Player Q&A: Alberto Scotti – From Italy to Galway and into Rapparees History

Galway City Rapparees welcome a unique addition to their Senior panel this season in Alberto Scotti.
Originally from Italy, Alberto brings a strong baseball background and international experience to the club. Having joined just a few weeks before the Connacht Cup at the end of 2025, this Sunday will mark his first competitive league game — and he will do so starting at short stop in the club’s first ever Senior Championship match.

What was your baseball background like, and what sports have you played?

Baseball was the first sport I ever played “seriously”. I started in Italy when I was about 7 and continued until I was 14. There was a baseball field close to my home, and every time we passed by, I would ask my parents to take me there… until eventually, they gave in.

After the first couple of years, I joined Bollate Baseball Club near Milan, which was quite competitive. Looking back on those years, I have nothing but great memories. We often came close to reaching the national playoffs and took part in international tournaments. A few players from our team were even selected for the Italian national team (not me, unfortunately!).

After many years, however, it felt natural to try something different. I went on to practise athletics and water polo at a good level.

I returned to baseball about 20 years later, after moving to Manchester at the end of 2022, where I joined Manchester Baseball Club. There, I played for the first team, the equivalent of a GAA “Senior” side. Competition for a place in the starting line-up was intense, with talented players from all over the world.

Even though I wasn’t always in the starting line-up, I got a lot of satisfaction from the experience. It was a highly stimulating environment where I learned from everyone around me. That period culminated last year when we won the Triple-A North Division and reached the national play-off semi-finals — an achievement the club had never reached before.

Alberto Scotti

How did the move from Italy to Manchester, and now to Galway, shape your sporting journey?

I think it definitely shaped my sporting journey for the better. Without moving to Manchester, it’s very likely I would never have picked up baseball again.

Once I had rediscovered baseball there, it felt natural to look for something similar when I moved to Galway last October. In a way, without baseball in Manchester, there probably wouldn’t have been rounders in Galway for me.

When you first arrived in Galway, had you heard of rounders before?

When I found out I would be moving to Galway, I immediately started looking for a sport that could replace baseball… and that’s how I discovered rounders. Before that, despite being familiar with other GAA sports, I had never even heard of it.

So in a way, I actually discovered rounders — and the club — before I was even physically in Galway!

What were your first impressions from the Connacht Cup?

It was really a day of discovery. I had only joined the club a few weeks before, so it was my first real experience of the sport in a match setting.

I found myself in many game situations that I would normally approach differently in baseball, while also trying to imagine how those same situations might play out in more competitive matches. The games were very friendly in nature, which made it easier to explore and learn.

Most importantly, I had great fun, and the day motivated me even more to become part of the club.

What did you find hardest to adjust to?

I’d say there are a couple of things. One challenge has been figuring out the best position to take in the batting box. In baseball, the box is much smaller, so there’s less variation when it comes to positioning.

Secondly, I still have to rewire my instincts in certain base-running situations. For example, after a fly ball catch, my instinct from baseball would be to throw behind the runners, whereas in rounders you need to throw in front of them. Adjusting to those differences is taking a bit of time.

You’re starting at short stop in the club’s first Senior Championship match — what does that mean to you?

It’s a great honour (and a big responsibility!) and it honestly came as an unexpected surprise. It’s definitely one of my top sporting moments personally.

That said, I think it will mean even more if it becomes a great day for the club as a whole. There’s a real sense that this moment belongs to everyone in the club, especially the players who earned the opportunity by winning the Intermediate championship last year.

How have you found the Rapparees setup?

The season is only really getting underway now, but I’ve really appreciated the commitment to organising regular training sessions and keeping things consistent.

I’m still getting to know some of the players, but from day one I’ve found the environment to be very friendly and constructive. It’s been a very positive experience so far, both on and off the pitch.

The team is very international — how do you find that?

I think overall it’s not something that makes a major difference when it comes to settling into a team. What matters most is having a shared goal and everyone working towards it.

However, what I do find really striking is how diverse the team is within a national sport like GAA. It’s quite amazing to see that in Galway.

On Sunday, the starting nine reflects that perfectly — with players coming from a wide range of backgrounds: three Americans, two from Galway, one Canadian, one Māori, one Italian and one Indian.

That kind of mix brings different perspectives and approaches to the game. From my experience in Manchester, I’ve always found that you can learn something from everyone, and that can only improve a team.

