2025 GAA Rounders Intermediate semi-finals take place this weekend

The 2025 GAA Rounders Intermediate Championships come to the boil this Sunday, August 17, as six semi-finals take centre stage in Dunganny.

Seven counties are represented – Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Cavan, Monaghan, Laois, and Wexford.

With places in the All-Ireland finals on the line, the action spans across the Mixed, Men’s, and Ladies grades.

Each match carries its own storylines, rivalries, and potential for drama. From Galway City Rapparees’ explosive batting to Kilmeena’s rematch with a full-strength Emo, and Carrickmacross Emmets’ unbeaten charge in the Ladies grade, fans can expect high-scoring clashes, tense innings, and plenty of All-Ireland dreams at stake.

“As a proud Meath woman, it’s a real privilege to host three fantastic weekends of Rounders at the Meath Centre of Excellence in Dunganny,” said GAA Rounders Secretary Shirley Lennon.

“We’re set for a feast of the sport at its very best, and I would encourage everyone to come along and experience this great GAA game in action.”

Sunday, August 17

Intermediate Men’s Championship Semi-Finals, Dunganny, 12.00pm.

Galway City Rapparees vs St Clares (Cavan)

Galway City Rapparees head into the semi-finals as group winners with three wins from four and a +24 run difference.
Their standout display came against St Clares in July when they blasted 25 runs in just two innings —
ruthless batting that left no way back.

The Rapparees have married explosive hitting with disciplined defence all season. Their only setback was a one‑run loss
to Emo, 26–25 (5), showing they can be pushed but are rarely overwhelmed.

St Clares battled into the last four with key wins, including 20–4 (5) over Dublin Metropolitans.
They can post big numbers, but they must be far tighter in the field to avoid a repeat of that heavy defeat to Galway.

Kilmeena (Mayo) vs Emo (Laois)

Kilmeena racked up 92 runs in four games, finishing joint‑top on points with the best run difference in the group (+42).
Their only meeting with Emo ended 34–18 (3) in Kilmeena’s favour.

That result comes with an asterisk — Emo had only eight players available and were severely under strength.
At full complement they’re a different proposition, as shown by their 26–25 (5) win over Galway City Rapparees.

Kilmeena’s power hitting and solid fielding make them favourites, but they’ll be wary of a near‑full‑strength Emo with a point to prove.

Intermediate Mixed Semi-Finals, Dunganny, 2pm

Emo (Laois) vs Galway City Rapparees

Emo swept Group B unbeaten with a massive +59 run difference and three statement wins:
29–7 vs Na Fianna (4), 37–17 at Glynn Barntown (5), and 40–23 at Raheen (4).
They score in bursts and rarely let opponents settle.

Galway City Rapparees finished level on points with Erne in Group A, edged to second only on run rate.
Highlights included 17–10 vs St Clares (3) and a composed 6–2 away at Michael Glaveys (4).
Their 12–19 defeat to Erne came while under strength, so it’s a poor guide to their ceiling.

If Galway are full strength, their defence can slow Emo’s early surge — but they’ll need a fast start to avoid a chase.

Erne Eagles (Cavan) vs Raheen (Wexford)

Erne topped Group A on run rate with three wins. Their headline result was a 22–20 over St Clares despite batting only
(3) innings, plus a 19–12 against Rapparees on the day Galway were short-handed.
The sole slip was 16–19 to Michael Glaveys (4).

Raheen finished second in Group B and showed steel in a 16–14 away win at Glynn Barntown (4).
Even versus Emo they posted 23, so they can score if the game opens up.

Eagles have the edge for power and experience, but Raheen’s knack for tight finishes keeps this live deep into the game.

Intermediate Ladies Championship Semi-Finals, Dunganny 4pm

Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan) vs Michael Glaveys (Roscommon)

Carrickmacross Emmets arrive as unbeaten group winners, pairing deep batting with sharp infield work.
Glaveys have shown resilience in tight games and will try to keep this low-scoring and error‑free.

If Emmets settle early, their scoring pressure should tell; Glaveys need a fast start and tidy fielding to stay in range.

The Heath (Laois) vs Glynn Barntown (Wexford)

The Heath have been consistent all season, combining disciplined batting with a well‑organised defence.
Glynn Barntown bring more attacking punch and can rack up runs quickly when the order clicks.

Expect a tight contest: The Heath’s structure versus Glynn’s scoring bursts.

Respect the Game – Respect Each Other

• Cheer great catches – no shouting while a player is attempting to catch the Sliotar
• Respect pitchers – tough job, big skill.
• Back the refs – no arguing calls.

Play hard. Play fair. Keep it positive.