the historic motion to amend Rule 42, paving the way for rugby and soccer internationals to be played at Croke Park while Lansdowne Road was being redeveloped.

That history of a small club being willing to think big feels particularly fitting when you look at what Kilmore Rounders has achieved in such a short space of time.

From Junior Day to National Contenders

Founded in 2023 by Nicola Craughwell and Clare Connellan – who sent a simple “who would be interested in joining a Rounders club?” text to their local group – it soon became evident that many people were! Their very first training session saw an incredible 40 interested players turn up.

Kilmore’s playing journey began that winter in the Connacht Winter League, where their first competitive games came against Galway City Rapparees. That off-season competition proved invaluable for a brand-new club. Game by game, they learned the sport, developed their fielding and batting and improved enormously over the winter months.

Their national debut came at the 2024 Junior Day in Fenagh, Co. Carlow – where they promptly went and won the Mixed competition! Anyone watching that day could see this was a club destined for big things, driven by genuine talent and exceptional team chemistry.

With Rounders firmly established in the parish, Kilmore prioritised youth development in that foundational first year, bringing an U14 Mixed team to Monaghan for the All-Ireland competition in Cloghan. Meanwhile, their adult Mixed team entered the Championship and went from strength to strength, qualifying from their group and storming into the All-Ireland Quarter-Finals in Tymon Park with a win over Wexford side Gusserane. Although their journey ended in the Semi-Finals against Inniskeen Grattans in Clonguish, reaching the final four in their inaugural Championship season was a massive achievement.

Rising Through the Ranks

Ambitious from the outset, Kilmore expanded in 2025 to field Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed teams in All-Ireland competitions. Building on their initial experience, all three setups performed brilliantly during the group stages, with both the Men’s and Women’s panels advancing.

While the Men earned a direct route to the Semi-Finals, the Women’s team faced Monaghan side Inniskeen Grattans in a hard-fought Quarter-Final in Clonguish. Inniskeen took the win and ultimately went on to claim the 2025 All-Ireland title.

Ironically, the following month in Galway, Kilmore’s Men’s team faced that very same team – Inniskeen Grattans – in the Semi-Finals. A tight, well-deserved victory provided sweet redemption, propelling Kilmore into their first Junior All-Ireland Final against Limerick’s St. Senan’s in Dunganny.

That final was an absolute classic that kept spectators on the edge of their seats for all five innings. Outstanding performances from Aidan Carr, Jamie Sharkey, Oisín Boland, and others kept Kilmore right in the mix, before St. Senan’s eventually edged out a 10-6 victory.

Junior Men’s All-Ireland Finalists 2025

The 2026 Campaign: Triple Threat

Kilmore’s powerful 2025 campaign earned their Men’s team promotion to the Intermediate grade for 2026 and they hit the ground running with an explosive 30-6 opening-day win over Dublin Metropolitans. Narrow losses against Emo and St. Senan’s followed, but Kilmore proved they could go toe-to-toe with established Intermediate opposition.

They bounced back in style with a 15-10 win over Mayo’s Kilmeena, followed by an impressive 21-14 victory over St. Clare’s in Cavan. Having found their rhythm, the Men now look ahead to this Saturday’s Intermediate Semi-Final – a rematch with St. Clare’s – where a place in the All-Ireland Final is on the line in their very first year at the grade!

Kilmore Junior Women

It has been an equally impressive 2026 for the Women’s team, who put together an unbeaten group campaign before defeating Wexford’s Gusserane 27-10 in the Quarter-Finals. Their run came to an end against a powerful St. Kieran’s side in the Semi-Finals on Sunday, 9 August. Despite the 33-18 defeat, Kilmore showed tremendous heart, with brilliant defensive catches from Nicola Craughwell (Back Catcher), Joann Sharkey (2nd Base) and Ruth McElhone (3rd Base), alongside sharp base-running from Clodagh Sheerin, Carmel Murphy and Sinéad Beirne.

Oisin Boland

Meanwhile, Kilmore’s Mixed team has produced a superb season – and their journey isn’t over yet! After topping their group with a perfect record, they defeated Carlow’s Myshall 30-12 in the Quarter-Finals. The sides were closely matched until the fourth innings, when Kilmore found another gear and brought an incredible 18 runners home in a single turn at bat.

They followed that with a dominant 16-1 Semi-Final victory over Na Piarsaigh in Edenderry, driven by standout performances from Mark Harrington, Nicola Craughwell, James Jamieson and an on-fire Oisín Boland, who recorded no fewer than five clean catches and assisted another two outs on base!

