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From UK Rounders to European Softball Glory – Now Katie Jessop Is Chasing an All-Ireland

Katie Jessop has played Rounders at a high level in Britain, represented Great Britain in Slowpitch Softball and this summer became a European champion. Now, in her first season playing GAA Rounders, she is preparing for an All-Ireland Final with Galway City Rapparees.

Eleven outs. Six catches. Four foul outs. One throw to base.

Even Katie Jessop was taken aback when she was told just how significant a part she had played in Galway City Rapparees’ All-Ireland Intermediate semi-final victory over Inniskeen.

“Honestly, I was blown away when I was told that stat.”

For someone playing her first season of GAA Rounders, it was quite a performance on one of the biggest days of the season. Katie, though, is quick to share the credit.

“As a bowler you are uniquely placed in a position where there are more opportunities to get outs. I’m super confident in my team behind me to make the catches and plays, so it means I can focus on bowling.”

That confidence has helped the Rapparees go through the season unbeaten and book their place in the All-Ireland Intermediate Women’s Final.

For Katie, it is the latest chapter in a sporting journey through three similar — but very different — games.

UK Rounders. International Slowpitch Softball.
And now GAA Rounders.

It all started with Hazel

The person responsible for this particular part of Katie’s sporting journey was her fiancée, Hazel Kilduff.

Hazel had played with the Rapparees in 2025 and when she suggested Katie give GAA Rounders a go the following year, there wasn’t exactly a prolonged recruitment campaign.

“Hazel did not need to do much convincing at all. I’m up for most sports, especially if it celebrates women’s sport and achievements.”

Katie had already gone along to watch Hazel trial for the Connacht Interpros and remembers thinking: “I’d love to give this a go!”

There was just one slight complication. Katie thought she already knew how to play Rounders.

Same name, very different game

Having played Rounders to a high level in Britain, Katie naturally assumed GAA Rounders would be more or less the same sport.

“When Hazel first told me that she was playing GAA Rounders I immediately assumed it was the same as the Rounders I played in the UK.

“I even went into explaining how the scoring works and making sure you run around every post so you don’t get called out.

“I think it made Hazel have a shock to the system when she turned up to her first training session!

“I was very wrong… but there are still some similarities.”

For Irish readers unfamiliar with the British game, the differences are substantial.

“There are some obvious visual differences such as a smaller bat used with one hand, posts instead of bases and the posts are laid out in more of a pentagon-style shape than a diamond.

“All scoring in Rounders in the UK is done on your hit, so you have to get around as many bases as you can each time — half for getting to second and one Rounder for getting to fourth.

“It therefore makes the tactical defence slightly different as you don’t need to lock bases either. You also have to run on a good ball even if you don’t hit it.”

Different equipment, scoring and tactics — but the basic idea remains familiar.

“So it’s very different, but the premise of it is the same: score as much as you can and get the ball in or players out to stop them from scoring.”

The right-handed, left-handed bowler

Katie’s position in the Galway team has provided another surprise.

Having generally played in the outfield in British Rounders before moving into the infield in Softball, she has established herself as a bowler in GAA Rounders.

And there is another unusual detail.

Katie is right-handed. She bowls left-handed.

“I interestingly find bowling easier with my left hand despite being right-handed.

“I think this is because when I taught Rounders in school I was more accurate bowling left-handed when demonstrating the skill.”

And when a batter does connect, there is a particularly familiar face among those waiting behind her.

Hazel is in the outfield.

Having an Irish international Softball player — who also happens to be your fiancée — waiting for anything sent into the air can’t be a bad feeling for a bowler.

Between GAA Rounders and international Softball, it has also been an exceptionally busy summer for the pair. Matches, tournaments and international duty have all had to be juggled — along with the regular messages from Rapparees secretary Joe Naughton checking their availability for the next game.

Somehow, they have managed to fit it all in.

Katie batting for Galway City Rapparees

A team building towards this since 2024

The story of this Rapparees women’s team began before Katie arrived.

The team first came together in 2024 and immediately reached the Junior All-Ireland Final, only to finish on the losing side.

Jenna O’Brien has put a huge amount of work into the group since those early days, helping to build a team that stayed together through that disappointment and the challenge of stepping up to Intermediate level.

Their first Intermediate season in 2025 was a learning curve, with teams like Carrickmacross — who reached this year’s Senior semi-final — competing at that level.

This year has been better.

Under manager Rory McGarvey, the Rapparees have reached the All-Ireland Final unbeaten.

For the players who have been on that journey since 2024, there would be something particularly special about finally collecting their winning Celtic Cross medals.

Katie may be one of the newest additions, but it hasn’t taken her long to recognise what has kept the group together.

“What I do know is this year I have loved playing with this women’s team.

“It is a wonderful group of people who are super supportive of each other and work hard on every play.

“Communication and positivity is crucial and this team has an abundance of it.”

The season hasn’t just been about results either. Katie has enjoyed the social side of GAA Rounders — spending time with teammates and becoming part of a sporting community that was completely new to her at the beginning of the year.

European champion – and Hazel on the other side

As if reaching an All-Ireland Final wasn’t enough for one summer, Katie has already collected a major honour.

Representing Great Britain in Slowpitch Softball, she helped GB defend their European title.

“This has definitely been the highlight of my sporting career so far.

