British & Irish Lions 2025 Squad Announced: 15 Irish Named, Just 2 Welsh as Squad Signals Shift in Power

The 2025 British & Irish Lions squad has been officially announced — and it’s already sparking major talking points across the rugby world. Ireland lead the way with 15 players selected, followed by 13 from England, 8 from Scotland, and just 2 from Wales in a striking shift that underlines changing fortunes among the Home Nations.

Connacht stars Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen headline the Irish contingent, with their inclusions marking a major achievement for the western province — equalling Wales in representation. Many fans will feel for Finlay Bealham, who narrowly missed out despite consistent international form.

In a surprise twist, none of Ireland’s out-halves made the cut, meaning there’s no room for the likes of Jack Crowley or Ross Byrne. With the next Lions tour not until 2029, their chance will have to wait.

Irish Dominance in the Forwards

The Lions forwards feature a dominant Irish presence with Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, and Joe McCarthy all making the cut. Josh van der Flier also earns his place after another standout season.

Firepower in the Backs

The backs offer a blend of experience and flair. Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose provide midfield solidity, with Hugo Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe, and Mack Hansen adding firepower out wide.

Nation Breakdown:

Ireland: 15 players
England: 13 players
Scotland: 8 players
Wales: 2 players

Tomos Williams and Jac Morgan are the only Welshmen included, capping a difficult cycle for Welsh rugby.

Notable Debutants

There are 19 Lions debutants overall, signalling a bold new direction under the tour’s leadership. Maro Itoje will captain the side, bringing authority and experience to a squad brimming with potential.

As anticipation builds for the summer tour, this selection highlights Ireland’s continued rise on the international stage and offers a glimpse into the next generation of Lions stars.

Munster v Ulster URC Preview: Five Changes for Hosts as Munster Look Strong Bet at -7

Friday night lights return to Thomond Park as Munster welcome Ulster in a mouth-watering BKT United Rugby Championship Round 17 clash (7.35pm, live on RTÉ and Premier Sports). With five changes to their starting line-up and home advantage, Graham Rowntree’s men look in prime position to cover the -7 handicap, which is shaping up as one of the weekend’s best rugby bets.

Munster Team News: Five Big Names Return

Munster head coach Graham Rowntree has brought Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett and Diarmuid Kilgallen back into the starting XV after their gritty win over Cardiff. Thaakir Abrahams moves to full-back, forming a dangerous back three alongside Calvin Nash and Kilgallen. This is one of the strongest Munster teams to be selected all season.

The midfield remains settled with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their partnership, while Jack Crowley and Craig Casey form a sharp half-back pairing. Up front, Michael Milne earns his second start alongside experienced campaigners Niall Scannell and Archer.

Kleyn and Tadhg Beirne, who captains the side, anchor the second row, with a robust back-row trio of O’Mahony, Hodnett and Coombes providing firepower at the breakdown.

Ulster Team News: Henderson Returns but Key Questions Remain

Richie Murphy welcomes back Iain Henderson from injury to captain the side and pair up with Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row. Rob Baloucoune returns on the wing, while Michael Lowry starts at full-back after concussion protocols. However, Ulster remain inconsistent on the road and have won just one of their last four away games in the URC.

In the backline, Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy continue at 9 and 10, while the experienced Stuart McCloskey teams up with Jude Postlethwaite in midfield. With Jacob Stockdale and Baloucoune out wide, Ulster’s back three can threaten but could struggle for clean ball against Munster’s aggressive pack.

Betting Tips: Munster -7 Looks a Very Strong Play

Thomond Park is a fortress and Munster have covered the spread in 5 of their last 6 home URC matches. With several key starters returning and momentum building ahead of the playoffs, Munster -7 is a bet with excellent value. Ulster’s form is patchy and they’ve failed to win at Thomond in their last four visits.

Verdict: Back Munster -7 on the handicap at around 10/11 (1.91). Expect a fired-up home performance and a potential double-digit margin.