What are your goals for the season?

I would like to be positively challenged by our opponents, learn to play good rounders from my team-mates, and at the same time contribute something meaningful to the team.

If I can achieve all three, it will be a very positive first season.

As for the team, it’s hard to define specific goals as the club has never been in this position before. What is clear, though, is that this is a moment that has been long anticipated, and everyone will do their best to show that we belong at this level.

Baseball or rounders?

Haha! I’ll stay on the fence for now… ask me again at the end of the season!

Alberto at the 2026 Winter Olympics

You worked at the Winter Olympics — how was that?

As a passionate follower of all kinds of sports, it was incredible to have the Winter Olympics right on the doorstep of where I live in Italy, and even more to be part of them as part of the organising committee.

A truly “once in a lifetime” experience. For about three weeks, I breathed sport in every corner I was in.

But now… back to business — back to rounders.

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Galway City Rapparees Fundraiser Competition

Test your Rounders knowledge and support Galway City Rapparees at the same time.

Senior Championships – Pick 4 Semi-Finalists in Each Grade

Senior Men

Format: All teams play each other. Top four qualify for the semi-finals. 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd.

Senior Women

Format: All teams play each other. Top four qualify for the semi-finals. 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd.

Senior Mixed

Format: All teams play each other. Top four qualify for the semi-finals. 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd.

Intermediate Championships – Pick 2 Finalists in Each Grade

Intermediate Men

Format: All teams play each other. Top four qualify for the semi-finals. 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd. Pick the 2 teams you think will reach the final.

Intermediate Women

Format: Top two teams from each group qualify for the semi-finals. A1 v B2 and A2 v B1. Pick the 2 teams you think will reach the final.

Intermediate Mixed

Format: Top two teams from each group qualify for the semi-finals. A1 v B2 and A2 v B1. Pick the 2 teams you think will reach the final.

Junior Championships – Pick 2 Finalists in Each Grade

Junior Men

Format: Group A teams play each other once. Group B teams play each other twice, home and away. Top team in each group qualifies for the semi-finals. Quarter-finals and semi-finals then determine the finalists. Pick the 2 teams you think will reach the final.

Junior Women

Format: All teams in each group play each other. Quarter-finals are A1 v C3, B1 v C2, C1 v B2 and A2 v B3. Semi-finals follow from those quarter-finals. Pick the 2 teams you think will reach the final.

Junior Mixed

Format: All teams in each group play each other. Quarter-finals are A1 v C3, B1 v C2, C1 v B2 and A2 v B3. Semi-finals follow from those quarter-finals. Pick the 2 teams you think will reach the final.

Best of luck to everyone entering — and thanks for supporting Galway City Rapparees.

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Ever thought about giving GAA Rounders a go? Whether you’re completely new, returning after a break, or coming from another sport, the Galway City Rapparees are inviting you to get involved at their upcoming Open Day.

The Open Day takes place on April 5th at 12pm in St Mary’s College, Galway City, and is open to adults of all ages and abilities.

Rounders is one of Ireland’s oldest sports and is enjoying strong growth across Galway and Connacht. It’s fast-paced, social, and easy to pick up, making it ideal for anyone who has played tag rugby, cricket, hurling, camogie, baseball or softball — but absolutely no experience is required.

What to expect

The Open Day will be relaxed and welcoming, with current players and coaches on hand to explain the basics, answer questions, and get newcomers involved at their own pace.

The club caters for:

• Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams
• All abilities, from beginners to experienced players
• Players from other GAA clubs — no transfer issues, you can still play Rounders with the Rapparees

Above all, Galway City Rapparees pride themselves on being an inclusive, friendly club with a strong social side and a growing competitive edge on the national stage.

Galway Rapparees Junior mixed 2024

Get involved

If you’ve ever been curious about Rounders, this is the perfect opportunity to try it in a no-pressure environment and meet a great group of people.

St Mary’s College, Galway City

Sunday, April 5th

12pm

You can also sign up or find out more in advance at:

www.GalwayRounders.com

Sign up by clicking here

New faces are always welcome — come along and see what GAA Rounders is all about.

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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

Follow Us

Stay connected with us on social media for updates, match results and training info:

Facebook
Instagram
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Any questions? Email us at
[email protected]

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Galway City Rapparees strongly represented on Connacht Interprovincial panels

Galway City Rapparees will have a major presence on the 2026 Connacht Interprovincial panels, with players and management involved across both the men’s and women’s set-ups.

