Tag Archive for: Tymon Park

Limekiln v Galway Rapparees

GAA Rounders Fixtures & Preview: All Games This Sunday (26 April 2026)

Preview – 26 April 2026

Opening weekend threw up a few surprises, but Weekend 2 promises to be an even more thrilling ride with four of our Senior clubs and four Intermediate clubs in action across two locations.

Senior Women, Mixed & Men – Breaffy vs Carrickmacross Emmets

Ballyheane, Castlebar

Action starts at 12:00 PM in Mayo, where three reigning All-Ireland Champion teams face off in what could be the definitive triple-header of the early season.

First up, Breaffy’s Women host Carrickmacross Emmets. Newly promoted following a dominant 2025 Intermediate season, Carrickmacross will have their work cut out facing the four-in-a-row All-Ireland winners, but the Monaghan ladies are never one to shy from a challenge. This tight squad has big hitters and brilliant fielders who are well able to play Rounders at the highest level.

While Breaffy have three current All-Stars in their squad, they are missing 3rd Base star and GAA Rounders President Paula Doherty, who isn’t playing this year. Their pitcher and catcher duo of Michelle Hopkins and Katie Groonell will be hard to beat, but Carrick’s core team has been working together since winning the Junior Women’s title in 2023 and will put up quite the fight.

At 1.30pm it’s the turn of both clubs’ Mixed teams to take to the pitch. Two-in-a-row All-Ireland champions Breaffy will be keen to get their season off to a winning start and, with home advantage, they will aim to get ahead quickly. Carrickmacross will want to start strong and contain the Mayo side by putting their own stamp on the game and not allowing Breaffy to dominate early. With multiple All-Stars and All-Ireland winners on both squads, this has the makings of the match of the day.

The final game of the day in the west is the clash of both sides’ Men’s teams. Breaffy reached the 2025 semi-finals and will be looking to go one better this year by reaching the All-Ireland Final. Carrickmacross are the current champions and will be hoping to retain their crown in 2026. Expect tight pitching, batting and fielding, with no quarter given by either side.

Colm Jordan

Colm Jordan

Stars like outfielder Colm Jordan and short stop Mark Jennings for Breaffy will be well matched against their Carrickmacross counterparts Oran Kiernan, Euan Matthews, Declan Finnegan and Paddy Bermingham. While the result could go either way, the road there will be anything but boring.

Referee: Dublin Metropolitans’ Jack Cheyne will referee all three games.
Predictions: Women – Breaffy; Mixed – Breaffy; Men – Carrickmacross Emmets

Senior Men, Mixed & Women – Limekiln vs Glynn Barntown

Tymon Park

Limekiln Rounders host a massive six-match schedule in Tymon Park, featuring three Senior and three Intermediate games.

In Senior, Limekiln will play Wexford’s Glynn Barntown in all three codes, starting at 1pm with Senior Men. Fresh from their impressive first match of the season last Sunday in Galway, Limekiln will be aiming to keep that momentum going and go one step better with a win over their old rivals. Limekiln’s new signing, Peter Salmon, had an outstanding match against Rapparees and, if he can continue that dominance at 1st Base, and 2025 All-Star Ciarán Weldon can keep up his superb batting record from last Sunday, the Dublin side will be hard to beat.

Eddie Healy with a phenomenal catch - Limekiln instagram

Eddie Healy with a phenomenal catch – Limekiln instagram

However, Glynn Barntown’s men can never be underestimated and, if Paul Cooper and Paul Delaney play at their best, as well as the excellent Garry Jordan at backcatcher having a good day, we could be in for a very exciting match.

Following their comprehensive win over Kilmeena last Sunday, Limekiln’s Mixed team will be full of confidence when they take on Glynn Barntown and, with the Dublin side’s newly boosted squad of transferred players from St. Clare’s, Emo and Kevin’s, they will have to be favourites to win. We can hopefully look forward to seeing some more contenders for Catch of the Year from Eddie Healy, but he will face strong competition from teammates Serena Costello and Colette McCaul, as well as Glynn Barntown’s trademark excellent outfield catches.

Last match of the day on Tymon Park’s Senior pitch is the clash of Limekiln and Glynn Barntown’s Senior Women, and this will be a game worth waiting for. Glynn Barntown were the 2025 finalists and will be determined to go one better this year, while Limekiln are returning to Senior ranks in 2026 and looking to make an immediate impact.