“It was my second Euros competition and we defended our title as European champions. What made this one so special was that it was the first home games in London since 2008.”

There was another twist.

While Katie was representing Great Britain, Hazel was playing for Ireland.

Fiancées away from the field. International opponents on it.

“It’s really great. I am super proud of all her achievements, so it’s great to share the field together.

“We tend to end up not physically playing against each other at the same time, but we do try and work it so we can give each other the pre-game pin at the start.”

And which of them is more competitive?

“I’d say we are both as competitive as each other. We’re very good at leaving Softball on the field.

“The competition comes home when we play things like mini golf, which Hazel actually beat me at for the first time this week.

“5–1 to me!”

Some sporting records clearly matter more than others.

One game away

As a PE teacher, Katie says she now hopes to incorporate more Rounders into her classes, describing it as an “inclusive sport and fun to play.”

Her introduction to the GAA itself has also made an impression.

“There is real pride in representing your club and working towards achieving an All-Ireland medal.

“No matter what sport you participate in, in the GAA the All-Ireland medal holds the same prestige.”

And now she has the chance to win one.

UK Rounders player.
International Slowpitch Softball player.
European champion.
GAA Rounders bowler.
All-Ireland finalist.

It is quite a journey for someone who began the season with considerably simpler expectations.

“All I was hoping to do was have fun, learn a new sport and make some new friends.

“All of which came true, with a lovely bonus of qualifying for an All-Ireland Final.”

For Katie, victory would mean an All-Ireland medal in her first season to go alongside her European Softball success.

For some of her teammates, it would be the culmination of a journey that began with that Junior Final defeat in 2024.

And if Galway do complete their unbeaten season, does Hazel get some credit for recruiting Katie?

“Yes, she definitely does; as does the whole team and club for a fantastic season across all levels — men’s, mixed and women’s.

“It’s been a great season and I’m already looking forward to next year.”

Next year can wait.

For some of her teammates, the journey to this final began three seasons ago. For Katie, it began with Hazel suggesting she give a different version of Rounders a try.

Now those two journeys have arrived at the same place.

One game. One All-Ireland title.
And one more medal to chase.

---

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A Word of Thanks to the Women’s Panel

Finally, a word of thanks to the entire Galway City Rapparees Intermediate Women’s panel, who have contributed throughout the season and helped the team reach this All-Ireland Final.

Jenna O’Brien

Alex Stewart.   Cat Carty

Clodagh Naughton (Captain) 

Eimear Cuddy

Katie Jessop

Hazel Kilduff

Laura Salvatore

Jessie Pereira

Tríona Moran

Yvonne O’DonoghueMel Mannion

Ciara Walsh

Sorcha Dowd

Edel Brennan

Gwen Ní Réamánn

Charlotte Turpitt

Hazel Dwyer

Whatever happens on final day, reaching an All-Ireland Final unbeaten has been a fantastic achievement for the entire group.

The post From UK Rounders to European Softball Glory – Now Katie Jessop Is Chasing an All-Ireland appeared first on Rapparees.

Five from Five

A Remarkable First Season in Senior

Hosting the Best in the Country

One Club. One Vision.

The post Five Teams. Five Semi-Finals. One Incredible Club. appeared first on Rapparees.

An incredible seven Rapparees players will represent international teams across two major international tournaments this week, highlighting the remarkable standard of talent that has been developed within the club in just a few short years.

For a club founded in 2021, having seven active players competing on the international stage at the same time is a tremendous achievement and one everyone involved with the Rapparees can be immensely proud of.

Four Rapparees Selected for the Irish All-Star Team

Four members of the club have earned selection on the Irish All-Star Team for the 2026 O’Neills GAA World Games, which are taking place in Waterford. The Games bring together athletes from around the world to celebrate Gaelic games and are the biggest edition of the event to date.  

Representing the Irish All-Star Team are:

• Tomás Kenny
• Pakie Killilea
• Ili Tuimauga
• Ryan Dennis

Being selected to wear the Irish jersey is a fitting reward for the commitment and performances each player has shown both for Galway City Rapparees and throughout GAA Rounders.

Three More Players Competing in European Softball Championship

The club’s international representation doesn’t end there.

Three more Rapparees will compete in the WBSC Europe Co-Ed Slowpitch European Championship in London, representing both Ireland and Great Britain.

Those players are:

• Hazel Kilduff – Ireland
• Cathal Creaven – Ireland
• Katie Jessop – Great Britain

The championship attracts many of Europe’s top slowpitch softball players and provides another opportunity for Rapparees players to test themselves at the highest international level.

A Huge Moment for the Club

To have seven current players selected across two international competitions in the same week is something very few clubs could claim.

It reflects the dedication of the players themselves, the quality of coaching within the club, and the positive environment that has been built since Galway City Rapparees was established.

While the players will wear different jerseys over the coming days, they all carry the Rapparees name with them and continue to showcase the club on the international stage.

Everyone at Galway City Rapparees wishes Tomás, Pakie, Ili, Ryan, Hazel, Katie and Cathal the very best of luck.

We know you will represent your countries, your teammates and our club with pride.

Safe travels, enjoy every minute, and make us proud.

One Club. One Family.

The post Seven Galway City Rapparees Players Set to Represent International Teams This Week appeared first on Rapparees.