Match Details

Fixture: Munster v Ulster
Competition: BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 17
Venue: Thomond Park, Limerick
Date: Friday, 9 May
Kick-off: 7.35pm
Live: RTÉ & Premier Sports
Referee: Adam Jones (WRU)

Munster Team: 15. Thaakir Abrahams 14. Calvin Nash 13. Tom Farrell 12. Alex Nankivell 11. Diarmuid Kilgallen 10. Jack Crowley 9. Craig Casey 1. Michael Milne 2. Niall Scannell 3. Stephen Archer 4. Jean Kleyn 5. Tadhg Beirne (Captain) 6. Peter O’Mahony 7. John Hodnett 8. Gavin Coombes Replacements: 16. Lee Barron 17. Josh Wycherley 18. John Ryan 19. Fineen Wycherley 20. Tom Ahern 21. Alex Kendellen 22. Conor Murray 23. Seán O’Brien Ulster Team: 15. Michael Lowry 14. Rob Baloucoune 13. Jude Postlethwaite 12. Stuart McCloskey 11. Jacob Stockdale 10. Jack Murphy 9. Nathan Doak 1. Andrew Warwick 2. Rob Herring 3. Scott Wilson 4. Iain Henderson (Captain) 5. Cormac Izuchukwu 6. Matty Rea 7. Nick Timoney 8. James McNabney Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart 17. Callum Reid 18. Tom O’Toole 19. Alan O’Connor 20. David McCann 21. Dave Shanahan 22. Stewart Moore 23. Werner Kok

Global Racing League: Dettori, Moore & Buick Join $15M Series

A revolutionary new franchise-led horse racing league is set to launch in 2026, with 12 of the world’s top jockeys, including Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore and William Buick, signed up to compete in the $15 million Global Racing League.

Global Racing League puts jockeys in the spotlight

The Global Racing League is a franchise-based international series designed to modernise the sport and appeal to a younger, global audience. Each of the 12 riders will act as team principal for their own brand and race in identical silks across up to ten events each year.

In addition to Dettori, Moore and Buick, the line-up includes James McDonald, Joao Moreira, Zac Purton, Christophe Lemaire, Mickael Barzalona, Yutaka Take, Irad Ortiz Jr, Flavien Prat and Vincent Ho. All 12 jockeys will hold equity in their teams and the league itself, ensuring full investment and promotion from the athletes involved.

Global Racing League venues include Ascot, York and Leopardstown

Talks are underway with major racecourses to host fixtures. Ascot and York have confirmed discussions, while Leopardstown and other European tracks like Longchamp and Chantilly are also under consideration.

Nick Smith of Ascot Racecourse praised the innovation: “It’s jockey-led with full equity and buy-in. It’s been well thought through to avoid conflicts with the Pattern.”

Commercial vision and youth appeal

Co-founded by former Godolphin CEO John Ferguson and Entain executive Lachlan Fitt, the league aims to secure commercial partners and media rights that could push its prize fund to $15 million. Fitt highlighted the lack of global racing icons and sees this league as a chance to change that.

William Buick, fresh from his Guineas weekend double at Newmarket, said: “This is a unique opportunity to use our platforms to grow racing worldwide.”

Designed to complement, not compete

The Global Racing League will not interfere with Pattern races. Events are planned around major festivals and designed to offer fast-paced, accessible entertainment for both die-hard fans and new viewers. Each fixture will feature six races where all 12 jockeys score points toward their franchise’s standings.

Female jockeys to be included in future

While the initial line-up includes only male riders, Fitt confirmed: “We look forward to welcoming the best female jockeys as we expand the league.”

Conclusion

The Global Racing League is an ambitious, athlete-led initiative poised to reshape the way horse racing is promoted and consumed. With jockeys as stakeholders and stars, and media-driven presentation at its core, the league may just be the spark needed to modernise racing for a new generation.

Ten Players Confirmed to Leave Leinster Rugby at End of 2024/25 Season

Leinster Rugby Confirm Ten Departures Ahead of 2025/26 Season

Leinster Rugby have confirmed a significant squad reshuffle heading into the 2025/26 campaign, with ten players set to move on from the province at the conclusion of the current season.

Among the most high-profile exits is veteran prop Cian Healy, who will retire after a glittering career that saw him earn over 120 caps for Ireland and become a cornerstone of Leinster’s front row for more than 15 years. His departure marks the end of an era.

