There are certain years in every sport that, with the benefit of hindsight, become defining moments.

For GAA Rounders, 2016 and 2026 may prove to be two of them.

Just ten years ago, there were only 25 adult championship teams competing across the entire country.

Today, there are 98.

That remarkable increase tells the story of a sport that has transformed itself in just a decade.

Looking Back to 2016

The championship structure in 2016 was very different to the one we know today.

There were no Intermediate Championships.

There were no Junior Championships.

Every club, regardless of experience or playing numbers, entered the Senior Championship.

The adult competitions consisted of:

• Senior Men – 6 teams
• Senior Women – 10 teams
• Senior Mixed – 9 teams

Just 25 championship entries in total.

Those teams came from only fourteen clubs:

• Bagenalstown (Carlow)
• Ballinagore (Westmeath)
• Ballintubber (Roscommon)
• Borris-in-Ossory (Laois)
• Carrickmacross Emmets (Monaghan)
• Clonaslee (Laois)
• Cork
• Cuchulainn
• Erne Eagles (Cavan)
• Glynn-Barntown (Wexford)
• Greenhills (Dublin)
• Limekiln (Dublin)
• Na Fianna (Dublin)
• The Heath (Laois)

Many of those clubs remain among the strongest names in the sport today. Some competed in all three championships, while others fielded just a single team.

Back then, the idea of clubs entering four, five or even six adult teams would have seemed almost unimaginable.

The 2016 Champions

2016 Senior Men’s Championship

2016 Senior Women’s Championship

2016 Senior Mixed Championship

The All-Ireland Champions were:

• Senior Men: The Heath (Laois)
• Senior Women: Glynn-Barntown (Wexford)
• Senior Mixed: Limekiln (Dublin)

Those clubs helped carry the game through a period when participation numbers were still relatively modest.

A Decade of Growth

Fast forward ten years and the landscape has changed dramatically.

The introduction of Senior, Intermediate and Junior Championships has given clubs the opportunity to develop at the appropriate level while providing players with a genuine pathway through the game.

The 2026 Championships feature:

• 23 Men’s teams
• 39 Women’s teams
• 36 Mixed teams

A total of 98 championship entries.

That represents an increase of 292% in just ten years.

Perhaps the most impressive statistic is the growth of the Women’s game, rising from ten teams in 2016 to thirty-nine today.

Mixed participation has quadrupled, while the Men’s Championship has grown almost four-fold.

Those are extraordinary figures for any amateur sport.

More Than Numbers

The figures only tell part of the story.

The standard of coaching has improved enormously. Clubs now operate websites, online membership systems and sophisticated social media platforms. Livestreaming, coach education, referee development and improved communications have all helped modernise the sport.

Many clubs now field multiple adult teams across different grades.

What was once a handful of Senior teams has become a genuine player pathway where new clubs can begin at Junior level, progress through Intermediate and ultimately compete at Senior level.

Without that structure, it is difficult to imagine the sport experiencing the growth it has over the past decade.

The Next Chapter

After several years of exceptional growth, participation has levelled off slightly in 2026.

That should not be mistaken for decline.

New clubs continue to emerge around the country, while others established during recent years have unfortunately struggled to survive. That is a natural challenge faced by many developing sports and reflects the reality that building a sustainable club takes years of commitment.

The next phase of growth will not simply be about creating new clubs.

It will be about helping those clubs survive.

Supporting volunteers.

Developing coaches and referees.

Building sustainable club structures.

Helping counties establish new competitions.

Ensuring every new club has the best possible chance of still being here ten years from now.

The Biggest Opportunity

Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the last decade is that almost all of this has been achieved through volunteers.

In 2026, GAA Rounders has 98 adult championship teams, championships across three grades, livestreamed finals, national coach and referee education programmes, international representation and clubs spread throughout much of Ireland.

Yet the Association still has no full-time, year-round employees whose sole responsibility is the long-term development of GAA Rounders.

That is not a criticism of the volunteers who have built the sport. Quite the opposite. It is a testament to what they have achieved with limited resources and an enormous commitment of time.

Every developing sport eventually reaches a point where volunteers alone find it increasingly difficult to sustain the same pace of growth.

The remarkable rise of Ladies Gaelic Football over recent decades demonstrated what can happen when passionate volunteers are supported by professional staff who spend every day growing the game.

Volunteers will always remain the heart of GAA Rounders. However, dedicated year-round staff would provide continuity, strategic planning and the day-to-day capacity to establish new clubs, support existing ones, develop coaches and referees, strengthen county structures and promote the game nationally.

