All-Ireland Champions! Rapparees Women Crowned 2026 Intermediate Champions
Galway City Rapparees are 2026 GAA Rounders All-Ireland Intermediate Women’s Champions after a thrilling victory over Elphin at the National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown.
🏆 2026 ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS 🏆
What a day, what a game and what an achievement from this group of players.
We knew going into Sunday that previous results would count for very little. We had faced Elphin earlier in the season, but the team that lined out against us in Abbotstown looked a completely different outfit. They were excellent throughout and produced a performance worthy of an All-Ireland final.
An Epic All-Ireland Final
There was very little between the teams from the opening inning. Rapparees edged ahead and held a narrow 2-1 lead going into the fifth inning, but Elphin responded with two scores to move in front and suddenly the All-Ireland title was beginning to slip away.
But this Rapparees team has shown incredible determination all season and they weren’t finished.
With the game on the line, Jessie Pereira produced one of the moments of the final, connecting brilliantly and sending a huge hit out into right field as Rapparees fought their way back into the contest.
The sheer will to win from the team eventually got them over the line and sparked brilliant celebrations among the players and the travelling Rapparees support.
Galway City Rapparees were All-Ireland champions.
⭐ Cat Carty – Player of the Match
There were huge performances throughout the Rapparees team, with every player contributing to the victory.
Caitríona “Cat” Carty capped an outstanding performance by being named Player of the Match, adding another special moment to an unforgettable day.
The All-Ireland title is a massive achievement in itself, but it also completes another remarkable part of the Rapparees story.
The women started their journey at Junior level just four years ago. They progressed to Intermediate and, following Sunday’s All-Ireland victory, will now make the step up to Senior Rounders in 2027.
They will join our men’s team at Senior level next season after the men completed their own journey from Junior to Senior by winning the 2025 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship.
Two More All-Ireland Finals to Come
And the Rapparees’ 2026 season isn’t finished yet.
We travel to Mallow on Sunday, September 13 with another two teams contesting All-Ireland finals.
At 11am, our Junior Mixed team face Kilmore of Roscommon before our Intermediate Mixed team take on Emo of Laois at 1pm.
Both finals will also be available to watch on TG4’s YouTube channel.
Victory for our Intermediate Mixed team would see them promoted to Senior and would make Rapparees the first club in GAA Rounders history to bring three separate teams from Junior all the way to Senior level – all in just four years.
Thank You, Elphin
A huge thank you to Elphin for an epic final. There was very little between the teams and both sides gave absolutely everything.
Thanks also to GAA Rounders for putting on a fantastic Women’s All-Ireland Finals Day at the National Games Development Centre. Playing an All-Ireland final in such a brilliant facility was special, and having the game available to watch back on YouTube makes it even better.
Finally, a big thank you to Darryl Dolan for refereeing the final brilliantly.
Fancy Playing Rounders in Galway?
We’re always looking for new members. You don’t need any previous experience – whether you played Rounders at school, play another sport or have never picked up a bat before, we’d love to have you along.