That sets up a mouth-watering All-Ireland Junior Mixed Final on 13 September in Mallow GAA. In another one of our sport’s great moments of showing how anything is possible with hard work and dedication, two clubs who first met less than three years ago playing in the Connacht Winter League will face each other again – this time with an All-Ireland title on the line.

A True Family Club

While training, tactics, and talent explain their rapid rise, they only tell half the story. What makes Kilmore truly special is the extraordinary personal bonds within the squad.

Team management is entirely player-led:

  • Women’s Team: Managed by Aidan Carr
  • Men’s Team: Managed by Ana Carr and Nicola Craughwell
  • Mixed Team: Managed by Seán Boland and Mark Harrington

Remarkably, the playing roster boasts no fewer than six married couples (Aidan & Ana Carr, John & Nicola Craughwell, Kevin & Irene White, Jamie & Joann Sharkey, Breian & Siobhán Carroll, and Oisín Boland & Clodagh Sheerin) and two parent-child combinations (Mark & Eli Harrington, and Seán & Oisín Boland), taking the concept of a “family club” to a whole new level! That togetherness shows on the pitch. Kilmore plays with seamless trust, genuine warmth, and a refusal to give up on a play – or a teammate.

 

Kilmore’s Jamie & Joann Sharkey, Barbara & JP Murray, Orla & Mark Harrington, Nicola & John Craughwell and Ana & Aidan Carr at the 2025 GAA Rounders All-Stars

While the whole club contributes to this unique culture, a few individuals deserve special mention:

  • Seán Boland (Chairman), Ruth McElhone (Secretary) & Nicola Craughwell (Communications): This trio is the cornerstone of the club. Ruth manages seamless administration and fixtures while anchoring 3rd Base, Seán leads with warmth and vision, and Nicola is always available to assist with queries and step in wherever needed. Together, they epitomise the spirit of GAA Rounders.
  • Aidan & Ana Carr: The unmistakable faces of Kilmore Rounders. Whether playing, managing, coaching underage teams, driving nationwide to support fixtures, or umpiring, their absolute devotion to promoting and supporting Rounders is inspiring. Everyone across GAA Rounders sends their best wishes to Ana for a speedy recovery following her injury in last Sunday’s Women’s Semi-final – we can’t wait to see you back on a pitch!

Kilmore’s special place in the hearts and minds of their fellow clubs was made official when they won the Junior Club of the Year Award at the 2025 All-Stars – an award voted for directly by their peers. Their hard work was further recognised when pitcher Aidan Carr was selected to represent GAA Rounders in the Men’s Exhibition Game at the GAA World Games on 16 July in Waterford.

The Next Chapter

Looking Ahead

A Club With Plenty to Play For

With an Intermediate Men’s Semi-Final this Saturday, an All-Ireland Junior Mixed Final awaiting on 13 September, underage training reintroduced this summer and 40 registered members, the future could not be brighter for the Roscommon club

Kilmore’s story is a reminder of what makes GAA Rounders special. You don’t need to come from a huge club or have decades of history behind you. Get good people together, make everyone feel welcome, put in the work and enjoy doing it, and remarkable things can happen.

For a small rural club that once helped change the course of Irish sporting history by thinking big, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that Kilmore Rounders is doing exactly the same.

Whatever happens over the coming weeks, Kilmore has flown the flag for Roscommon, Connacht and GAA Rounders with immense pride, skill and joy

We wish Kilmore the very best of luck in Saturday’s Intermediate Men’s Semi-Final and September’s Junior Mixed All-Ireland Final

Family • Community • Ambition
Something tells us the Kilmore story
is only getting started

2026 GAA Rounders Transfers: Full List of Player Moves

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2026 GAA Rounders Transfers

Although the new GAA Rounders Constitution has removed the traditional 28 February deadline, the start of the year has remained a busy time for players looking to pull on new jerseys. Let’s take a closer look at who is moving where and how these signings might shift the balance of power in 2026!

Everyone is moving to Limekiln!

Dublin Senior Club Limekiln, based in Tymon Park, has been incredibly active, recruiting a mix of fresh talent from across Leinster and Ulster.