One can only hope there are people within Croke Park with the vision to recognise that GAA Rounders is approaching that point.

The sport has demonstrated what can be achieved through volunteer commitment alone. Imagine what could be possible if those volunteers were backed by people whose full-time role was to understand the game, work alongside clubs and counties, and drive participation every day of the year.

If the ambition is to see another decade of growth—from today’s 98 championship teams to perhaps 200 or even 400—the next great investment may not simply be in facilities or competitions.

It may be in people.

Looking Ahead

The journey from 22 championship entries in 2016 to 98 in 2026 is something everyone involved in GAA Rounders can be immensely proud of.

It reflects the work of countless players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers who have dedicated thousands of hours to developing the game over the past decade.

The foundations have been laid by an extraordinary generation of volunteers.

The opportunity now is to give them the support they deserve so that the next chapter in the history of GAA Rounders is even more remarkable than the last.

If that happens, perhaps ten years from now another article will be written—not comparing 22 teams with 98, but looking back on 2026 as the year GAA Rounders truly unlocked its potential.

The post From 25 to 98: A Decade of Growth in GAA Rounders (2016–2026) appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

O’Dwyer, the first Irish player to earn AFLW All-Australian honours, is one of six Brisbane Lions players selected for the inaugural match between the two nations.

The Brisbane Lions’ dual premiership star’s elevation to the captaincy recognises her outstanding contribution to AFLW, where she has become one of the most influential Irish players in the competition and is a respected figure among Ireland’s growing AFLW contingent.

The historic contest will showcase the best Irish and Australian talent in AFLW, with Ireland coached by Sydney Swans AFLW senior coach Colin O’Riordan and supported by Brisbane Lions AFLW premiership coach Craig Starcevich as senior assistant coach.

O’Dwyer said she is excited to run out with the other Irish girls and play with them in the spectacle.

“It is an incredible honour to captain Ireland and represent my country in such a historic game,” O’Dwyer said.

“Playing for Ireland means a great deal to me and to have the opportunity to lead this group against Australia in Sydney is something I will cherish.

“I can’t wait for this match to come around, it will be a special occasion for everyone involved.”

Ireland assistant coach and Lions AFLW senior coach Craig Starcevich said O’Dwyer has been an outstanding ambassador for Irish athletes in the AFLW.

“Orla is everything we want this team to represent. She leads through her actions, sets high standards and has earned enormous respect from her teammates. We could not think of a better person to captain Ireland in such a significant moment for our sport,” Starcevich said.

“Everyone at the Brisbane Lions is incredibly proud of Orla. We’ve seen first-hand the impact she has had on our club, not only through her performances but through her leadership and professionalism.

“To be named captain of Ireland in the first Australia v Ireland AFLW representative match is a fitting recognition of what she has achieved. She is a role model for young Irish athletes and will lead her country with distinction,” Starcevich said.

Ireland’s squad features many of the AFLW’s leading Irish stars, including several All-Australians and premiership players, highlighting the remarkable influence Irish athletes have had on the competition.

The Australia v Ireland match will be played at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, 1 August and marks a landmark occasion for women’s Australian Rules football internationally.

The post Orla O’Dwyer named Ireland captain for AFLW match v Australia appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

When Mayo walk onto the Croke Park pitch for the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Final, they will carry more than the hopes of their supporters. They will also carry one of the most remarkable statistical records in Gaelic games.

Mayo’s All-Ireland Final Record Since 1951

• 1989 – Lost to Cork
• 1996 – Lost to Meath after a replay
• 1997 – Lost to Kerry
• 2004 – Lost to Kerry
• 2006 – Lost to Kerry
• 2012 – Lost to Donegal
• 2013 – Lost to Dublin
• 2016 – Lost to Dublin after a replay
• 2017 – Lost to Dublin
• 2020 – Lost to Dublin
• 2021 – Lost to Tyrone

Mayo have now lost 11 consecutive All-Ireland football finals since their last title in 1951.