It is a brilliant boost for the club to see so many Galway City Rapparees figures named when the Connacht panels were confirmed. The selection underlines the progress being made by the club and the growing strength of Rounders in Galway.

On the men’s panel, Jay Hall, Cathal Creavan, Ajay Kumar, Rory McGarvey and Ili Tuimauga have all been included. Cathal has also been named vice-captain, which is a fine recognition of his standing and influence.

There is strong Rapparees representation on the women’s side too, with Hazel Kilduff, Jessie Pereira and Gwen Redmond selected. Gwen has also been appointed vice-captain, adding another leadership role for the club within the Connacht set-up.

The involvement does not stop there. It is also a proud day for the club to see Craig Davis and Jenna O’Brien named in management, giving Galway City Rapparees a real presence right across the Connacht Interprovincial structure.

For a club still building and pushing forward, this level of representation is a serious endorsement of the work being done by players, coaches and volunteers. Having so many names involved across both squads and management is something everyone in the club can take pride in.

Everyone in Galway City Rapparees will be wishing all of those selected the very best in Connacht colours and looking forward to seeing the club represented on the Interprovincial stage.

Galway City Rapparees on the Connacht Panels

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Pakie

A big well done to Cathal Creaven, Tomas Kenny, Ili Tuimauga, Pakie Killilea, and Ryan Dennis, who have all received official invitations to line out on the day.

Ryan Dennis

The GAA World Games run from 13–17 July at SETU Waterford, with teams travelling from all over the world. As part of the week, GAA Rounders will host an exhibition game on Thursday, 16 July to showcase the sport to an international audience.

Ili collecting his All-Star

It’s a brilliant opportunity for Rounders. Many of the players and supporters attending may never have seen the game before, so the aim is to show the skill, pace and fun that make it such a unique part of the GAA.

Tomas Kenny during 2025 All-Ireland final

For Rapparees, having five players selected is something the club can be really proud of. All five have played huge roles in our journey over the last few years and fully deserve the recognition.

We’ve no doubt they’ll represent the club well in Waterford.

Cathal

Well done again to Cathal, Tomas, Ili, Pakie and Ryan — a great moment for the lads and for the club.

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By Galway Rapparees

We sat down with Ryan Dennis, bowler for the Galway Rapparees (and literary author in his non-rounder’s life).

From Western New York State, Ryan has lived in Galway for twelve years. “There’s a sense of community in Ireland that’s hard to find in other places,” he said.

Originally from a baseball and then softball background, he was immediately hooked at his first training with the Galway Rapparees.

“There was good banter among the Rapparees. Or what the kids call ‘vibes’ these days.”

He appreciates the competitive spirit of rounders, and also how teams get together over sandwiches and tea after matches.

Ryan was the bowler for the Rapparees when they won the Junior Mixed All-Ireland in 2024 and the Intermediate Men’s title in 2025. When pressed which title meant more to him, he wouldn’t answer.

“I was just glad to share both moments with whoever was on the team.”

Bowling Under Pressure

As a bowler, how much responsibility does he feel in big games?

“I think bowlers know that you’re probably not going to win the game for your team, but you can surely lose it for them. Everyone around you has worked really hard all season, and you don’t want to nullify that by throwing meatballs or walking batters.”

Your stats in 2025 were outstanding – just over two balls per batter and hardly any walks. Do you track that yourself?

“No, I don’t worry about any stats. At the end of the match I think about the at-bats where the batter got the better of me and try to decide what I should have done different. That’s about it.”

What’s the key to that level of control and consistency?

“For me, I find that whether a pitch will be good or bad is usually already determined before I start the delivery. It’s all about accessing the right mental space…and then later in the game using the mind to convince an aging body to do things it says it can’t.”

Ryan Dennis

Referees & Reputation

You’ve had a few run-ins with referees over your bowling style – misunderstood or pushing limits?

“Ha, I’m not thinking about pushing any limits, honestly. Especially since trying to be clever would only take my focus away from the actual bowling. Maybe I have a delivery or style referees aren’t as used to? Then, of course, once you get a reputation it grows legs and every team will try to convince a ref that I’m doing something wrong.”

