From Laughing with Mates to Winning All-Irelands: The Rise of Galway City Rapparees
Some clubs come out of nowhere. Others arrive with a bang.
Galway City Rapparees somehow managed both.
Founded in late 2021 from nothing more than a WhatsApp group and a hopeful invite list, Galway City Rapparees have become one of the fastest-growing clubs in GAA Rounders. In just over three years, they’ve gone from a bunch of curious first-timers to fielding five adult teams, producing All-Star players, reaching multiple All-Ireland finals — and now, hosting a historic championship weekend of their own.
This Saturday marks a proud milestone, as the Junior All-Ireland Semi-Finals come to Galway City for the very first time — a rare occasion in a sport where most knockout fixtures have traditionally been staged in Leinster.
From First Throw to Finals
The club’s very first outing came at a Junior Men’s Blitz in October 2021. Fourteen players turned up. Not one had ever played a competitive game of rounders. Some had a bit of hurling, and lots had softball behind them (thanks Galway Softball!). Most were just there for the craic. But something clicked.
That moment of chance has turned into a club of over 60 active players — men, women, locals, internationals — all coming together in a shared love of a sport that’s as skilful and exciting as it is underappreciated.
And while numbers tell part of the story — five adult teams, three All-Ireland semi-finalists in 2025 — what’s more impressive is the spirit.
Galway Rapparees Junior mixed 2024
Standards, Structures, and All-Stars
The Rapparees haven’t just grown — they’ve helped reshape the game around them. Two club members now serve at national level: Joe Naughton as GAA Rounders National PRO, and Craig Davis as Children’s Officer and Head of Juvenile Development.
The club’s Junior Mixed team lifted an All-Ireland title in 2024, powered by a group that included All-Stars Cathal Creaven and Clodagh Naughton. That same group has now stepped up to Intermediate level and booked yet another semi-final place — proof that last year was no fluke.
The New Wave
As for the 2025 Junior Mixed team? It’s a completely new panel — packed with players who made their championship debuts this season. And yet here they are, in an All-Ireland semi-final, ready to take on Wexford’s Gusserane this Saturday at Coláiste Muire Máthair.
Building for the Future
The Rapparees have been part of a huge submission to include Rounders in the development plans for new pitches in Kingston, hoping to play during the summer months while Galway Bay Rugby takes a break. It’s a smart, collaborative vision — one rooted in long-term thinking and shared facilities.
Rounders is the only GAA code played at mixed adult level — and that’s part of its magic.
Brothers and sisters. Couples. Housemates. Friends. All togging out in the same colours, side by side. It’s competitive, yes. But it’s also inclusive, welcoming, and genuinely fun.
The People Behind It
Tomas Kenny has been just that from the very beginning — Chairperson, 3rd base on the Intermediate teams, and the man behind much of the logistics. His family business, Kenny’s Bookshop, has backed the club as main sponsor from day one.
Gavin Mulhall has been the heartbeat on the pitch — manager of the All-Ireland-winning Junior Mixed team in 2024, now leading the Intermediate Mixed team in 2025. He’s the coach, the organiser, the motivator — and the one who puts everyone in their place.
Cathal Creaven and Clodagh Naughton have been central to the club’s success both on and off the pitch. Whether batting, fielding, or just being there for others — they’ve set the standard.
And of course — Pakie, Jenna, Rory, Alex, Marko, Jay, Laura, Jessie, Ryan, Greg, Eoin, Colin, Tomas — and many more. Every single player has helped shape the club into what it is today.
What Makes Them Special
Players from India, Samoa, Canada, New Zealand, and the US. Locals from Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Limerick, Wexford, and the Midlands. Some new to sport. Some returning after years away. All finding community in black and gold.
Semi-Final Season
This weekend, it’s the Junior Mixed team on home soil. Next weekend, the Intermediate Mixed and Intermediate Men’s sides head to Dunganny, both chasing a final.
The Rapparees know finals — the joy and heartbreak. Runners-up in Junior Ladies (2024), Junior Mixed (2023), Intermediate Men (2023). Champions in Junior Mixed (2024). But through it all — they’ve grown.
And On a Personal Note…
Fielding five teams means organising fixtures, managing sessions, and yes — dropping friends from lineups when needed. That part is brutal.
I’ve previewed 100+ matches this year on the new GAA Rounders website. (Thanks Shirley!) Last week’s Breaffy vs Erne Eagles game? Match of the season.
Why do I do it?
Because people need somewhere to belong.
For three hours a week — they swing a bat, laugh, vent, joke about selections, and forget the stress. That’s why we do it.
Not just a club — a community.
And in a year that already feels special, it’s a personal thrill for Tomas and me to look forward to seeing the Pittsburgh Steelers — our black and gold inspiration — play in Croke Park this September.
It’s been one hell of a journey.
And we’re only getting started.
Joe Naughton
Galway City Rapparees
National PRO, GAA Rounders