Connacht’s Recent Record Offers Little Comfort

Football

• 2004 – Mayo lost to Kerry
• 2006 – Mayo lost to Kerry
• 2012 – Mayo lost to Donegal
• 2013 – Mayo lost to Dublin
• 2016 – Mayo lost to Dublin after a replay
• 2017 – Mayo lost to Dublin
• 2020 – Mayo lost to Dublin
• 2021 – Mayo lost to Tyrone
• 2022 – Galway lost to Kerry
• 2024 – Galway lost to Armagh

Hurling

• 2005 – Galway lost to Cork
• 2012 – Galway lost to Kilkenny after a replay
• 2015 – Galway lost to Kilkenny
• 2017 – Galway defeated Waterford
• 2018 – Galway lost to Limerick
• 2026 – Galway lost to Limerick

The Weight of History

SportsNewsIreland

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It is showpiece time for hurling, and few finals could carry more intrigue than Galway against Limerick at Croke Park.

Limerick return to the biggest stage seeking a 13th All-Ireland title and another addition to one of the most successful periods in the county’s history. Galway, meanwhile, are attempting to win the Liam MacCarthy Cup for a sixth time and end a wait stretching back to their famous 2017 triumph.

The counties have not met in an All-Ireland final since 2018. On that occasion, Limerick survived a dramatic late Galway comeback to win by a single point, 3-16 to 2-18, and secure their first title since 1973.

That victory helped launch the John Kiely era. Limerick subsequently lifted the trophy in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, establishing themselves as the dominant force in modern hurling.

Galway now arrive as Leinster champions, having produced two enormous knockout performances against Dublin and Cork. Micheál Donoghue’s team have scored heavily throughout the championship and possess the attacking power to seriously test Limerick’s defence.

Limerick will begin as favourites, but this is not a Galway side arriving simply to take part. They have won six of their seven championship matches, scored 17 goals and beaten Kilkenny, Wexford, Dublin and Cork along the way.

How Galway Reached the All-Ireland Final

Galway’s championship began with an impressive 3-25 to 1-16 victory over Kilkenny in the Leinster round-robin series. It was an early statement from Donoghue’s side and demonstrated the attacking depth that would become one of the defining features of their season.

They followed that by defeating Offaly 2-26 to 1-18 before recording a 4-22 to 1-22 victory over Kildare. Three matches, three wins and nine goals represented a powerful start.

Their only defeat came against Dublin. Galway failed to score a goal for the only time in the championship and were beaten 3-16 to 0-21. That result exposed some defensive vulnerability, but their reaction was emphatic.

Galway defeated Wexford 2-31 to 3-20 in another high-scoring contest to secure their place in the Leinster final. They then produced one of their best performances of the year, beating Dublin 4-29 to 4-15 in the provincial decider.

The 14-point winning margin did not tell the complete story of an extraordinary contest in which eight goals were scored. However, it did underline Galway’s ability to punish opponents when their forwards find space.

Galway carried that momentum into the All-Ireland semi-final and defeated Cork 2-26 to 1-18. After Cork had impressed throughout the Munster Championship, Galway’s 11-point victory represented another significant statement.

How Limerick Reached the All-Ireland Final

Limerick’s championship campaign began with defeat as Cork edged them 2-22 to 1-23 in the Munster round robin. Losing their opening game immediately placed pressure on the Treaty County, but the response was ruthless.

They defeated Clare 2-30 to 1-18 before overcoming Waterford 2-29 to 2-20. Limerick then produced a devastating display against Tipperary, winning 5-27 to 0-25.

That three-match sequence restored Limerick’s momentum and secured their place in the Munster final, where they met Cork for a second time.

The provincial decider was far tighter. Limerick won 1-21 to 2-17, overturning their earlier defeat and claiming another Munster title by the smallest possible margin.

They faced Clare again in the All-Ireland semi-final and were forced to dig deep. Limerick eventually prevailed 1-21 to 1-19, surviving an intense contest to book their return to Croke Park.

While Galway’s knockout victories have been convincing, Limerick have shown a different strength: the ability to win tight championship matches when the pressure is at its highest.

Championship Head-to-Head

This will be the 17th championship meeting between Galway and Limerick.

Limerick have won 11 of the previous 16 meetings, Galway have won four and there has been one draw. Galway’s most recent championship victory in the fixture came in the 2005 All-Ireland qualifiers.

Limerick have won each of the four championship meetings since then, including the 2018 All-Ireland final and semi-final victories in 2020, 2022 and 2023.

Last Five Championship Meetings

Limerick also defeated Galway in this year’s Allianz Hurling League, winning 2-27 to 0-31 at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Previous All-Ireland Final Meetings

This will be the fourth time Galway and Limerick have faced each other in an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final.

Galway’s Goal Threat

Galway’s most striking championship statistic is their goal return.