Serena Costelloe, Erica Meslin & Merilin Neiland have all made the short move from Crumlin to Walkinstown. The former Kevin’s ladies were left teamless when Kevin’s didn’t enter the All-Ireland Championship this year. Serena played in Limekiln’s Mixed win over Kilmeena in Galway on 19 April and had a starring role as Pitcher in Limekiln Senior Women’s defeat over newly promoted The Heath, making it home three times and being involved in seven outs. Erica’s first appearance for Limekiln came in that same Senior Women’s game and she also proved what a versatile and skilled player she is, getting home each of her five times up to bat while also playing her part in five outs.

Back row, left – Colette McCaul; fourth from left, Serena Costelloe. Front row, left – Erica Meslin

Not content with signing Leinster female players, Limekiln have also recruited former St. Clare’s player and former Junior All-Star Colette McCaul. With her strength at bat, her speed and her ability to catch any ball at Left Outfield, Colette has shown that several years away from the sport hasn’t dimmed her abilities or talents and was a force to be reckoned with during the Senior Women’s win over The Heath.

Limekiln’s final signing – so far – this year is The Heath’s Peter Salmon. A versatile player who can contribute outfield or on base, batting and fielding, Peter also joined the Limekiln crew for his first match on 19 April in Galway where he had a brilliant first Senior Men’s match in blue and yellow, contributing three runs and five outs.

Limekiln v Galway Rapparees

Peter Salmon, right – J98Media

Other Senior & Intermediate Transfers

Also leaving The Heath, who this year have no Mixed or Men’s teams in the Championship, is Austin O’Meara who is staying in the same county and moving to 2025 Intermediate Men’s and Mixed Finalists Emo. Emo’s first Intermediate Men’s outing this year will be on 10 May when they host Kilmeena and we look forward to seeing Austin on the pitch that day.

Leaving Kilmeena for a move to the blue and white of St. Clare’s is Katie McLoughlin. St. Clare’s will welcome Katie to their Mixed and Women’s Intermediate teams and will hope her addition to the squad will help their chances of an Intermediate title in 2026.

Moving the other direction, to Kilmeena, is Breaffy’s Gerard Walsh while also in Connacht, former Michael Glavey’s Intermediate Women’s pitcher, Gretta Davis, has moved the short distance to newly Elphin. Gretta’s experience as a pitcher and Intermediate player will be seen as a major coup for Elphin as they navigate the jump to the Intermediate grade.

Gretta Davis

Gretta Davis – moving from Michael Glavey’s to Elphin

The final player moving to Connacht is Erne Eagles’ Tríona Moran who moved west to play Junior Mixed and Intermediate Women with Galway City Rapparees.

Junior Transfers

Unfortunately, Mayo Gaels did not affiliate for 2026 and two of their players have made the move to local rivals Garrymore. Both Joel Carter and Paul Murphy played on the Mayo Gaels Junior Mixed team in 2025 and have now transferred to assist the Garrymore Junior Mixed side this year. The third Mayo Gaels player to move is Gerard Scahill who has made the trip to Senior club Breaffy.

The only Munster transfer for 2026 is that of Sophie Moroney from All-Ireland winners St. Senan’s to Kildimo Pallaskenry.

In Ulster, Sachin Krishnan has left Monaghan’s Inniskeen Grattans to go to Antrim’s Wolfe Tones where he will join their Junior Mixed squad.

Meanwhile in Leinster five ladies are on the move as follows:

  • Liz Fitzgerald – Glynn Barntown to Kilanerin Ballyfad
  • Grace Power, Lisa Power, Lorna Byrne – Skryne to Dunsany
  • Shirley O’Neill – Fethard St. Mogue’s to Gusserane

With no official closing date for transfers this year, these are unlikely to be the last moves we’ll see in 2026…so keep an eye on our website and socials for more information on acquisitions and defections!

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Full GAA Rounders Transfer List 2026

A total of 26 player transfers have been recorded for the
2026 season. Seven of these transfers took place after 24 April 2026.