Ross Byrne, a mainstay at out-half in recent years, will join English Premiership outfit Gloucester Rugby, in a move that offers a fresh challenge after falling down the pecking order at both Leinster and Ireland level.

Michael Milne and Lee Barron will both make the switch to Munster Rugby, continuing the growing trend of interprovincial transfers. Milne, in particular, is seen as a valuable addition to Munster’s scrum depth.

Meanwhile, winger Rob Russell is linked with a potential move to Ulster or Connacht, though no confirmation has been made. The same applies to Rory Maguire, Ben Brownlee, Aitzol Arenzana-King, and Liam Turner, all of whom are exploring new opportunities with their destinations yet to be finalised. These younger players have largely featured in the Leinster academy system or as fringe squad members, and their departures may offer increased game time elsewhere.

One of the more unexpected developments is the status of Jordie Barrett, the New Zealand international who had been rumoured to be joining Leinster in 2024. However, reports now suggest that plans have changed and Barrett will no longer be linking up with the province, though his next move remains unconfirmed.

Full List of Leinster Rugby Departures (2025):

Cian Healy – Retiring
Ross Byrne – Gloucester Rugby
Michael Milne – Munster Rugby
Lee Barron – Munster Rugby
Rob Russell – Linked with Ulster or Connacht
Rory Maguire – Destination Unknown
Ben Brownlee – Destination Unknown
Aitzol Arenzana-King – Destination Unknown
Liam Turner – Destination Unknown
Jordie Barrett

This wave of departures opens the door for a new generation of Leinster talent to emerge, while also providing a reminder of the changing landscape of Irish rugby, where interprovincial and international moves are becoming more common.

As Leinster prepare for the 2025/26 season, fans will be watching closely to see how head coach Leo Cullen reshapes the squad, particularly in the wake of such significant experience exiting the setup.

Stay tuned to SportsNewsIRELAND.com for more Irish rugby transfer news and analysis.

Louth v Meath: Underdog Louth Carry the Value in Historic Leinster Final at Croke Park

Date: Sunday, May 11

Time: 4:15pm

Venue: Croke Park, Dublin

Live on: RTÉ

Odds: Meath 4/6 | Louth 6/4 | Draw 13/2

Tip: Louth to win at 6/4 – the standout bet of the weekend

A classic Leinster rivalry returns to the big stage as Meath and Louth meet in the 2025 Leinster Football Final. With both counties bringing momentum and hunger to Croke Park, this promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated provincial deciders in recent years.

Louth are 6/4 underdogs, despite a run of excellent form and a commanding 3-10 to 0-9 win over Meath in last year’s All-Ireland Round Robin. That result, combined with their defensive solidity this year, makes Louth the standout bet of the weekend.

Paths to the Final

Meath

Beat Carlow (1-30 to 0-19)
Beat Offaly (1-25 to 0-21)
Beat Dublin (0-23 to 1-16)

Louth

Beat Laois (2-16 to 0-17)
Beat Kildare (1-18 to 0-18)

Both sides are unbeaten en route to the final, with Meath’s win over Dublin catching the eye. But Louth have quietly gone about their business, winning two close encounters without conceding a goal.

Recent Championship Head-to-Head

2024: Louth 3-10 Meath 0-9 (All-Ireland Round Robin)
2017: Meath 0-27 Louth 3-9
2016: Meath 0-20 Louth 1-13
2011: Meath 5-8 Louth 2-8
2010: Meath 1-12 Louth 1-10 (Leinster Final)

Historical Leinster Final Meetings

2010: Meath 1-12 Louth 1-10
1952: Meath 1-6 Louth 0-8
1950 (Replay): Louth 3-5 Meath 0-13
1950 (Draw): Louth 1-3 Meath 1-3

Stats & Storylines

Louth are appearing in a third successive Leinster final for the first time since 1912-1914.
Their last Leinster title came in 1957, the year they also won the All-Ireland.
Meath haven’t won a Leinster title since 2010, when they last beat Louth in a final.
Louth beat Meath 1-19 to 0-17 in the 2025 Allianz League.
Both counties have conceded no goals on their path to the final.
Louth manager Ger Brennan won three Leinster titles as a Dublin player between 2009 and 2013.