They have scored 17 goals in seven games, an average of more than two goals per match. The only game in which Galway failed to raise a green flag was the defeat to Dublin, which was also the only match they lost.

They have scored four goals in three separate championship matches: against Kildare, Dublin in the Leinster final and during their high-scoring provincial campaign. Their 17-goal total means Limerick cannot afford to give Galway’s forwards repeated opportunities close to goal.

However, Galway have also conceded 14 goals. Dublin scored three against them during the round robin and four in the Leinster final, while Wexford also found the net three times.

That creates the central question surrounding Galway: can they maintain their attacking output while preventing Limerick from exploiting the defensive openings that other teams have found?

Limerick’s Defensive Edge

Limerick have scored 12 goals in six championship games and conceded eight. Their goal-scoring total is lower than Galway’s, but they have allowed six fewer goals.

Their attack remains capable of devastating an opponent, as demonstrated by the five goals scored against Tipperary. Yet Limerick’s greatest advantage may be the balance between their attack and defence.

They are comfortable winning in different ways. They can overwhelm teams with scores, but they can also survive matches decided by one or two points. Their Munster final win over Cork and semi-final victory against Clare provide recent evidence of that composure.

Championship Experience

Both teams contain a core of players with extensive championship experience.

For Limerick, goalkeeper Nickie Quaid is the county’s most experienced current championship player, with 79 appearances since making his debut in 2010. Tom Morrissey has played 59 times, Gearóid Hegarty 58, Diarmaid Byrnes 57 and Cian Lynch 56.

Galway can counter with a hugely experienced group of their own. Conor Cooney has made 72 championship appearances since his debut in 2012. Pádraig Mannion and Daithí Burke have both played 70 times, Cathal Mannion has 69 appearances and Conor Whelan has 66.

The Managers

John Kiely – Limerick

John Kiely is in his tenth season as Limerick manager. His record already places him among the most successful managers in the history of the game.

He guided Limerick to All-Ireland titles in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Under Kiely, Limerick developed a powerful running game, extraordinary work-rate and the ability to control matches through physical strength and relentless scoring.

His team have also repeatedly demonstrated that they can recover from setbacks. Their opening championship defeat to Cork did not derail their season, and Limerick later gained revenge in the Munster final.

Micheál Donoghue – Galway

Micheál Donoghue is in the second season of his second spell as Galway manager. His first term ran from 2016 to 2019 and included the county’s 2017 All-Ireland triumph.

Donoghue later managed Dublin in 2023 and 2024 before returning to Galway. His side have played with greater attacking freedom this year and have scored 10 goals across their Leinster final and All-Ireland semi-final victories.

A Galway win would make Donoghue an All-Ireland-winning manager with the county in two separate spells.

Why Galway Can Win

1. Their goal threat: Galway have scored 17 championship goals and have multiple forwards capable of turning half-chances into decisive scores.

2. Their knockout form: Galway defeated Dublin by 14 points in the Leinster final and Cork by 11 points in the All-Ireland semi-final. Those were not narrow escapes; they were commanding victories.

3. Their experience: Donoghue can call upon a group of players who have been operating at the highest level for more than a decade.

4. Their motivation: Several Galway players were involved in the painful one-point defeat to Limerick in the 2018 final. This represents a rare opportunity to reverse that result.

5. Their ability to build big totals: Galway have scored 29 points or more in three championship games and have the firepower to remain in contention even if Limerick begin strongly.

Why Limerick Can Win

1. Their All-Ireland final experience: Many of Limerick’s leading players have already won five senior All-Ireland medals.

2. Their record against Galway: Limerick have won the last four championship meetings between the counties.

3. Their defence: They have conceded only eight goals in six championship matches, compared with Galway’s 14 in seven games.

4. Their ability to win close games: Limerick defeated Cork by one point in the Munster final and Clare by two in the All-Ireland semi-final.

5. Their midfield and half-forward power: When Limerick impose themselves physically and begin winning puck-outs and breaking ball, they can control long periods of a match.

Three Key Battles

1. Galway’s full-forward line against the Limerick full-back line

Galway’s best route to victory may be through goals. They must create one-on-one opportunities and prevent Limerick from setting their defensive shape. Galway have shown that once they begin finding the net, they can overwhelm teams quickly.

2. The battle for puck-outs

Limerick have built much of their success around their ability to retain possession, compete for breaking ball and turn opposition puck-outs into scoring opportunities. Galway must avoid periods where Limerick dominate the middle third and pin them inside their own half.