26
Total transfers
7
After 24 April
19
Before 24 April

Transfers After 24 April 2026

Date Player Previous Club New Club Grade Change
25 April Aidan Jayne Glynn Barntown — Senior Dublin Metropolitans — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
25 April Katarina Prazakova Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
3 June Gillian Nolan Cuchulainn — Senior Myshall — Junior Senior → Junior
3 June Margaret Simpson Cuchulainn — Senior Myshall — Junior Senior → Junior
15 July John Michael Nolan Cuchulainn — Senior Myshall — Junior Senior → Junior
23 July Aaron Keane The Heath — Senior Emo — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
5th May Jason Curran Fenagh — Intermediate Leighlinbridge — Junior Intermediate → Junior

Transfers Before 24 April 2026

Player Previous Club New Club Grade Change
Serena Costelloe Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Erica Meslin Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Merilin Neiland Kevin’s — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Colette McCaul St Clare’s — Intermediate Limekiln — Senior Intermediate → Senior
Peter Salmon The Heath — Senior Limekiln — Senior Senior → Senior
Austin O’Meara The Heath — Senior Emo — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
Katie McLoughlin Kilmeena — Senior St Clare’s — Intermediate Senior → Intermediate
Gerard Walsh Breaffy — Senior Kilmeena — Senior Senior → Senior
Gretta Davis Michael Glavey’s — Intermediate Elphin — Intermediate Intermediate → Intermediate
Tríona Moran Erne Eagles — Senior Galway Rapparees — Senior Senior → Senior
Joel Carter Mayo Gaels — Junior Garrymore — Junior Junior → Junior
Paul Murphy Mayo Gaels — Junior Garrymore — Junior Junior → Junior
Gerard Scahill Mayo Gaels — Junior Breaffy — Senior Junior → Senior
Sophie Moroney St Senan’s — Intermediate Kildimo Pallaskenry — Junior Intermediate → Junior
Sachin Krishnan Inniskeen Grattans — Intermediate Wolfe Tones — Junior Intermediate → Junior
Liz Fitzgerald Glynn Barntown — Senior Kilanerin Ballyfad — Junior Senior → Junior
Grace Power Skryne — Junior Dunsany — Junior Junior → Junior
Lisa Power Skryne — Junior Dunsany — Junior Junior → Junior
Lorna Byrne Skryne — Junior Dunsany — Junior Junior → Junior
Shirley O’Neill Fethard St Mogue’s — Junior Gusserane — Intermediate Junior → Intermediate
Note* Players may not have played at the level, it’s just the highest grade the club plays

GAA Rounders Fixtures 2026 Confirmed | Full Championship Schedule & Teams

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Fixtures confirmed for 2026 championship season

GAA Rounders is pleased to confirm that the fixtures for the 2026 All-Ireland Championships across Senior, Intermediate and Junior grades have now been finalised and circulated to clubs nationwide.

The 2026 season represents the largest championship programme to date, with clubs from across the country set to compete in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed competitions. The schedule runs from April through to September and provides a clear national pathway from league stages to quarter-finals, semi-finals and All-Ireland Finals.

At Senior level, each championship will be played on a single-league basis, with the top four teams progressing to the semi-finals. In Intermediate, the Men’s competition will follow a full-league structure, while the Women’s and Mixed Championships will be played across two groups. Junior competitions will again feature a broader group structure to reflect strong entry numbers and continued growth throughout the country.

Official season structure: league stages will run through spring and summer, with knockout fixtures scheduled from late July onwards before the All-Ireland Finals in late August and September.

A championship season packed with quality and depth

There are strong storylines at every grade heading into the new season. In Senior Women, Breaffy will bid for an outstanding five-in-a-row, while the Mayo club will also be chasing a Senior Mixed three-in-a-row. The Senior Men’s Championship, meanwhile, looks one of the most competitive in years, with genuine strength spread across the field.

Senior spotlight

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Erne Eagles, Glynn Barntown, Limekiln, Cúchulainn, Raheen and Galway City Rapparees ensure real depth in the top grade, particularly in what promises to be a fiercely contested Senior Men’s Championship.

Intermediate contenders

Kilmeena and Emo are expected to have strong seasons at Intermediate level, while St. Senan’s, St. Clare’s, Kilmore, Galway City Rapparees and Dublin Metropolitans all add further quality to the grade.

Junior teams to watch

In Junior Women, St. Senan’s, Kilmore and Myshall will attract attention, while Junior Men should see strong campaigns from Myshall and Galway City Rapparees. In Junior Mixed, Kilmore, Leighlinbridge and Garrymore look well placed, with several counties also welcoming new entrants.

Club depth across the country

Glynn Barntown, Carrickmacross Emmets, Galway City Rapparees, Inniskeen and Kilmeena are all entering four or more teams, reflecting the growing strength of club structures and player development within the code.

Galway Rapparees

Galway Rapparees

Welcoming new clubs to the championship

The 2026 Championships also mark an important step forward for participation, with a number of new clubs entering the All-Ireland structure across different grades.