Verdict: Louth to Deliver at 6/4

The form guide, recent head-to-heads, and defensive record all point toward a real upset in the making. Louth at 6/4 to win their first Leinster crown in 68 years is tremendous value. Back the Reds to deliver.

Antrim v Dublin: Corrigan Park Hosts Crucial Leinster Hurling Round 3 Clash

Antrim v Dublin: Corrigan Park Hosts Crucial Leinster Round 3 Clash

Venue: Corrigan Park, Belfast

Date & Time: Saturday, May 10th, 4:00pm

Broadcast: Live on GAA+

Odds: Dublin 1/8 | Draw 20/1 | Antrim 8/1

Handicap: Dublin -8

Tip: Antrim +8

Dublin travel north to face Antrim in Round 3 of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship, hoping to maintain their perfect record after wins over Wexford and Offaly. Antrim, meanwhile, are still searching for their first points and will be determined to put on a show at home in Corrigan Park.

Despite the odds strongly favouring the Dubs at 1/8, there’s reason to consider Antrim +8 on the handicap line as the smart value bet.

Recent Form

Dublin:
- Beat Offaly and Wexford
- Scored 4-51, conceded 6-38
- Beat Antrim by 1-25 to 0-14 in Allianz League
Antrim:
- Lost to Kilkenny and Wexford
- Conceded most (4-54) and scored least (2-31) in Leinster

Last Five Championship Meetings

2024: Dublin 3-32 Antrim 1-18
2023: Dublin 1-19 Antrim 1-19
2021: Dublin 3-31 Antrim 0-22
2010: Antrim 1-17 Dublin 0-19
2009: Dublin 2-16 Antrim 0-12

Dublin have had the upper hand in recent years, but Antrim have covered this handicap (+8) in 2 of the last 4 meetings.

Table After 2 Rounds

Team	P	W	D	L	For	Against	Diff	Points
Kilkenny	2	2	0	0	5-54	2-33	+30	4
Dublin	2	2	0	0	4-51	6-38	+7	4
Wexford	2	1	0	1	6-43	3-45	+7	2
Galway	2	1	0	1	2-46	4-38	+2	2
Offaly	2	0	0	2	3-33	3-50	-17	0
Antrim	2	0	0	2	2-31	4-54	-29	0

Tip: Antrim +8 at Corrigan Park

Dublin are deserved favourites, but Corrigan Park is a tough venue and Antrim have a tendency to rise to the occasion at home. The Dubs may rotate their squad slightly ahead of bigger clashes, and that opens the door for Antrim to keep this closer than expected.

Recommendation: Back Antrim +8 on the handicap line for value.

Clare v Tipperary: Banner Eye Crucial Win in Live Munster Hurling Battle at Cusack Park

Clare v Tipperary: Banner Eye Crucial Win in Live Munster Hurling Battle at Cusack Park

The stakes couldn’t be higher this Saturday evening as Clare host Tipperary in Round 3 of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship at Cusack Park, Ennis (6pm, live on GAA+). With both counties sitting on a single point after two rounds, this clash could define their summer.

Clare are favourites at 4/9 to win on home soil, with a -3 handicap set by the bookies. After their spirited second-half comeback against Waterford fell just short, Brian Lohan’s men will be desperate to get their Munster campaign back on track.

Recent Form

Clare drew with Cork and lost to Waterford.
Tipperary drew with Limerick and lost to Cork.

Last Five Championship Meetings

2024: Clare 1-24 Tipperary 0-24 (Munster Round Robin)
2023: Tipperary 5-22 Clare 3-23 (Munster Round Robin)
2022: Clare 3-21 Tipperary 2-16 (Munster Round Robin)
2021: Tipperary 3-23 Clare 2-22 (Munster Semi-Final)
2019: Tipperary 3-21 Clare 0-17 (Munster Round Robin)

Clare have won two of the last three, but Tipperary still lead the all-time championship series 40 wins to Clare’s 16, with four draws from the previous 60.

Championship Trends and Key Stats

Tipp’s last Munster championship win was against Clare in April 2023. Since then, they’ve drawn three (v Waterford, Limerick, and Clare) and lost six.
Clare and Waterford are the lowest-scoring teams in this year’s Munster SHC (51 points each).
Tipperary have the worst defensive record, conceding 68 points so far.