Ryan added that referee feedback can often be inconsistent, and it’s up to him to adjust on the day.

One of his toughest moments came during last year’s men’s intermediate semi-final when a referee ruled his delivery illegal.

“It was a tough adjustment to make and tough to keep the composure when a ref was calling bad balls on the same delivery I had for three years.”

Ryan Dennis

Team Culture & Characters

Ryan reiterated how privileged he feels to be part of the Galway Rapparees, describing the club as extremely welcoming.

Who brings the most energy?

“Gavin Mulhall, the bannisteor of the Intermediate Mixed team. If I could get a pep talk from him every day, I’d be so much better at life.”

Hardest teammate to impress?

“Rory McGarvey. That Canadian just leaves you on the ground. But we love him anyway.”

Writing Life

Ryan is launching his second book, Barn Gothic, at Kenny’s Bookshop in Galway on January 23rd at 6pm.

The memoir explores his family’s struggle to keep a small dairy farm going and the political context surrounding it.

What’s your daily writing process?

“Usually it’s just sitting down with a notebook and scratching words out and hoping they make sense later. It’s a lot like bowling – trying to get into a hard-to-reach headspace and making hay when you do.”

Has sport helped your writing?

“Trying to be a writer is a rollercoaster. It’s meant a lot to put all those frustrations into a stupid yellow ball and throw it past someone.”

Tougher – an All-Ireland final or book deadline?

“A bad final, people hate you for a season. A bad book, people hate you for a lifetime.”

What’s Next?

“Our men’s team is buzzing for senior rounders. The intermediate mixed want to join them. And I’m really looking forward to sharing the book with the rounders crowd.”

Book Launch: Barn Gothic – Kenny’s Bookshop, Galway
January 23rd
6pm

Follow Galway Rapparees for more player features and club news.

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Galway City Rapparees Shine at All-Stars Night

Galway City Rapparees enjoyed a standout night at the GAA Rounders All-Stars, proudly collecting the Connacht Club of the Year award and celebrating a well-deserved All-Star for Ili Tuimuaga.

For a club founded only in 2021, nights like this still feel special — a reminder of how far we’ve come in such a short time. This award reflects the huge work done on and off the field: coaching, organising, fundraising, welcoming new members, and building a positive, ambitious club community.

All-Star for Ili Tuimuaga

The highlight of the night — Ili Tuimuaga earning an Intermediate Men’s All-Star.

Anyone who has trained or played with Ili knows his impact: power, athleticism, calm leadership, and huge personality. Achieving this in his rookie year is an incredible accomplishment, and everyone in the club is immensely proud.

A Club on the Rise

We now have 60+ members, representing:

• Players from all over Galway
• All backgrounds & age groups
• GAA, cricket, rugby, baseball & more

Competitive, friendly, fun, and welcoming — that’s what being a Rapparee means.

Eyes on Senior 2026

The journey continues. We’re building, improving, and ready for the next step. 2026 — we’re coming.

Join the Rapparees

Whether you’re totally new or experienced — come train, play, and grow with us!

Sign Up Here

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The Galway City Rapparees are the Intermediate Men’s All-Ireland Champions!

What an unforgettable day of rounders yesterday! The lads battled it out in a thrilling final against
Emo,
securing the title with a 10–6 win. Huge congrats to
Ili Tuimauga, who was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance on first base.

It was a proud day for the club all-round, with Rapparees members
Craig Davis, Gwen Redmond and Joe Higgins
also stepping up as referees in the Intermediate Ladies Final.
To have so many of our people involved on All-Ireland Final day is a huge achievement in itself.

A massive thank you to Emo Rounders for a fantastic, hard-fought game. Every clash with Emo is a nail-biter,
and this one was no exception. Your talent, grit, and sportsmanship are second to none.
Congrats on a brilliant season!

The celebrations are still in full swing here in Galway! Huge credit to our players, families,
and supporters who turned out in force, and to everyone who keeps the Rapparees spirit alive — committee,
coaches, managers, and volunteers. Special thanks to Joe Naughton for all the tireless,
behind-the-scenes work that keeps this club moving forward.

Thanks also to Kennys Bookshop for your sponsorship, to
Galway Bay FM Sports and local Galway media for the coverage,
to the GAA Rounders Board for all their work, and to
Monroe’s Galway for giving us a place to celebrate!

Up the Rapps!

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