3. The final quarter

Limerick’s experience becomes especially valuable in the final 15 minutes of major championship matches. Galway may need to establish a lead before that stage rather than relying on a late chase against a team so comfortable in tight finishes.

Betting Odds

Limerick are strong favourites to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup. The available match odds apply to the result after 70 minutes.

The prices reflect Limerick’s championship record against Galway, their success under Kiely and their experience of winning All-Ireland finals.

However, Galway at 5/2 will appeal to those who believe their recent attacking form can expose the champions. The draw at 8/1 may also interest punters given the counties’ one-point final in 2018 and Limerick’s narrow wins over Cork and Clare.

Betting odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

RTÉ Man of the Match Betting

Gearóid Hegarty heads the market at 6/1. His size, aerial ability and scoring threat make him an obvious candidate if Limerick control the middle third.

Aaron Gillane is available at 8/1 and is likely to feature prominently if Limerick create enough possession close to the Galway goal. Cian Lynch, one of the outstanding players of his generation, is priced at 9/1.

For Galway, Cathal Mannion is available at 12/1. Given his ability to influence matches through scoring, movement and distribution, he could represent one of the more interesting Galway options.

What Victory Would Mean for Galway

A Galway victory would deliver the county’s sixth All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship and their first since 2017.

It would also be the first time since Galway’s 2017 success that the Leinster champions went on to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

The final is only the third occasion in ten years that the Munster and Leinster champions have met in the decider. The previous two came in 2022 and 2023, when Limerick defeated Kilkenny on both occasions.

Galway therefore have the opportunity to end two significant sequences: Limerick’s run of championship victories against them and the recent failure of Leinster champions to win the All-Ireland title.

What Victory Would Mean for Limerick

Limerick are attempting to win their 13th All-Ireland title and a sixth under John Kiely.

Another victory would strengthen the standing of this group among hurling’s greatest teams. It would also underline their ability to recover after failing to win the championship in the previous two seasons.

For players such as Quaid, Hegarty, Lynch, Morrissey and Byrnes, another medal would add to an already extraordinary collection.

SportsNewsIreland Prediction

This final presents a fascinating contrast.

Galway arrive with the more explosive attacking numbers. They have scored five more goals than Limerick and produced dominant knockout victories over Dublin and Cork. When Galway create momentum, they can score heavily in a very short period.

Limerick, however, possess the stronger recent head-to-head record, the better defensive figures and vastly more experience of winning All-Ireland finals together.

Galway may need at least two goals to win. If they are forced into a point-scoring contest without troubling the Limerick goal, the Treaty County’s physical power and ability to control possession could become decisive.

Limerick’s price of 4/9 is short, and Galway have shown enough this summer to suggest this will be far more competitive than those odds indicate.

Galway’s goal threat gives them a genuine chance of causing an upset, but Limerick’s experience, defensive record and proven composure in close championship matches may just carry them over the line.

Everything points towards a compelling final. Galway are seeking to reclaim their place at the top of the hurling world. Limerick are attempting to add another chapter to a remarkable era.

One cup. Two counties. Seventy minutes to decide where Liam MacCarthy is headed.

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There is another huge weekend of live sport on TV, with FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, All-Ireland football semi-finals, Nations Championship rugby, Wimbledon, Tour de France, Scottish Open golf, racing and athletics all live across Irish and UK channels.

Thursday 9 July

• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 1:30pm – Racing: Newmarket July Festival Day 2 – Virgin Media One
• 9:00pm – France v Morocco – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2

Friday 10 July

• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 5:00pm – USGAA v Warwickshire – All-Ireland Junior Football Semi-Final – TG4 YouTube
• 7:00pm – Diamond League Athletics, Monaco – Virgin Media Two
• 7:00pm – New York v London – All-Ireland Junior Football Semi-Final – TG4 YouTube
• 8:00pm – Belgium v Spain – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2

Saturday 11 July

• 6:10am – New Zealand v Italy – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 8:40am – Australia v France – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 11:10am – Japan v Ireland – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 1:15pm – Racing: Newmarket July Festival, July Cup Day 3 – Virgin Media Two
• 2:10pm – Fiji v England – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 3:30pm – Down v Wicklow – Tailteann Cup Final – RTÉ
• 4:40pm – South Africa v Scotland – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 6:00pm – Mayo v Louth – All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final – RTÉ / BBC NI
• 8:10pm – Argentina v Wales – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 10:00pm – England v Norway – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2
• 2:00am Sunday – Argentina v Switzerland – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2

Sunday 12 July

• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 1:45pm – USGAA/Warwickshire v New York/London – All-Ireland Junior Football Final – TG4 YouTube
• 4:00pm – Dublin v Kerry – All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final – RTÉ / BBC NI

Monday 13 July

• 5:30pm – Ireland v Fiji – World Rugby U20 Championship – Premier Sports

All Weekend / All Week

• Wimbledon Championships – live throughout the week on BBC One and BBC Two
• Tour de France – live all week on TG4 and TNT Sports 1

All times listed are Irish time.