The exhibition programme will feature Women’s, Men’s and Mixed matches, with each squad split into two evenly balanced teams on the day to ensure three highly competitive fixtures.

The event forms part of the wider GAA World Games celebrations and gives Rounders one of its biggest promotional opportunities to date, with players from 13 clubs across Ireland taking part.

Four Rapparees Earn National Recognition

Galway City Rapparees will be represented by four players across the three exhibition squads.

Ryan Dennis – Men’s Exhibition Match

Senior Men’s star Ryan Dennis has been selected in the Men’s Exhibition squad, which contains 22 players from nine clubs.

Dennis has established himself as one of the country’s leading bowlers and will line out alongside many of the top names in Irish Rounders when the Men’s Exhibition Match gets underway at 2:30pm in SETU Arena.

Ili Tuimauga – Men’s Exhibition Match

Joining Dennis is teammate Ili Tuimauga, another key figure in Galway City Rapparees’ senior side.

Tuimauga’s selection is recognition of his consistent performances since starting with the club last year and collecting an All-Star, he gives the Rapparees two representatives in one of the showcase games of the day.

Tomás Kenny – Mixed Exhibition Match

Club President Tomás Kenny has been selected in the 25-player Mixed Exhibition squad.

Kenny has played a major role both on and off the field in the continued growth of Galway City Rapparees and will now represent the club in what promises to be one of the highlights of the World Games programme. He plays 3rd base.

The Mixed Exhibition Match will take place at 5pm at Naomh Pól GAA. 

Pakie Killilea – Mixed Exhibition Match

Completing the Galway City representation is Pakie Killilea, who also earns selection in the Mixed Exhibition squad. Killilea can bowl and play left field.

He has been a consistent performer for the Rapparees and joins Kenny as Galway’s representatives in the Mixed format, one of the defining features of GAA Rounders.

Cathal Creaven was selected,  but will be representing Ireland at European Co-Ed Softball tournament in London the same week so he was unavailable. Hazel Kilduff and Katie Jessop will also be at the event representing Ireland & GB respectively.

A Showcase for the Sport

Players will collect their specially designed GAA World Games jerseys before the games, with each exhibition squad divided into two evenly balanced teams on the day.

Alongside the three matches, the event will feature skills competitions, Player of the Match awards, an All-Ireland trophy display and the official GAA Rounders World Games after-party in Waterford City.

The sport will also receive valuable national exposure when Virgin Media’s Ireland AM broadcasts live from Waterford on Tuesday, 14 July, with players and officials helping introduce GAA Rounders to a wider audience.

GAA World Games Rounders Exhibition Players by Club

Breaffy (Mayo) – 9

• Helen Gallagher – Women’s Exhibition
• Aileen Gavin – Women’s Exhibition
• Gráinne Gavin – Women’s Exhibition
• Katie Groomell – Women’s Exhibition
• Michelle Hopkins – Women’s Exhibition
• John Gibbons – Men’s Exhibition
• Mark Jennings – Men’s Exhibition
• Colm Jordan – Men’s Exhibition
• Patrick Heneghan – Mixed Exhibition

Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan) – 10

• Justin Burns – Men’s Exhibition
• Declan Finnegan – Men’s Exhibition
• Ronan Kiernan – Men’s Exhibition
• Barry Lambe – Men’s Exhibition
• Euan Matthews – Men’s Exhibition
• Louise Byrne – Mixed Exhibition
• Aisling Ginnitty – Mixed Exhibition
• Michelle McDonnell – Mixed Exhibition
• Kim Thornton – Women’s Exhibition
• Marie Whelan – Women’s Exhibition

Cúchulainn (Carlow) – 7

• Billy Connors – Men’s Exhibition
• Peadar Waters – Men’s Exhibition
• Danny Broderick – Mixed Exhibition
• Leanne Carroll – Mixed Exhibition
• Leah Mullins – Mixed Exhibition
• Marion Sheir – Women’s Exhibition
• Caroline Waters – Women’s Exhibition

Dublin Metropolitans (Dublin) – 1

• Aidan Jayne – Mixed Exhibition

Emo (Laois) – 2

• Michael Slevin – Mixed Exhibition
• JP Tynan – Mixed Exhibition

Erne Eagles (Cavan) – 9

• Maggie Brady – Women’s Exhibition
• Shirleen Burns – Women’s Exhibition
• Lisa Flood – Women’s Exhibition
• Irene Scanlon – Women’s Exhibition
• Gerard Clerkin – Men’s Exhibition
• Owen Roe O’Reilly – Men’s Exhibition
• Shane Sheridan – Men’s Exhibition
• Geraldine Goldrick – Mixed Exhibition
• Justin Perrin – Mixed Exhibition

Galway City Rapparees (Galway) – 4

• Ryan Dennis – Men’s Exhibition
• Ili Tuimauga – Men’s Exhibition
• Tomás Kenny – Mixed Exhibition
• Pakie Killilea – Mixed Exhibition

Glynn Barntown (Wexford) – 15

• Pamela Brennan – Women’s Exhibition
• Abbie Delaney – Women’s Exhibition
• Chloe Doyle – Women’s Exhibition
• Aileen Kelly – Women’s Exhibition
• Sheena King – Women’s Exhibition
• Alisha Reddy – Women’s Exhibition
• Emma Reddy – Women’s Exhibition
• Mary Roche – Women’s Exhibition
• Paul Cooper – Men’s Exhibition
• Paul Delaney – Men’s Exhibition
• Garry Jordan – Men’s Exhibition
• Aoife Birney – Mixed Exhibition
• Gary Boland – Mixed Exhibition
• Tyra Brennan – Mixed Exhibition
• Mick Kelly – Mixed Exhibition

