ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS! Rapparees defeat Emo to complete journey to Senior

Galway City Rapparees 13–6 Emo

Galway City Rapparees are All-Ireland Intermediate Mixed Champions after a superb 13–6 victory over Emo of Laois in Mallow on Sunday.

It is another huge moment in the short history of our club and means that in 2027, Rapparees will compete at Senior level in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Rounders.

For a club only founded in 2021, it has been an incredible journey.

Rapparees 13–6 Emo

There was plenty of history between the two teams going into Sunday’s final.

Emo had ended our championship hopes by a single run in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final, so there was certainly some unfinished business when the teams met again in Mallow.

Both sides had enjoyed excellent 2026 campaigns. Rapparees went through the Intermediate championship unbeaten and booked our place in the final with an emphatic 28–6 semi-final victory over Dublin Metropolitans in Galway.

But Sunday was the one that mattered.

Rapparees produced a brilliant all-round team performance to defeat Emo 13–6 and bring the All-Ireland trophy back to Galway.

Ryan Dennis had a fabulous day bowling, delivering when it mattered throughout the final, while captain Tomás Kenny produced a superb performance at third base.

Across the field, however, this was a team performance.

Every player contributed and the batting throughout the line-up played a major part in building the seven-run winning margin.

Our All-Ireland winning team was:

Ryan Dennis, Cathal Creaven, Tomás Kenny, Clodagh Naughton, Jenna O’Brien, Rory McGarvey, Jessie Pereira, Pakie Killilea and Alex Stewart.

A huge congratulations also goes to everyone involved with the squad throughout the season. An All-Ireland is never won by nine players alone – every training session, every league and championship game and every contribution throughout the year helped get us to Mallow.

Three Senior teams in 2027

Sunday’s result represents something even bigger for the club.

When Galway City Rapparees was formed in 2021, we started at the bottom and began building.

Five years later, our Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams have all progressed from the lower grades to Senior Rounders.

Our Men became Intermediate All-Ireland champions in 2025 and played Senior for the first time this year.

Our Women defeated Elphin to become 2026 Intermediate All-Ireland champions in Abbotstown in August.

Now our Mixed team has completed the journey with another All-Ireland title.

That means Senior Men. Senior Women. Senior Mixed. Galway City Rapparees. 2027.

It has been some journey – and we’re only getting started.

An incredible 2026 season

The Mixed victory also puts the finishing touches on a remarkable championship campaign for the club.

All five Rapparees teams reached an All-Ireland semi-final in 2026, while three went all the way to their respective All-Ireland finals.

To come away from the season with national titles for both our Intermediate Women and Intermediate Mixed teams is something everyone associated with the club can be immensely proud of.

Thank you to our players, coaches, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and everyone who travelled around the country supporting the teams throughout another long season.

Want to play Rounders in 2027?

The championship may be finished, but we’re already looking towards next season – and new players are very welcome.

Galway City Rapparees will hold our next Open Day on Sunday, October 11 from 1pm to 3pm at Coláiste Muire Máthair – St Mary’s College, Galway City.

You don’t need to have played Rounders before.

Whether you’re coming from GAA, rugby, soccer, softball or another sport – or haven’t played competitive sport in years – come along, give it a go and meet the club.

With Senior, Intermediate and Junior opportunities available, there is a level for players at different stages of the game.

For more information about Galway City Rapparees, our teams and joining the club, visit GalwayRounders.com.

Galway City Rapparees – 2026 All-Ireland Intermediate Mixed Champions.

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Ever wondered what GAA Rounders is actually like? Maybe you remember playing it in school, have seen some of the recent All-Ireland coverage, or simply fancy trying something completely different.

Welcome to Galway City Rapparees GAA Rounders – 2026/27

Welcome to Galway City Rapparees, Galway City’s GAA Rounders club and one of the fastest-growing Rounders clubs in Ireland.

Founded in 2021, the Rapparees have grown to more than 50 adult members, with Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams competing at national level.

The 2026 season has been another huge step forward for the club, with the Rapparees reaching three All-Ireland Finals and our Women’s team being crowned 2026 All-Ireland Intermediate Champions.

Our All-Ireland Success

The Rapparees have enjoyed a remarkable rise through the grades since the club was established.

In 2024, our Junior Mixed team became All-Ireland Champions, while our Women’s team reached the All-Ireland Junior Final.

In 2025, our Men’s team won the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship, earning promotion to Senior for the first time.

Then in 2026, our Women’s team continued that success by winning the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship, securing their place in Senior Rounders for 2027.