Keep up to date with the latest live sport on TV listings on SportsNewsIRELAND.

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For €20 per ticket, supporters will be entered into the “Win With The Tribes” draw, with all proceeds going directly to the Galway Senior Hurlers’ training fund.

The top prize is a dream package for any Galway fan, including:

• Two Lower Hogan tickets for the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final.
• An overnight stay for two in Dublin on final night.
• A signed Galway Senior Hurling jersey.

The second prize also includes:

• Two Lower Cusack tickets for the final.
• A signed Galway Senior Hurling jersey.

The third prize is:

• Two Lower Cusack tickets for the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final.

With demand for All-Ireland Final tickets expected to far exceed supply, the draw gives supporters an opportunity to secure some of the most sought-after seats in Croke Park while also helping fund the Galway senior team’s preparations.

Every ticket purchased contributes directly towards the team’s training fund as they prepare for one of the biggest days in the GAA calendar.

Whether you’re hoping to be in the stands on All-Ireland Final day or simply want to support the team, the “Win With The Tribes” draw offers Galway supporters a chance to do both.

Click here to win All-Ireland hurling tickets 

The post Win All-Ireland Final Tickets? Galway Launchs Incredible Prize Draw Worth Hundreds appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

It is another packed weekend of live sport on TV, with World Cup action, international rugby, GAA championship games, Formula 1, racing and Wimbledon all available across RTÉ, TG4, Virgin Media, BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

Friday 3rd April

• Argentina v Cape Verde – 11:00am – RTÉ2 & ITV
• Australia v Egypt – 7:00pm – RTÉ2 & BBC1

Saturday 4th July

• Colombia v Ghana – World Cup – 2:30am – RTÉ2 & ITV
• New Zealand v France – Rugby – 8:10am – Virgin Media One & ITV
• Japan v Italy – Rugby – 9:40am – ITV4
• Australia v Ireland – Rugby – 11:00am – Virgin Media One & ITV
• Kilkenny v Waterford – Camogie – 1:00pm – RTÉ1
• Sandown Racing – 1:30pm – Virgin Media Two
• Armagh v Kildare – Women’s Football – 1:45pm – TG4
• Wales v Fiji – Rugby – 2:10pm – Virgin Media One & ITV
• Cork v Galway – Hurling Semi-Final – 2:30pm – RTÉ1
• South Africa v England – Rugby – 4:40pm – Virgin Media One & ITV4
• Kerry v Meath – Women’s Football – 5:15pm – TG4
• Canada v Morocco – World Cup – 6:00pm – RTÉ2 & ITV1
• Dublin v Cork – Women’s Football – 7:30pm – TG4
• Argentina v Scotland – Rugby – 8:30pm – Virgin Media One & ITV4
• Paraguay v France – World Cup – 10:00pm – RTÉ2 & BBC1

Sunday

• Clare v Tipperary – Camogie – 1:30pm – RTÉ
• British Grand Prix – Formula 1 – 2:30pm – Channel 4
• Limerick v Clare – Hurling – 4:00pm – RTÉ
• Galway v Mayo – Women’s Football – 5:45pm – TG4
• Brazil v Norway – World Cup – 9:00pm – RTÉ2 & ITV
• England v Mexico – World Cup – 1:00am – RTÉ2 & BBC1

Wimbledon Live On TV

Wimbledon tennis will also be shown across the weekend on BBC One and BBC Two, adding to a bumper weekend of live sporting action.

Live Sport On TV This Weekend

From Ireland’s rugby clash with Australia to major GAA championship fixtures and World Cup football, sports fans have a huge weekend ahead. Keep an eye on RTÉ, TG4, Virgin Media, BBC, ITV and Channel 4 for full live coverage.

SportsNewsIRELAND – Your home for live sport coverage.