Innishkeen Grattans (Monaghan) – 1

• Julianne Smith – Mixed Exhibition

Limekiln (Dublin) – 2

• Eddie Healy – Men’s Exhibition
• Ciarán Weldon – Men’s Exhibition

Raheen (Wexford) – 3

• Eddie O’Connor – Men’s Exhibition
• Aidan McDonald – Mixed Exhibition
• Nakita O’Connor – Mixed Exhibition

St. Senan’s (Limerick) – 3

• Louise Kelly – Women’s Exhibition
• JP Mulvihill – Mixed Exhibition
• Niall Sheehy – Mixed Exhibition

The Heath (Laois) – 4

• Holly Kavanagh – Women’s Exhibition
• Aaron Keane – Men’s Exhibition
• Danielle Keane – Mixed Exhibition
• Dwayne Keane – Mixed Exhibition

The post Four Galway City Rapparees Selected for Historic GAA World Games Exhibition Matches appeared first on Rapparees.

Galway City Rapparees Interview

Pakie Killiea: From Boston to Senior Championship Rounders

How a former softball player helped build Galway City Rapparees from a handful of friends in Laurel Park into one of Ireland’s largest Rounders clubs in just five years.

Pakie Killiea has been part of the Rapparees story from the early days through to Senior Championship Rounders.

NamePakie Killiea

ClubGalway City Rapparees

PositionLeft Field / Bowler

BackgroundSoftball, Basketball & GAA

“The next thing I hear is that we’re going to win an All-Ireland in Rounders just to show them.”

Like most great sporting stories, Galway City Rapparees did not begin with a masterplan.

There was no strategic blueprint, no long-term vision document and certainly no expectation that five years later the club would be fielding five championship teams and competing in Senior Men’s Championship Rounders.

Instead, there was a group of competitive people, a shared love of sport and a determination to prove a point.

Few people have witnessed that journey more closely than Pakie Killiea.

From the very first sessions in Laurel Park through to All-Ireland finals, championship victories and promotion to the Senior ranks, Pakie has been part of every chapter of the club’s short but remarkable story.

5Years Old

5Adult Teams

40%Never Played Softball

From Boston to Annaghdown

For Pakie, the story begins long before Galway City Rapparees existed.

Moving from Boston to Annaghdown as a child was a major change, but sport quickly became the way he settled into life in Galway.

“It was a big change for sure. Living in the country in Annaghdown, there wasn’t as much to do back then so I immediately jumped into all and any sports around.”

Within days of arriving in Galway, he was already being sent towards football training.

“I think it was about three or four days after we landed here my dad sent me up to football training, so I was always involved in sport and the GAA.”

American sports remained a huge influence too. Through his father, Pakie developed a love for baseball, which eventually led him into softball and, ultimately, Rounders.

The Comment That Helped Spark a Club

The origins of Galway City Rapparees have become part of club folklore.

Pakie’s first introduction came through the Galway softball community.

“The first I heard of it was from a group of lads in the Galway softball team saying they were setting up a team and asking if I was interested in playing.”

Then came a comment that still gets mentioned years later.

At the time, then GAA President Larry McCarthy, who was based in New York, referred to softball as the young girls’ version of baseball while discussing sports similar to Rounders.

That comment did not sit particularly well with many Irish softball players. Softball in Ireland was not a women’s sport. At the time there were around 50 mixed teams throughout the country, with men and women playing together every week.

“Joe got a bit shocked when then GAA President Larry McCarthy said they had similar sports in America like baseball and softball and referred to softball as the young girls’ version of baseball.”

Pakie laughs remembering what happened next.

“The next thing I hear is that we’re going to win an All-Ireland in Rounders just to show them.”

What started as a challenge quickly became something much bigger.

Learning Rounders the Hard Way

The Galway City Rapparees of 2026 are very different to the group that first took the field in Laurel Park.

Back then, everything felt new.

“It was raw for sure.”

Every match felt like a lesson.

“Every play we’d stop and try to figure out if we had the right rules, figuring out what the best play was compared to softball, but we still had a good understanding of the game and plenty of crossover talent.”

One thing has certainly improved.

“The condition of the carpets has definitely gotten better.”

Even in those early years, Pakie believed the club could eventually compete with the best teams in the country.

Alongside Cathal Creaven, he spent countless evenings watching old Rounders matches and listening to podcasts featuring some of the game’s stalwarts during Covid.

“We immersed ourselves in the game and everything about it. We studied other players and teams and thought to ourselves, ‘We can play with these.’”

The ambition was there. The experience was not.

“It took a few good beatings to realise we needed to understand the game a bit more and be more tactical about things and not just go out trying to hit home runs every game.”

The Day Emo Brought Everyone Back Down to Earth

One of Pakie’s favourite stories comes from shortly after Galway City Rapparees won the Junior Men’s Blitz.

Confidence was understandably high. Maybe a little too high.

After lifting the trophy, Galway travelled to Emo to play their men’s team.