Limekiln’s win over The Heath will give them confidence and the signs are that they are settling quickly at this level. Glynn Barntown, though, have experience at the top grade and will be keen to put last season’s final disappointment behind them. With some of their Intermediate players newly promoted to Senior, the added depth and fresh energy could be a big help as they aim to start the 2026 season on a positive note.

Referee: Emo’s Michael Slevin will be in charge for all three games.
Predictions: Women – Limekiln; Mixed – Limekiln; Men – Limekiln

Intermediate Women & Mixed – Tymon Park

Dublin Metropolitans vs Glynn Barntown; Emo vs Inniskeen

Tymon Park will also host three Intermediate matches on their second pitch, with two Women’s games and a Mixed match all up for decision.

First up is Dublin Metropolitans ladies vs Glynn Barntown’s ladies. Mets will be keen to bounce back from last Sunday’s defeat to Castletown Liam Mellows and will be hoping that shortstop Katie Flynn and Jessica Maddock on 2nd Base will continue their great form from last week, but Glynn Barntown’s Intermediate ladies can never be underestimated and have several years’ experience at this grade which will stand to them.

With no Junior Women’s team this year, Glynn Barntown’s Intermediate squad has been boosted with the introduction of many of last year’s Junior players, and a bigger squad means more competition for places and hungrier players.

The second Intermediate match will be the same teams playing Mixed. With the ladies possibly playing their second match of the day, the pressure will be on the fresh legs of the male players to impress and really show how much they want to start their 2026 campaigns by winning. Newly promoted to Intermediate this year, Dublin Mets will be eager to impress and show that they belong in this grade, but Glynn Barntown will equally be keen to prove their credentials as a long-time Intermediate team.

The final Intermediate match will be back to Women’s and will see Laois’ Emo taking on newly promoted, and 2025 Junior Women’s champions, Inniskeen of Monaghan. Emo struggled in Intermediate last year, their first year in the grade following their Junior All-Ireland win in 2024, but have they managed to get it together for a more successful season this year? Will Inniskeen suffer a similar fate in 2026, with the jump from Junior to Intermediate being a difficult one to navigate?

Pitching from Emo’s Claire Suda and Inniskeen’s Julianne Smith will be key, while Inniskeen’s skilled fielders like Carol McKeown and Layla McArdle will really need to shine if they are to stop Emo from dominating at bat.

Referee: Myshall’s PJ Lalor will take charge of all three Intermediate matches.
Predictions: Intermediate Women – Glynn Barntown and Inniskeen; Intermediate Mixed – Dublin Metropolitans

Crunch Time: Key Fixtures Set to Shape the Championship This Sunday

📅 Sunday’s Championship Action

All eyes turn to Athlone, Tymon Park, and Mullahoran this Sunday as the Rounders Championship edges closer to the knockout stages.
 
With games running out, every result now carries weight — whether it’s for top spot, survival, or momentum. Breaffy’s Senior squads return to action aiming to extend their unbeaten runs, while Cuchulainn, Kilmeena, and Erne Eagles look to shake up the standings. It’s also a big day for the intermediate championship in Galway. Run rates, head-to-heads, and weather could all come into play.
 

Senior Ladies

Breaffy vs Cuchulainn 📍Athlone GAA | 🕧 12:30pm | 🧍‍♂️Ref: Jack All eyes will be on Athlone as defending All-Ireland champions Breaffy return to action for just their second match of the campaign. The Mayo side have lifted the last three national titles and opened their 2025 account with a dominant 15–1 win over Raheen, showcasing their depth, power, and ruthless streak.

Cuchulainn, meanwhile, have already played three matches, narrowly beating Raheen and losing tight encounters to both Erne Eagles (30–34) and Glynn Barntown (7–15). Despite sitting second in the table, their run rate is negative—an issue they’ll need to address quickly. Last year’s meeting between these two sides was a cracker, and Cuchulainn pushed Breaffy hard before ultimately falling short.

