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.

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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

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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

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

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Any questions? Email us at
[email protected]

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Rapparees 20–12 Limekiln

Senior Championship Match Report

Galway City Rapparees got their Senior Championship campaign off to a winning start with a 20–12 win over Limekiln in Galway.

It was a steady enough start. Runs from Greg Mannion, Ili Tuimauga and Pakie Killilea helped Rapparees into a 3–0 lead after two innings, while Ryan Dennis kept things tight from the mound and the defence did their job.

The game turned in the third.

Rapparees put up 9 runs in one inning, with the whole order contributing. Rory McGarvey, Ajay Kumar and Jay Hall were all involved as the lead stretched out.

Limekiln came back into it with 4 runs in the third and 5 in the fourth, but Rapparees didn’t let it slip. They answered with 5 and 3 in the last two innings to keep control of the game.

Solid work across the field as well, with Alberto Scotti and Cathal Creaven strong through the middle, and Killilea and Kumar covering well in the outfield.

A good start at senior level, and one that was built on that third inning.

Scores

Rapparees: 2, 1, 9, 5, 3 (20)

Limekiln: 0, 0, 4, 5, 3 (12)

Top Scorers (After Round 1)

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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.

The post From Italy to Galway: Alberto Scotti Ready for Rapparees’ Historic Senior Debut appeared first on Rapparees.

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.

The post GAA Rounders Competition Galway 2026 | Rapparees Fundraiser appeared first on Rapparees.

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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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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