The result was a reality check. A big one.

“I think we only made them bowl around 40 balls all day. We just kept popping everything up and it was being caught everywhere.”

Suddenly the gap between where the club thought they were and where they actually were became very obvious.

“It was a very sobering day.”

Years later, Galway City Rapparees would defeat Emo in the Intermediate Men’s All-Ireland Final.

Looking back now, that result means more than most.

“Beating them in the final last year was brilliant because it showed just how far we’d come.”

Heartbreak Before Success

The victories are special. But the defeats are the moments Pakie remembers most clearly.

Two losses stand out: the Junior Mixed All-Ireland Final against Kilmeena and the Intermediate Men’s All-Ireland Final against Michael Glaveys.

At the time, both felt like huge missed opportunities.

“Definitely losing. Especially by the smallest of margins.”

One moment remains crystal clear.

“I’ll never forget watching the winners, who we’d built up a fierce rivalry with at the time, collecting their medals.”

“I took it all in and said to myself, I hate this feeling. I don’t want to experience this again.”

The response was immediate.

“I think we opened the next season scoring 45 runs in the first inning of the first game.”

Sometimes the best motivation comes from disappointment.

Why Not Going Senior Earlier May Have Been the Best Thing

At the time, losing the Intermediate Men’s final to Michael Glaveys felt devastating.

Promotion seemed within touching distance. When it did not happen, doubts inevitably crept in.

“You start wondering, are we just not destined to get to Senior or are we going to have to wait a long time?”

Looking back now, Pakie sees things differently.

“Looking back, it was probably a good thing. Lots of men’s teams have gone Senior and ended up getting beaten by 20 or 30 runs every week.”

Instead, Galway City Rapparees stayed patient. They developed players. They improved tactically. They built depth. They created competition for places.

Now, as a Senior Men’s club, Pakie believes they belong there.

“We can compete now.”

The biggest difference is consistency.

“Players available for selection. Players playing in the same positions. Our overall gameplay.”

“We definitely have more experience now and understand the game better. It helps that we have more bowlers too.”

More Than Just a Softball Team Playing Rounders

One of the biggest misconceptions about Galway City Rapparees is that they are still largely made up of former softball players.

That might have been true at the beginning. It is not true anymore.

In fact, Pakie estimates that around 40% of the club’s current members never played softball before joining. That number continues to grow every year.

When the club started, most players came from softball backgrounds. Today, people join because they want to play Rounders, not because they used to play something else.

For Pakie, that is one of the biggest signs of the club’s success.

Rounders is now attracting people directly into the sport.

The People Who Built It

Ask Pakie what makes Galway City Rapparees special and he immediately talks about the people.

The club has gone from a small group of friends to five championship teams, but many familiar faces remain at the heart of it.

“To mention a few, the likes of Tomas, Gavin, Alex, Mark, Jenna, Jay, Laura, Jessie, Gwen, Ryan, Rory, TC, Eoin, the two Colins, Greg, Cathal and Clodagh have been around from the start.”

Those players helped build the foundations.

Now a new group is helping push the men’s team forward.

“When you see Ajay, Ili, Vishal and Alberto added to the men’s team, you know we are going in the right direction.”

The growth is not just about results. It is about culture.

Whether you are fighting for a place on a junior team or starting for the Senior Men, everybody is part of the same club.

“Whether you’re a sub fighting for your place on the junior team or a starter on the senior team, we all have great craic together, cheer each other on and are always up for a few pints after a championship match.”

The Softball Raps and the Value of a Social Blitz

This weekend, the Softball Raps will take part in the Galway Blitz, with Joe and Mark helping put a team together so Rounders players can enjoy the buzz of an all-day softball event.

For Pakie, that type of crossover is exactly the kind of thing Rounders should look at more in the years ahead.

“Yeah, for sure. I think there is scope to do something like that in Rounders.”

Not every player wants every event to be high-pressure championship sport. Some people want a day out, a few games, a bit of craic and the chance to play with people they might not normally line out beside.

“Not everyone is going to want to do it, but for those people who want to play for a bit of fun, a social blitz day would definitely be a great idea.”

It is another reminder that the sport can grow in more than one way: through championship competition, but also through social days that bring players together.

Richard Jeffrey, Darryl Dolan and Players Who Stand Out

Asked which former Rapparees player he would most like to have back in the squad, Pakie does not take long to pick out Richard Jeffrey.

“There’s a few that come to mind but if I had to pick one I’d pick Richard Jeffrey, who played in the first Junior Day with us.”

For Pakie, Richard had all the raw ingredients needed to thrive in Rounders.

“He had everything a Rounders player needs. Fast, could catch a cold in a desert, could hit the ball and even tried his hand at bowling too.”

When it comes to players from other clubs, Pakie admits he does not know every name in the Senior division yet, but one opponent already stands out.

“Out of the few I do know, I’m looking forward to playing against Darryl Dolan from Erne Eagles, so I’d have to say him.”

Sharing the Game With Ali

One of the most special parts of Pakie’s Rounders journey has been sharing the club with his wife Ali.

Mixed Rounders gave them the chance to train together, play together and share some of the biggest days in the club’s short history.

“It’s been amazing. That’s what’s great about playing on mixed teams — you get to share the field together.”

Ali’s first game for Galway City Rapparees came in an All-Ireland quarter-final, and she stepped straight into the occasion.