With scoring difference and final placings still on the line, Cuchulainn will be desperate to cause an upset. But they’ll need to produce their most disciplined performance yet to overcome a Breaffy team that knows how to finish games with precision.
🔮 Verdict: Breaffy by 6



Senior Mixed

Breaffy vs Cuchulainn 📍Athlone GAA | 🕑 2:00pm | 🧍‍♂️Ref: Jack

 

It’s a heavyweight clash as reigning All-Ireland champions Breaffy face high-flying Cuchulainn in a game that could define the top of the table. Breaffy may be sitting in sixth due to games in hand, but with a perfect 3–0 record and the best run rate in the group (+2.7), they’re still the team to beat.

Cuchulainn, meanwhile, have racked up some serious scores and sit second with three wins from five. Their recent 24–21 victory over The Heath showed their threat with the bat, but their defence will be tested by a ruthless Breaffy side. A win here for Breaffy keeps their title defence firmly on track. Cuchulainn will be out to prove they belong in that top bracket.
🔮 Verdict: Breaffy by 3 ⸻

 

Erne Eagles vs The Heath 📍Mullahoran | 🕚 11:00am | 🧍‍♂️Ref: Philip

 

Quietly effective, Erne Eagles are sitting third with a game in hand and a strong run rate of +1.0. Their dominant wins over Limekiln and Kilmeena have underlined their status as serious semi-final contenders.

The Heath have had a patchy campaign, with one win and three defeats. They’ve shown glimpses of promise but conceded 68 runs in four matches—far too many at this level. Erne Eagles look sharper, more consistent, and better equipped to handle pressure. The Heath will need to pull something special out of the bag to avoid slipping further down the table.

🔮 Verdict: Erne Eagles by 7 ⸻

 

Limekiln vs Kilmeena 📍Tymon Park | 🕚 11:00am | 🧍‍♀️Ref: Sarah

Two teams with 1–4 records, 17 points each, and almost nothing between them. This is make-or-break. Limekiln have been involved in multiple close games but struggled to close them out.

Kilmeena, meanwhile, got a huge morale boost last round with a shock 9–7 win over Glynn Barntown. This is the first time the two sides meet in senior championship action—and it’s a true knockout scenario. The winner stays alive in the semi-final hunt. The loser almost certainly exits.

🔮 Verdict: Draw 

 

Carrickmacross Emmets vs Kilmeena 📍Tymon Park | 🕧 12:30pm | 🧍‍♀️Ref: Aine

 

Carrickmacross are bottom of the table but showed huge improvement in their last outing with a 22–16 win over The Heath. They’ll be hoping to carry that form into this one and pull off another upset.

Kilmeena play earlier in the day against Limekiln, and the quick turnaround could challenge their depth and stamina. If they win the first, this becomes a must-win. If they lose it, this becomes a lifeline. Carrickmacross are fresh and finally finding their rhythm—Kilmeena could be caught cold late in the day.

🔮 Verdict: Carrickmacross by 1  

 

Senior Men

Breaffy vs Cuchulainn 📍Athlone GAA | 🕞 3:30pm | 🧍‍♂️Ref: Jack

Last year’s beaten finalists Breaffy are on a mission—and they’re doing it with style. Unbeaten in three, they boast a staggering +4.3 run rate, having brushed aside the likes of Michael Glavey’s (31–6) and Limekiln (21–11). Sitting just outside the top four due to games played, a win here would put them firmly back in the picture for top spot.

Cuchulainn are fourth, but their path is anything but secure. With losses to Erne Eagles and Glynn Barntown on their record, they’ll need something special to hold off the chasing pack. Their 2-run win over The Heath earlier in the season showed grit, but they’ll need much more to stop a Breaffy side in full flow. Cuchulainn are fighting to stay in the hunt so expect intensity.
🔮 Verdict: Breaffy by 5  

 

Limekiln vs Michael Glavey’s 📍Tymon Park | 🕧 12:30pm | 🧍‍♀️Ref: Sarah After conceding two walkovers in a row, Michael Glavey’s are set to line out again—but they’ll need to rediscover their form quickly. Bottom of the table with –9 points and a –4.2 run rate, their season has unravelled fast. But if they can put in a full performance, they could at least restore some pride. Limekiln haven’t had the season they hoped for either. Just one win from five has them stuck on 17 points, and while qualification nearly is now out of reach, a win here would ensure they finish the campaign on a high. Both sides are wounded. One will leave with a much-needed boost.
🔮 Verdict: Limekiln by 9  



Intermediate Mixed

Galway City Rapparees vs St. Clare’s 📍Galway | 🕧 12:30pm | 🧍‍♀️Ref: Shirley

 

Last year’s Junior champions Galway City Rapparees have stormed into Intermediate mixed with real intent, boasting two wins from two and the best run rate in the group (+2.4). A third win here would seal qualification and set up a winner-takes-all clash with Erne Eagles for top spot in early August.

