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]]>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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Pakie, Richard had all the raw ingredients needed to thrive in Rounders.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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Galway Go Games Rounders Blitz Is Coming!
Fun. Fast. Friendly. And completely free.
Liam Mellows GAA Club
Saturday, 23rd May 2026
Open to Under-12 boys and girls
Galway’s young GAA stars will get the chance to swing a bat, catch a ball, run the bases and try one of Ireland’s fastest-growing GAA sports as the GAA Rounders Go Games Blitz comes to Liam Mellows GAA Club.
This is all about giving children a brilliant first taste of rounders in a fun, welcoming and inclusive setting. No pressure. No experience needed. Just turn up, get involved and enjoy the game.
What To Expect
Free event for GAA members- All equipment provided
- Under-12 boys and girls welcome
- Coaches and volunteers there to help
- Fun games, teamwork and loads of activity
Galway Blitz Dates
Galway City Rapparees Rounders Club are delighted to support and promote the growth of the game locally, with the black and yellow proudly flying as rounders continues to grow across Galway.
“These events are free to all GAA members. We provide all necessary equipment, allowing teams to simply turn up and play.”
— Gwen Redmond, Galway Go Games Champion
Event Details
- Event: GAA Rounders Go Games Blitz
- Venue: Liam Mellows GAA Club
- Date: Saturday, 23rd May 2026
- Age Group: Under-12 Boys & Girls
- Cost: Free
- Register: [email protected]
Come along, bring the energy, and give rounders a go!
Adults can sign up to play with the Galway Rapparees by clicking here
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]]>The post From India to Galway: Vishal Pathare’s Journey Through Cricket, Softball and Rounders appeared first on Rapparees.
]]>From India to Galway: Vishal Pathare’s Journey Through Cricket, Softball and Rounders
Galway City Rapparees bowler and short stop Vishal Pathare talks sport, settling in Galway, Senior rounders and why he finds it impossible to say no when Joe texts.
For many Galway City Rapparees supporters, Vishal Pathare’s rise within the club has felt remarkably quick. In only a short period of time, the Indian native has become one of the key bowlers in the squad and an important figure as the club takes its first steps into Senior Men’s Rounders.
That progress was underlined on Sunday against Carrickmacross Emmets, when Vishal bowled his first starting game as pitcher at Senior level. He produced a player-of-the-match performance and looked every bit a senior bowler, combining accuracy, calmness and control in one of the biggest games of his Rapparees career so far.
But long before Galway City Rapparees and GAA Rounders entered the picture, Vishal’s sporting journey had already travelled through volleyball courts, cricket grounds, baseball diamonds and fast-pitch softball fields in India.
“I started out playing cricket, like most kids in India, but the first sport I played seriously was volleyball. I officially began playing volleyball when I was in 7th grade, mainly because I was following in my elder brother’s footsteps.”
That theme of following his brother into sport would continue. After progressing from junior to senior volleyball at school level, Vishal later discovered baseball and fast-pitch softball during junior college.
“I went on to play both baseball and softball at state level, so those sports became a big part of my sporting journey.”
While softball and baseball shaped many of the skills that now suit rounders so naturally, Vishal also enjoyed major success in cricket after moving to Ireland. One tournament in particular still stands out.
“My proudest moment came in 2023. We were playing against a very strong team with one of the best bowling attacks in the competition, and I performed really well against them in the semi-final.”
Across the competition, Vishal scored an incredible 308 runs while hitting 39 sixes — a record tally that still stands.
Medal from 2025
Best batsman award
“That tournament really stands out for me because it was against tough opposition, and I was able to deliver when it mattered.”
Discovering Rounders in Galway
His eventual introduction to GAA Rounders came through Galway’s social softball scene, where he first met several Rapparees players.
“I first started playing social league softball in Galway, and that’s where I met Cathal, Pakie and Cat. Cat was actually the first person who came up to me and said, ‘You’ll enjoy rounders, it’s similar to fast-pitch softball.’”