For Pakie, that day was about watching her perform more than anything he did himself.

“I didn’t even care about my own performance that day. As long as she played well, I was happy.”

It has become another part of what makes the club feel like home.

“It’s brilliant being able to train together and teaching her how to bowl as well.”

More Than Team-Mates

For Pakie, the strongest part of the club is not what happens on the field. It is what happens away from it.

“There was a huge crowd from the club at my stag and wedding.”

Rounders players filled two tables at the wedding. They even got mentions in the speeches.

The friendships do not end when the season finishes either.

“Only last weekend there were a few birthdays in the club and we all met up. There were probably 40 people there.”

For a club that only began five years ago, that is remarkable.

The club has become a genuine community.

Mixed Memories and Senior Men’s Competition

While Pakie loves competing at Senior Men’s level, he admits the Mixed game will always hold a special place.

“Playing the Mixed game with so many really good friends means a lot.”

Many of his closest friendships have been built through those teams.

At the same time, Senior Men’s Rounders brings something different.

“There definitely has been a more competitive drive playing Senior Men.”

Every game matters. Every mistake gets punished. Every win feels earned.

And that is exactly how he likes it.

Bowling, Left Field and Ronaldo

Although he now spends most of his time in left field, Pakie still loves bowling.

“I love bowling. Not going to sugar-coat it.”

The attraction comes from his baseball background.

“I always had a fascination with pitching in baseball and how you can control and manipulate what the opposing batter does.”

While he misses bowling at times, he feels at home in the outfield now.

As for the Ronaldo nickname?

He is still trying to figure that one out.

“Joe started calling me Ronaldo out of nowhere and I still don’t know exactly where it came from.”

“But if I’m Ronaldo, then Cathal is Messi.”

The Dream Still Ahead

For all the memories, friendships and success, Pakie still believes the biggest achievements may be ahead.

His proudest moment remains helping Galway City Rapparees win the Intermediate Men’s All-Ireland and secure promotion to Senior level.

“It’s all about the team, so definitely winning the Intermediate Men’s All-Ireland.”

The men’s team was the first team established within the club, making the achievement even more meaningful.

But there is still one ambition that stands above everything else.

“I hope to be the first person in the club to win a Senior All-Ireland as both a player and a coach.”

Then comes the final message.

“No pressure Joe, but you might need to sub in for a Senior game yet to secure that title.”

In just five years, Galway City Rapparees have gone from a group of softball players learning the rules in Laurel Park to one of the biggest Rounders clubs in Ireland and a Senior Men’s Championship side. For Pakie Killiea, the story is not really about what has already been achieved. It is about what comes next.

The post Pakie Killiea: From Boston to Senior Championship Rounders appeared first on Rapparees.

Galway Go Games Rounders Blitz Is Coming!

Fun. Fast. Friendly. And completely free.

Galway’s young GAA stars will get the chance to swing a bat, catch a ball, run the bases and try one of Ireland’s fastest-growing GAA sports as the GAA Rounders Go Games Blitz comes to Liam Mellows GAA Club.

This is all about giving children a brilliant first taste of rounders in a fun, welcoming and inclusive setting. No pressure. No experience needed. Just turn up, get involved and enjoy the game.

Galway Blitz Dates

Galway City Rapparees Rounders Club are delighted to support and promote the growth of the game locally, with the black and yellow proudly flying as rounders continues to grow across Galway.

“These events are free to all GAA members. We provide all necessary equipment, allowing teams to simply turn up and play.”

— Gwen Redmond, Galway Go Games Champion

Event Details

• Event: GAA Rounders Go Games Blitz
• Venue: Liam Mellows GAA Club
• Date: Saturday, 23rd May 2026
• Age Group: Under-12 Boys & Girls
• Cost: Free
• Register: [email protected]

The post Galway GAA Rounders Go Games Blitz At Liam Mellows appeared first on Rapparees.

Galway City Rapparees 12-13 Carrickmacross Emmets

Galway City Rapparees continued to show they belong at the top table of GAA Rounders after producing a hugely spirited display against reigning All-Ireland Senior Men’s champions Carrickmacross Emmets on Sunday in The Heath.

In just their first season competing at Senior Men’s level, the Rapparees pushed one of the most established sides in the country all the way before eventually falling agonisingly short in a 13-12 thriller.

For large parts of the game, Galway looked fearless. They matched the champions inning for inning, showed composure under pressure, and once again demonstrated just how quickly this side is developing.

One of the biggest talking points heading into the game was Vishal Pathare making his first Senior Men’s start as pitcher. The Galway man stepped into one of the toughest jobs in Irish Rounders against a Carrickmacross lineup packed with experience and quality — and more than held his own.

Pathare delivered an outstanding performance on debut, showing composure, control and confidence throughout the contest. Against elite opposition, he looked every inch a senior bowler and gave Galway a platform to compete right to the final inning.

The Rapparees also produced some huge moments in the field. Getting legendary Carrickmacross hitter Barry Lambe out twice in a single inning was one of those moments players will talk about for years afterwards.

Defensively, Galway showed aggression and belief throughout, while their batting once again proved they can hurt any side in the country.

Greg Mannion continued his excellent start to the season, while Ajay Kumar, Ili Tuimauga, Pakie Killilea, Tomas Kenny and Jay Hall all made important contributions as Galway repeatedly fought back whenever Carrickmacross threatened to pull away.