St. Clare’s were unbeaten until they ran into an on-fire Erne Eagles side. They still sit second on 13 points, but their fate now hinges on this trip to Galway. A big win could book their place in the semis. A loss, and they will most likely be leapfrogged by both Galway and Erne. This is effectively a knockout game for St Clare’s . Expect fireworks in Galway.

🔮 Verdict: Galway City Rapparees by 4

 

Athenry vs Erne Eagles 📍Athenry | 🕛 12:00pm | 🧍‍♂️Ref: Peter

After a slow start, Erne Eagles are suddenly back in the mix. A commanding win over St. Clare’s has boosted their confidence and run rate—and if they beat Athenry here, they’ll leap to 14 points and set up a massive final game with Galway.

Athenry have been competitive, but a leaky defence (conceding 62 runs) has cost them. Even with three games played, they’re out of the running—but they’d love to spoil Erne’s charge and grab a statement win at home. Erne need this to stay alive. Expect them to show up.
🔮 Verdict: Erne Eagles by 6

 

Intermediate men 

🔵 Galway City Rapparees vs St Clare’s 📍 Galway | 🕑 2:00pm | 🧍‍♀️ Referee: Shirley

It’s a high-stakes finish in the Intermediate Men’s group as Galway City Rapparees take on St Clare’s, with top spot and semi-final pairings hanging in the balance. The Rapparees have turned things around brilliantly in 2025. After failing to win a single game last year—including a heavy defeat to St Clare’s in this corresponding fixture—they’ve emerged as one of the form teams of this season. A statement win over Kilmeena and a dominant performance against the Dublin Mets show just how far they’ve come. Their only blemish was a one-run loss to Emo in a thriller.

St Clare’s have also secured their semi-final place after seeing off the Mets and holding a valuable head-to-head edge over them. However, inconsistency has been an issue, with defeats to both Kilmeena and Emo. A win here could lift them as high as second depending on run rate, while a loss would likely see them finish fourth.

For Galway, it’s simple: win and they top the group. Lose, and they risk dropping to third—setting up a rematch with Clare’s in the semi-final. A full-circle showdown either way.

🔮 Verdict: Galway by 3

Junior Men

Galway City Rapparees vs St Senans 📍 Galway | 🕜 Throw-in 11am Junior Men – Group A

It all comes down to this for Galway City Rapparees, who host St Senans in the final game of Group A. But despite still being mathematically alive, the odds are stacked against them in a brutal run rate scenario that may yet punish one of the form teams of the group.

Galway come into this clash with 16 points and a run rate of –0.4, having won two of their four matches and received a walkover win against Elphin—crucially, walkovers carry no run rate gain.

St Senans, by contrast, sit on 18 points with a run rate of 2.1, and have already beaten Na Piarsaigh and Sporting Limerick convincingly. Even in last week’s narrow defeat to Kilmore (16–15), they showed they could mix it with the best. The Rapparees are now in the unenviable position of needing to beat St Senans by around 30 runs to leapfrog them and Na Pairsaigh on run rate. A win by 9 or 10 would have been enough in a normal situation, but the lack of a run rate boost from their walkover against Elphin means Galway are carrying a deficit both mathematically and psychologically.

To make matters even more frustrating, Galway already beat Kilmore, who are top finishers in the group, earlier in the campaign. If they manage to beat St Senans here, they could beat both of the group’s top qualifiers—but could still finish fourth and miss out on the semis. That would be an extraordinary and rare outcome in a six-team group format in rounders.

St Senans, with their current run rate cushion, can afford a close loss and still go through. Their 18(2)-10(5) win over Elphin earlier in the campaign did wonders for their run rate.

Expect Galway to come out swinging—they’ve no choice. For St Senans, this is all about scoreboard management. Even a loss could be enough… just as long as it’s not historic.

🔮 Verdict: St Senans by 4

Thanks to all the referees officiating this weekend.   It’s never an easy task, without refs we have no games.