From there, the transition into the Galway City Rapparees setup happened naturally.
“Once I started, I really enjoyed it. The game felt familiar in some ways, but it also had its own style and challenges, which made it exciting.”
Vishal also joked that once he started rounders, it became very hard not to get fully pulled into the club.
“At the beginning I just came along to try rounders and see what it was like, but once you start with this club it’s very hard not to get pulled in properly. The atmosphere, the people and the enjoyment of the game make it easy to keep coming back.”
And when it comes to availability, Vishal admitted there is one particular problem.
“Whenever Joe texts asking if I’m available, I find it almost impossible to say no!”
Skills That Transferred Naturally
Coming from cricket, baseball and softball, many of the technical skills transferred quickly.
“The bowling, batting and fielding felt quite natural to me because of my background in cricket, baseball and softball.”
However, not everything was straightforward.
“The biggest learning curve was understanding the rules, especially the base-lock rule. That one took a little time to get used to.”
Vishal’s pitching background in fast-pitch softball has made him a natural fit as a bowler in rounders, and he has embraced that responsibility within the Rapparees setup.
“Bowling with accuracy is what excites me the most. For me, if I can bowl well and work in good coordination with the backstop, I feel like half the game is already moving in our favour.”
That confidence was clear against Carrickmacross. In his first Senior start as bowler, Vishal delivered the kind of performance that showed why the Rapparees believe he can become a major figure at the top level of the game.
A Landmark Senior Season
The 2026 season marks a landmark year for Galway City Rapparees as the club competes at Senior Men’s level for the first time. Vishal believes the progress over the last two seasons has been extraordinary.
“We won the Junior Mixed title in 2024 and the Intermediate Men’s title in 2025, which were both big moments for the club. Now, stepping up to Senior level is very exciting because it’s the highest level of competition.”
While the Senior Men’s campaign is a huge step for the club, Vishal is also looking forward to the Intermediate Mixed Championship this year. He believes Galway City Rapparees have the quality, experience and togetherness to go all the way.
“I’m really looking forward to Intermediate Mixed this year. I feel there should definitely be an All-Ireland title there for us if we perform the way we can.”
An International Team in a Galway Jersey
One of the defining features of this Rapparees team is its diversity. The current squad includes players from Ireland, India, Italy, North America and Māori backgrounds, creating a unique sporting culture within the club.
“Everyone comes from a different background and brings their own style of play. That makes the team stronger because we can learn from each other.”
For Vishal personally, the club has also played a huge role socially since moving to Ireland.
“The club is a place where everyone is treated equally and made to feel welcome. After office hours, going to training feels like therapy for me.”
Big Memories and Bigger Ambitions
When asked about his favourite memories so far, the answer was simple.
“Winning the two titles has definitely been the highlight so far — the Junior Mixed title and the Intermediate Men’s title.”
But he hopes bigger moments are still ahead.
“Hopefully, the next favourite moment will be winning at Senior level in the future.”
Despite his rapid success in rounders, Vishal still sees room for growth both personally and collectively.
“Personally, I want to keep improving, contribute to the team, and perform well whenever I get the chance.”
And when it comes to Galway City Rapparees’ ambitions this season, he is aiming high.
“I believe this team is good enough to compete for the Senior title.”
Finally, with cricket, softball and rounders all playing huge roles in his sporting life, Vishal was asked the impossible question — which sport comes first?
His answer probably summed up his sporting journey perfectly.
“Haha, that’s a tough one! I’d have to pick all of them. I honestly can’t separate them because each sport has given me something different and special.”
Building a club, a community and a team with players from all over the world. Click here to sign up
Thanks to Kennys.ie & Galway Sports Partnership.
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]]>The post From Italy to Galway: Alberto Scotti Ready for Rapparees’ Historic Senior Debut appeared first on Rapparees.
]]>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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