The club also qualified for the 2026 Intermediate Mixed and Junior Mixed All-Ireland Finals, meaning three of our five championship teams reached an All-Ireland Final during the season.

Our 2027 Teams

2027 will be another landmark season for Galway City Rapparees, with the club competing across Senior, Intermediate and Junior GAA Rounders.

• Senior Men’s
• Senior Women’s
• Senior Mixed
• Intermediate Mixed
• Junior Men’s
• Junior Mixed

Having Senior Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams represents another major milestone in the development of the club and gives our players the opportunity to compete at the highest level of GAA Rounders.

Men’s, Women’s & Mixed Rounders

One of the things that makes GAA Rounders different is the variety of opportunities available to players.

We compete in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed competitions, with our Mixed teams allowing men and women to compete together on the same team.

Whether you’re an experienced player, coming from another sport or haven’t played competitively in years, there is a place for you at the Rapparees.

New Players Always Welcome

You don’t need any previous Rounders experience to join us.

Many of our members came to the club having last played Rounders in school, while others have backgrounds in GAA, softball, soccer, rugby and other sports.

We’ll teach you everything you need to know, including batting, throwing, catching and fielding.

The club combines competitive sport with a friendly and social atmosphere, and new members are welcome throughout our training programme.

Training & Open Days

We run training and introductory sessions throughout the year, with our main competitive season running from spring through to the All-Ireland Championship finals.

Our next Open Day takes place on:

Why Join the Rapparees?

• Multiple All-Ireland winning club
• 2024 All-Ireland Junior Mixed Champions
• 2025 All-Ireland Intermediate Men’s Champions
• 2026 All-Ireland Intermediate Women’s Champions
• Senior Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams in 2027
• More than 50 adult members
• Men’s, Women’s and Mixed competitions
• Complete beginners always welcome
• Fun, social and competitive
• Based right in Galway City

Where We Play

Our home is Coláiste Muire Máthair – St Mary’s College in Galway City.

The location gives us a fantastic city-centre base for training and home championship games.

Sign Up Today

Fancy giving GAA Rounders a try? Whether you want to play competitively, get active, meet new people or simply try something different, we’d love to hear from you.

Follow Galway City Rapparees

Follow us for training information, fixtures, results, club news and everything happening with the Rapparees.

Any questions?
Email us at
[email protected]

The post Give GAA Rounders a Try – Galway City Rapparees Open Day appeared first on Rapparees.

All-Ireland Champions! Rapparees Women Crowned 2026 Intermediate Champions

Galway City Rapparees are 2026 GAA Rounders All-Ireland Intermediate Women’s Champions after a thrilling victory over Elphin at the National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown.

2026 ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS

What a day, what a game and what an achievement from this group of players.

We knew going into Sunday that previous results would count for very little. We had faced Elphin earlier in the season, but the team that lined out against us in Abbotstown looked a completely different outfit. They were excellent throughout and produced a performance worthy of an All-Ireland final.

An Epic All-Ireland Final

There was very little between the teams from the opening inning. Rapparees edged ahead and held a narrow 2-1 lead going into the fifth inning, but Elphin responded with two scores to move in front and suddenly the All-Ireland title was beginning to slip away.

But this Rapparees team has shown incredible determination all season and they weren’t finished.

With the game on the line, Jessie Pereira produced one of the moments of the final, connecting brilliantly and sending a huge hit out into right field as Rapparees fought their way back into the contest.

The sheer will to win from the team eventually got them over the line and sparked brilliant celebrations among the players and the travelling Rapparees support.

Galway City Rapparees were All-Ireland champions.

Cat Carty – Player of the Match

There were huge performances throughout the Rapparees team, with every player contributing to the victory.

Caitríona “Cat” Carty capped an outstanding performance by being named Player of the Match, adding another special moment to an unforgettable day.

The All-Ireland Winning Squad

Katie Jessop, Sorcha Dowd, Mel Mannion, Clodagh Naughton, Caitríona Carty, Jenna O’Brien, Hazel Kilduff, Alex Stewart, Eimear Cuddy, Laura Salvatore, Jessie Pereira, Edel Brennan, Ciara Walsh, Tríona Moran and Hazel Dwyer.

Coach: Rory McGarvey.

From Junior to Senior in Four Years

The All-Ireland title is a massive achievement in itself, but it also completes another remarkable part of the Rapparees story.

The women started their journey at Junior level just four years ago. They progressed to Intermediate and, following Sunday’s All-Ireland victory, will now make the step up to Senior Rounders in 2027.