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Match Details

• Fixture: Dublin v Galway
• Competition: All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final
• Venue: Croke Park
• Date: Sunday
• Live on: RTÉ

Team News

Championship So Far

Dublin

• Dublin 2-16 Wicklow 2-14
• Dublin 0-20 Louth 0-10
• Westmeath 2-28 Dublin 0-26 (after extra-time)
• Louth 4-18 Dublin 1-24
• Dublin 1-24 Cavan 0-16
• Dublin 2-26 Donegal 2-22 (after extra-time)

Galway

• Galway 1-20 Leitrim 2-12
• Roscommon 3-21 Galway 2-22
• Galway 3-21 Kildare 0-17
• Galway 3-21 Westmeath 2-21

Recent Championship Meetings

• 2025: Dublin 1-18 Galway 2-14
• 2024: Galway 0-17 Dublin 0-16
• 2018: Dublin 1-24 Galway 2-12
• 1983: Dublin 1-10 Galway 1-8
• 1976: Dublin 1-8 Galway 0-8

Head-to-Head

Key Statistics

• Galway defeated Dublin 0-20 to 1-15 in Round 7 of the Allianz Football League this season.
• Galway have scored 3-21 in three of their four championship games this year.
• Roscommon also scored 3-21 against Galway in the Connacht Final.
• Dublin have scored six goals and conceded ten in six championship matches.
• Galway have scored nine goals and conceded seven in four championship games.
• Ger Brennan is leading Dublin into an All-Ireland quarter-final for the first time in his debut season as manager.
• Páraic Joyce reaches his third All-Ireland quarter-final as Galway manager, having previously beaten Armagh in 2022 and Dublin in 2024.

League and Championship Record in 2026

• Dublin: Played 13, Won 6, Lost 7.
• Galway: Played 11, Won 6, Drew 2, Lost 3.

Prediction

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But nobody can call this championship with any real confidence, and that uncertainty is showing up clearly across the betting markets, the best Irish betting sites right now show prices shifting by the day as opinion on who can win this title remains genuinely divided.

Galway go into the semi-finals as the team bookmakers have most respect for after their Leinster campaign, but they have not been installed as a runaway favourite in most markets. Their provincial title was earned against strong opposition, and they look well-organised heading into the last four. Limerick, meanwhile, have been a familiar presence at short prices in this competition in recent years.

Reclaiming the Munster crown has restored confidence in their camp, and they will expect to be near the head of the outright betting when the knockout rounds arrive. Two credible favourites, one title, and the market is not sure which way to lean.

The Quarter-Finals Could Flip the Market 

The two quarter-final ties are where serious punters will be paying closest attention. Clare face Dublin on one side of the draw, while Cork take on Offaly on the other. Both games carry genuine betting interest and, depending on how they play out, could significantly rearrange the outright picture before a semi-final ball is struck.

Clare will attract attention from bettors who like value outside the top two. Their recent form across grades has been strong, and there is an argument that the Clare team is more settled and battle-hardened than their odds suggest. Dublin, after a difficult day in the Leinster final, will need a commanding performance to regain any credibility in the outright market. A Clare win would shorten their price sharply and bring a fresh dynamic to how bookmakers price up the semi-final stage.

Cork’s situation heading into their quarter-final against Offaly is one of the more interesting wagers of the championship knockout stage. They were beaten narrowly in Munster, a result that hurt their outright price, but a Cork team that gets rolling in championship hurling is not something bookmakers or opponents take lightly. If they come through Offaly, expect their odds to tighten considerably.

Where Punters Might Find the Best Value

This is one of those championships where the smart play may not be backing an outright winner at the current prices. Each-way punters and those who prefer ante-post markets on semi-final placings might find better value than the winner market right now, simply because the gap between the top four or five counties in hurling has rarely felt smaller. The outright prices reflect a genuine toss-up between Galway and Limerick, but the quarter-final survivors could easily upset that order.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has emphasised the importance of informed and responsible wagering, and for any punter placing serious money on an open market like this, that means doing your research rather than following the crowd. The outright hurling market is exactly the kind of bet where early sentiment and fast-moving money can shift prices significantly, and where patient, well-informed bettors tend to find the most rewarding positions.

A Championship That Refuses to Be Called

What makes this championship so difficult to price is the genuine quality spread across multiple counties. Limerick bring experience, Galway bring provincial form, Clare bring momentum, and Cork bring the kind of character that tends to unsettle odds-on picks. Each of these represents a credible case for the title, and the bookmakers know it. This is not a market where one county is running away from the field, and any punter treating it that way is likely to be caught out.