There was also concern during the game after Cathal Creaven was forced off following an ankle injury after reaching first base. Creaven has been one of Galway’s most consistent performers this season and everyone in the club will be hoping the injury is not too serious.

Despite the narrow defeat, there was enormous pride afterwards within the Galway camp. Carrickmacross Emmets remain the benchmark in Senior Men’s Rounders, and for Galway City Rapparees to travel away and lose by a single run shows just how much progress this group has made in a very short period of time.

The club’s transition from Intermediate champions to genuine Senior competitors is gathering momentum quickly, and performances like this will only strengthen belief within the squad.

There may be no moral victories in elite sport, but there are performances that announce a team’s arrival. This felt like one of them.

Top Scorers After Round 3

Venue: The Heath
Competition: Senior Men’s Championship
Result: Carrickmacross Emmets 13-12 Galway City Rapparees

The post Galway City Rapparees Push All-Ireland Champions All The Way In Senior Thriller appeared first on Rapparees.

For many Galway City Rapparees supporters, Vishal Pathare’s rise within the club has felt remarkably quick. In only a short period of time, the Indian native has become one of the key bowlers in the squad and an important figure as the club takes its first steps into Senior Men’s Rounders.

That progress was underlined on Sunday against Carrickmacross Emmets, when Vishal bowled his first starting game as pitcher at Senior level. He produced a player-of-the-match performance and looked every bit a senior bowler, combining accuracy, calmness and control in one of the biggest games of his Rapparees career so far.

But long before Galway City Rapparees and GAA Rounders entered the picture, Vishal’s sporting journey had already travelled through volleyball courts, cricket grounds, baseball diamonds and fast-pitch softball fields in India.

“I started out playing cricket, like most kids in India, but the first sport I played seriously was volleyball. I officially began playing volleyball when I was in 7th grade, mainly because I was following in my elder brother’s footsteps.”

That theme of following his brother into sport would continue. After progressing from junior to senior volleyball at school level, Vishal later discovered baseball and fast-pitch softball during junior college.

“I went on to play both baseball and softball at state level, so those sports became a big part of my sporting journey.”

While softball and baseball shaped many of the skills that now suit rounders so naturally, Vishal also enjoyed major success in cricket after moving to Ireland. One tournament in particular still stands out.

“My proudest moment came in 2023. We were playing against a very strong team with one of the best bowling attacks in the competition, and I performed really well against them in the semi-final.”

Across the competition, Vishal scored an incredible 308 runs while hitting 39 sixes — a record tally that still stands.

Medal from 2025

Best batsman award

“That tournament really stands out for me because it was against tough opposition, and I was able to deliver when it mattered.”

Discovering Rounders in Galway

His eventual introduction to GAA Rounders came through Galway’s social softball scene, where he first met several Rapparees players.

“I first started playing social league softball in Galway, and that’s where I met Cathal, Pakie and Cat. Cat was actually the first person who came up to me and said, ‘You’ll enjoy rounders, it’s similar to fast-pitch softball.’”

From there, the transition into the Galway City Rapparees setup happened naturally.

“Once I started, I really enjoyed it. The game felt familiar in some ways, but it also had its own style and challenges, which made it exciting.”

Vishal also joked that once he started rounders, it became very hard not to get fully pulled into the club.

“At the beginning I just came along to try rounders and see what it was like, but once you start with this club it’s very hard not to get pulled in properly. The atmosphere, the people and the enjoyment of the game make it easy to keep coming back.”

And when it comes to availability, Vishal admitted there is one particular problem.

“Whenever Joe texts asking if I’m available, I find it almost impossible to say no!”

Skills That Transferred Naturally

Coming from cricket, baseball and softball, many of the technical skills transferred quickly.

“The bowling, batting and fielding felt quite natural to me because of my background in cricket, baseball and softball.”

However, not everything was straightforward.

“The biggest learning curve was understanding the rules, especially the base-lock rule. That one took a little time to get used to.”

Vishal’s pitching background in fast-pitch softball has made him a natural fit as a bowler in rounders, and he has embraced that responsibility within the Rapparees setup.

“Bowling with accuracy is what excites me the most. For me, if I can bowl well and work in good coordination with the backstop, I feel like half the game is already moving in our favour.”

That confidence was clear against Carrickmacross. In his first Senior start as bowler, Vishal delivered the kind of performance that showed why the Rapparees believe he can become a major figure at the top level of the game.

A Landmark Senior Season

The 2026 season marks a landmark year for Galway City Rapparees as the club competes at Senior Men’s level for the first time. Vishal believes the progress over the last two seasons has been extraordinary.

“We won the Junior Mixed title in 2024 and the Intermediate Men’s title in 2025, which were both big moments for the club. Now, stepping up to Senior level is very exciting because it’s the highest level of competition.”

While the Senior Men’s campaign is a huge step for the club, Vishal is also looking forward to the Intermediate Mixed Championship this year. He believes Galway City Rapparees have the quality, experience and togetherness to go all the way.

“I’m really looking forward to Intermediate Mixed this year. I feel there should definitely be an All-Ireland title there for us if we perform the way we can.”