They will join our men’s team at Senior level next season after the men completed their own journey from Junior to Senior by winning the 2025 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship.

Two More All-Ireland Finals to Come

And the Rapparees’ 2026 season isn’t finished yet.

We travel to Mallow on Sunday, September 13 with another two teams contesting All-Ireland finals.

At 11am, our Junior Mixed team face Kilmore of Roscommon before our Intermediate Mixed team take on Emo of Laois at 1pm.

Both finals will also be available to watch on TG4’s YouTube channel.

Victory for our Intermediate Mixed team would see them promoted to Senior and would make Rapparees the first club in GAA Rounders history to bring three separate teams from Junior all the way to Senior level – all in just four years.

Thank You, Elphin

A huge thank you to Elphin for an epic final. There was very little between the teams and both sides gave absolutely everything.

Thanks also to GAA Rounders for putting on a fantastic Women’s All-Ireland Finals Day at the National Games Development Centre. Playing an All-Ireland final in such a brilliant facility was special, and having the game available to watch back on YouTube makes it even better.

Finally, a big thank you to Darryl Dolan for refereeing the final brilliantly.

The post All-Ireland Champions! Rapparees Women Crowned 2026 Intermediate Champions – Watch final appeared first on Rapparees.

Welcome to Galway City Rapparees, Galway City’s GAA Rounders club and one of the fastest-growing Rounders clubs in Ireland.

Founded in 2021, the Rapparees have grown to more than 50 adult members, with Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams competing at national level.

The 2026 season has been another huge step forward for the club, with the Rapparees reaching three All-Ireland Finals and our Women’s team being crowned 2026 All-Ireland Intermediate Champions.

Our All-Ireland Success

The Rapparees have enjoyed a remarkable rise through the grades since the club was established.

In 2024, our Junior Mixed team became All-Ireland Champions, while our Women’s team reached the All-Ireland Junior Final.

In 2025, our Men’s team won the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship, earning promotion to Senior for the first time.

Then in 2026, our Women’s team continued that success by winning the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship, securing their place in Senior Rounders for 2027.

The club also qualified for the 2026 Intermediate Mixed and Junior Mixed All-Ireland Finals, meaning three of our five championship teams reached an All-Ireland Final during the season.

Our 2027 Teams

2027 will be another landmark season for Galway City Rapparees, with the club competing across Senior, Intermediate and Junior GAA Rounders.

• Senior Men’s
• Senior Women’s
• Senior Mixed
• Intermediate Mixed
• Junior Men’s
• Junior Mixed

Having Senior Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams represents another major milestone in the development of the club and gives our players the opportunity to compete at the highest level of GAA Rounders.

Men’s, Women’s & Mixed Rounders

One of the things that makes GAA Rounders different is the variety of opportunities available to players.

We compete in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed competitions, with our Mixed teams allowing men and women to compete together on the same team.

Whether you’re an experienced player, coming from another sport or haven’t played competitively in years, there is a place for you at the Rapparees.

New Players Always Welcome

You don’t need any previous Rounders experience to join us.

Many of our members came to the club having last played Rounders in school, while others have backgrounds in GAA, softball, soccer, rugby and other sports.

We’ll teach you everything you need to know, including batting, throwing, catching and fielding.

The club combines competitive sport with a friendly and social atmosphere, and new members are welcome throughout our training programme.

Training & Open Days

We run training and introductory sessions throughout the year, with our main competitive season running from spring through to the All-Ireland Championship finals.

Our next Open Day takes place on:

Sunday, 11th October

1pm – 3pm

Coláiste Muire Máthair – St Mary’s College, Galway City

Everyone welcome – no experience needed.

Why Join the Rapparees?

• Multiple All-Ireland winning club
• 2024 All-Ireland Junior Mixed Champions
• 2025 All-Ireland Intermediate Men’s Champions
• 2026 All-Ireland Intermediate Women’s Champions
• Senior Men’s, Women’s and Mixed teams in 2027
• More than 50 adult members
• Men’s, Women’s and Mixed competitions
• Complete beginners always welcome
• Fun, social and competitive
• Based right in Galway City

Where We Play

Our home is Coláiste Muire Máthair – St Mary’s College in Galway City.

The location gives us a fantastic city-centre base for training and home championship games.

Sign Up Today

Fancy giving GAA Rounders a try? Whether you want to play competitively, get active, meet new people or simply try something different, we’d love to hear from you.

Follow Galway City Rapparees

Follow us for training information, fixtures, results, club news and everything happening with the Rapparees.

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Any questions?
Email us at
[email protected]

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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.

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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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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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