For those building a position in the outright market, the sensible approach is to hold off until the quarter-final results are in. The prices after each knockout round will tell a very different story to what is on offer at the start of the summer, and there may be genuine ante-post value to be found once the semi-final picture becomes clear. The All-Ireland Hurling Championship in 2026 has the makings of a brilliant summer for GAA fans and, for anyone who can read a market as well as a game of hurling, it might turn out to be the most rewarding wager of the year.

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Live Sport This Weekend: GAA, FIFA World Cup, Rugby, Royal Ascot, US Open golf and Queen’s Club

Sports fans are in for another packed weekend of live action, with GAA Championship fixtures, FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, rugby finals and semi-finals, Royal Ascot, US Open  and Queen’s Club tennis all available across TV and streaming platforms.

The weekend schedule includes major All-Ireland SFC and SHC fixtures, Tailteann Cup action, FIFA World Cup games live on RTÉ2, the Gallagher Premiership Rugby final, French Top 14 semi-finals, Royal Ascot on Virgin Media One and the Queen’s Club men’s singles final.

Friday 19 June

• 19:25 – Kildare v Tyrone, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4
• 19:30 – Leinster v Bulls – URC Final
• 20:00 – USA v Australia, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 20:05 – Toulouse v Racing 92, Top 14 Semi-Final – Premier Sports 2
• 23:00 – Scotland v Morocco, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 01:30 – Brazil v Haiti, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 04:00 – Turkey v Paraguay, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Saturday 20 June

• 09:45 – Adult Handball Semi-Finals – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 12:50 – Donegal v Mayo, Munster SFC Round 3 – TG4
• 12:55 – Tyrone v Meath, Leinster SFC Round 3 – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 14:00 – Barbarians v South Africa, Rugby Test Match – Premier Sports 2
• 14:45 – Armagh v Waterford, Ulster SFC Round 3 – TG4
• 14:55 – Tipperary v Kildare, Leinster SFC Round 3 – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 15:00 – Down v Fermanagh, Tailteann Cup – RTÉ2
• 15:00 – Northampton v Exeter Chiefs, Gallagher Premiership Final – ITV4 / TNT Sports 1
• 15:45 – Cork v Derry, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4 Player
• 16:00 – Kerry v Armagh, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 17:00 – Offaly v Wicklow, Tailteann Cup – RTÉ News
• 17:00 – South Africa v AUNZ Invitational XV, Rugby Test Match – Premier Sports 2
• 18:00 – Netherlands v Sweden, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 18:15 – Mayo v Meath, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 19:00 – Clare v Dublin, All-Ireland SHC – RTÉ1 / GAA+
• 19:25 – Kildare v Tyrone, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4
• 20:05 – Montpellier v Stade Français, Top 14 Semi-Final – Premier Sports 1
• 21:00 – Germany v Ivory Coast, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 01:00 – Ecuador v Curaçao, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 05:00 – Tunisia v Japan, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Sunday 21 June

• 13:15 – Dublin v Donegal, All-Ireland SFC – RTÉ1
• 13:20 – Queen’s Club Men’s Singles Final – BBC One Northern Ireland HD
• 15:30 – Cork v Offaly, All-Ireland SHC – RTÉ1 / GAA+
• 16:00 – Monaghan v Westmeath, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 17:00 – Spain v Saudi Arabia, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• All day – US Open Golf
• 20:00 – Belgium v Iran, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 23:00 – Uruguay v Cape Verde, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 02:00 – New Zealand v Egypt, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Royal Ascot Live on Virgin Media One

Royal Ascot continues from Wednesday to Saturday, with live coverage each day from 1:30pm to 6:30pm on Virgin Media One.

FIFA World Cup 2026 on RTÉ2

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues throughout the weekend, with all listed matches live on RTÉ2. Key fixtures include USA v Australia, Scotland v Morocco, Brazil v Haiti, Netherlands v Sweden, Germany v Ivory Coast, Spain v Saudi Arabia and Belgium v Iran.

Weekend Highlights

• Dublin v Donegal in the All-Ireland SFC
• Clare v Dublin and Cork v Offaly in the All-Ireland SHC
• Northampton v Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership Final
• Toulouse v Racing 92 and Montpellier v Stade Français in the Top 14 semi-finals
• Queen’s Club Men’s Singles Final
• Royal Ascot live on Virgin Media One
• FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live on RTÉ2

SportsNewsIreland.com will continue to provide live sport listings, fixtures, previews, TV information and match coverage throughout the weekend.

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