  • Women: Kilrush Askamore (Wexford) and Nobber (Meath)
  • Men: Na Gaeil Nua (Dublin)
  • Mixed: Clontuskert (Galway), Dunsany (Meath), Naomh Pól (Waterford) and Oulart The Ballagh (Wexford)

Their inclusion is a welcome sign of continued expansion and reinforces the positive momentum currently behind GAA Rounders at club level.

Na Gaeil Nua

Na Gaeil Nua

Season timeline and key dates

  • Senior Championships: commence on Sunday 19 April
  • Junior Championships: commence on Sunday 10 May
  • League stages: run through April, May, June and July
  • Quarter-finals: where applicable, are scheduled for late July
  • Semi-finals: take place in August
  • All-Ireland Finals: are scheduled from late August into September

Among the headline dates are the Senior Women’s and Junior Women’s Finals at the National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown on 30 August, the Men’s Finals at Offaly GAA Centre of Excellence on 6 September, and the Mixed Finals at Mallow GAA on 13 September.

Opening fixtures to launch the campaign

The championship season gets under way with a number of high-profile ties. The opening Senior programme includes Cúchulainn against Erne Eagles in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed, Galway City Rapparees against Limekiln in Senior Men, Limekiln against The Heath in Senior Women and Limekiln vs Kilmeena in Senior Mixed.

At Intermediate and Junior level, the early rounds will immediately test squads across multiple counties, with a packed programme set to run throughout the spring and summer months.

Clubs entered – 2026 Championships

Senior Championships
Senior Women

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Cúchulainn, Erne Eagles, Glynn Barntown, Limekiln, Raheen, The Heath

Senior Men

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Cúchulainn, Erne Eagles, Galway City Rapparees, Glynn Barntown, Limekiln, Raheen

Senior Mixed

Breaffy, Carrickmacross Emmets, Cúchulainn, Erne Eagles, Glynn Barntown, Kilmeena, Limekiln

Intermediate Championships
Intermediate Women

Castletown Liam Mellows, Dublin Metropolitans, Elphin, Emo, Galway City Rapparees, Glynn Barntown, Inniskeen Grattans, Kilmeena, Michael Glavey’s, St. Clare’s

Intermediate Men

Dublin Metropolitans, Emo, Kilmeena, Kilmore, St. Clare’s, St. Senan’s

Intermediate Mixed

Dublin Metropolitans, Emo, Erne Eagles, Galway City Rapparees, Glynn Barntown, Gusserane, Michael Glavey’s, Raheen, St. Clare’s, St. Senan’s

Junior Championships
Junior Women

Athenry, Carrickmacross Emmets, Castleknock, Castletown Liam Mellows, Clonguish, Drumhowan, Glynn Barntown, Gusserane, Inniskeen Grattans, Kilanerin Ballyfad, Kildimo Pallaskenry, Kilmore, Kilrush Askamore, Knockainey, Leighlinbridge, Myshall, Na Piarsaigh, Nobber, St. Kieran’s, St. Martin’s, St. Senan’s, Skryne, Sporting Limerick

Junior Men

Castleknock, Carrickmacross Emmets, Elphin, Galway City Rapparees, Gusserane, Inniskeen Grattans, Myshall, Na Gaeil Nua, Na Piarsaigh, Sporting Limerick

Junior Mixed

Athenry, Ballinagore, Castleknock, Carrickmacross Emmets, Clontuskert, Dunsany, Elphin, Emo, Galway City Rapparees, Garrymore, Inniskeen Grattans, Kilmeena, Kilmore, Leighlinbridge, Myshall, Naomh Pól, Naomh Trea, Na Fianna, Na Piarsaigh, Oulart The Ballagh, Slaughtneil, Sporting Limerick, Wolfe Tones

Full fixture details, venues, competition structures and knockout dates should be read in conjunction with the official Senior, Intermediate and Junior fixture booklets circulated to clubs.

Continued growth across the code

With hundreds of fixtures scheduled and participation continuing to rise, the 2026 All-Ireland Championships reflect the ongoing development of GAA Rounders across Ireland. The spread of teams across Senior, Intermediate and Junior grades, combined with the arrival of new clubs and the strength of established contenders, points to a season of real substance from opening day through to finals weekend.

Supporters are encouraged to follow official GAA Rounders channels throughout the season for fixture updates, results, reports and championship news.

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