An International Team in a Galway Jersey

One of the defining features of this Rapparees team is its diversity. The current squad includes players from Ireland, India, Italy, North America and Māori backgrounds, creating a unique sporting culture within the club.

“Everyone comes from a different background and brings their own style of play. That makes the team stronger because we can learn from each other.”

For Vishal personally, the club has also played a huge role socially since moving to Ireland.

“The club is a place where everyone is treated equally and made to feel welcome. After office hours, going to training feels like therapy for me.”

Big Memories and Bigger Ambitions

When asked about his favourite memories so far, the answer was simple.

“Winning the two titles has definitely been the highlight so far — the Junior Mixed title and the Intermediate Men’s title.”

But he hopes bigger moments are still ahead.

“Hopefully, the next favourite moment will be winning at Senior level in the future.”

Despite his rapid success in rounders, Vishal still sees room for growth both personally and collectively.

“Personally, I want to keep improving, contribute to the team, and perform well whenever I get the chance.”

And when it comes to Galway City Rapparees’ ambitions this season, he is aiming high.

“I believe this team is good enough to compete for the Senior title.”

Finally, with cricket, softball and rounders all playing huge roles in his sporting life, Vishal was asked the impossible question — which sport comes first?

His answer probably summed up his sporting journey perfectly.

“Haha, that’s a tough one! I’d have to pick all of them. I honestly can’t separate them because each sport has given me something different and special.”

Thanks to Kennys.ie & Galway Sports Partnership.

The post From India to Galway: Vishal Pathare’s Journey Through Cricket, Softball and Rounders appeared first on Rapparees.

Galway City Rapparees made an impressive start to their 2026 Junior Men’s Championship campaign with a strong win over Sporting Limerick at St Mary’s College, Galway.

The standout performer on the day was leadoff batter Hitesh Tahilramani, who produced a record-breaking display by scoring an incredible 7 runs — setting a new Galway City Rapparees club record in the process.

Of the seven times he crossed home plate, one came from a home run, while on four other occasions his batting got him as far as second base before he eventually came home.

While the game featured a high number of walks and free bases throughout, the Rapparees remained disciplined and took full advantage of the opportunities presented to them. Galway showed patience in the batter’s box and backed it up with aggressive running on the bases.

Hitesh helped set the tone from the opening inning, repeatedly getting into scoring positions and allowing the home side to build momentum early in the contest.

The victory was another significant moment for a Galway City Rapparees club that continues to grow rapidly. The Rapparees remain one of only two clubs in the country currently fielding two adult men’s teams, alongside reigning Senior Men’s champions Carrickmacross Emmets.

For a junior side featuring a mix of newer and experienced players, this was an encouraging opening performance and one that will give the squad confidence heading into next Sunday’s clash with Elphin.

Credit must also go to Sporting Limerick, who fielded a very new team and showed plenty of positive signs despite the result. As with many developing sides entering championship competition, there is clearly a learning curve, but the experience gained from matches like this will stand to them and they are likely to improve game by game as the season progresses.

There is still plenty of improvement left in the Galway side too, but opening the championship with a victory and a club-record individual performance represents a very strong start to the 2026 campaign for Galway City Rapparees.

The post Hitesh Sets Club Record as Rapparees Juniors Open Championship with Victory appeared first on Rapparees.

We are proud to be Galway City’s only Rounders club – and 2026 marks our first year competing at Senior level!
This is a huge milestone for the club as we continue to grow and develop. We now have over 60 members and five competitive teams ready to represent Galway on the national stage.

2025 Intermediate Men’s Champions

Our proudest moment so far came in 2025 when we were crowned All-Ireland Intermediate Men’s Champions.
This victory secured our promotion to Senior for the very first time and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the club.

Ladies Team

Our Ladies team made history in 2024, reaching the All-Ireland Junior Ladies Final and finishing as runners-up.
In 2025, they took on an exciting new challenge, stepping up to Intermediate level to compete against some of the strongest clubs in Ireland and will do so again in 2026.

Our 2026 Teams

• Senior Men’s – our debut season in the top grade!
• Intermediate Ladies – following 2024 Junior Final appearance
• Intermediate Mixed
• Junior Mixed
• Junior Men’s

Celebrating Our Junior Teams

Our Junior Mixed and Junior Men’s teams form a key part of the club’s competitive setup.
They provide an excellent pathway for developing players and those building experience at national level.
Both teams are looking forward to another strong year in 2026 as we aim for more All-Ireland success.

Training & Open Days

We may run some winter training sessions for new members and take part in the Connacht Winter League rounds.
Our big Open Day is on Sunday , 1st March.
Training schedule for 2026:

• Jan/Feb : Sundays – Indoor skills and training

• March: Sundays 1pm to 2;30
• April to September: Sundays & Tuesdays

Why Join Us?

• 2024 All-Ireland Junior Mixed Champions and Ladies Finalists
• 2025 All-Ireland Intermediate Men’s Champions
• Competing in five grades in 2026 – there’s a team for everyone!
• Fun, inclusive and competitive – beginners always welcome
• Great way to stay fit and meet new people in Galway

Where We Play

Our home ground is St. Mary’s College in Galway City Centre.
We compete from April to September in the All-Ireland series.

Sign Up Today

Interested in joining Galway City Rapparees? Fill in our sign-up form and we’ll be in touch!

Join the Rapparees

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Any questions? Email us at
[email protected]

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