In the 2024 Allianz League, Tipperary beat Clare by 0-22 to 1-18 in Thurles – but that result won’t faze the Banner on home turf.

Munster SHC Table (After 2 Rounds)

Cork – 3 pts
Limerick – 3 pts
Waterford – 2 pts
Clare – 1 pt
Tipperary – 1 pt

Fixture Details

Munster SHC Round 3

Clare v Tipperary

Cusack Park, Ennis – 6pm

Live on GAA+

Prediction: Clare to Cover -3 Handicap

With home advantage, a tighter defence, and greater urgency, Clare look well placed to cover the -3 handicap at 4/9. Tipperary’s defensive issues and lack of recent championship wins make this a must-win for Brian Lohan’s side—and they should rise to the occasion.

Tip: Clare -3 Handicap

Armagh v Donegal: All-Ireland Champs Face Ulster Kings in Blockbuster Final Rematch

Armagh v Donegal: All-Ireland Champs Face Ulster Kings in Blockbuster Final Rematch

Clones will be packed to the rafters this weekend as reigning All-Ireland champions Armagh go head-to-head with Ulster title holders Donegal in a mouth-watering Ulster Football Championship Final rematch. This repeat of last year’s epic decider promises fireworks, especially with so much recent history between these two Ulster powerhouses.

Donegal edged that 2024 final after a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 6-5 after the sides couldn’t be separated in normal and extra time. Now, Armagh return with silverware in hand, looking to claim their first Ulster title since 2008.

Betting Odds: Draw the Value as Bookies Edge Towards Donegal

The bookies make Donegal favourites at 4/6, with Armagh priced at 6/4, but the standout value lies in the draw at 8/1. Given the razor-thin margins between the teams and last year’s final also going to penalties, tipping the draw in normal time looks the smartest play.

Paths to the Final

Armagh

Armagh 1-34 Antrim 1-23 (Quarter-Final)
Armagh 0-23 Tyrone 0-22 (Semi-Final)

Donegal

Donegal 1-25 Derry 1-15 (Preliminary Round)
Donegal 0-23 Monaghan 0-21 (Quarter-Final)
Donegal 1-19 Down 0-16 (Semi-Final)

Recent Meetings

2024: Donegal 0-20 Armagh 0-20 (Donegal won 6-5 on pens)
2022: Armagh 3-17 Donegal 0-16 (Qualifiers)
2022: Donegal 1-16 Armagh 0-12 (Ulster QF)
2020: Donegal 1-22 Armagh 0-13 (Ulster SF)
2015: Donegal 2-11 Armagh 0-8 (Ulster QF)

Four of the last five meetings have gone Donegal’s way, but Armagh are trending upward and look more dangerous with each outing.

Ulster Final Flashbacks

2024: Donegal 0-20 Armagh 0-20 (Donegal won on pens)
2006: Armagh 1-9 Donegal 0-9
2004: Armagh 3-15 Donegal 0-11
2002: Armagh 1-14 Donegal 1-10
1990: Donegal 0-15 Armagh 0-14

Storylines and Stats

Armagh are chasing their first Ulster title since 2008.
Donegal are bidding for their seventh provincial crown since 2011.
Armagh and Donegal have met in two of the last three Ulster finals.
Donegal won their league clash 0-21 to 1-10 earlier this year.
McGeeney and McGuinness are both seasoned managers, adding a tactical edge to this rivalry.

Tip: Back the Draw at 8/1

With so little to separate them and history repeating itself last year, the draw at 8/1 in normal time is the value tip of the weekend. A cagey, tactical battle is likely, with extra time (and possibly penalties) once again needed to split them.

Galway v Wexford: Tribesmen Favourites in Crucial Leinster Hurling Championship Clash

Galway v Wexford: Tribesmen Favourites in Crucial Leinster Championship Clash

Galway will look to bounce back from their recent defeat to Kilkenny when they host Wexford in a vital Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Round Robin fixture. Both counties come into this encounter with two points apiece, having won one and lost one from their opening two games.

The match is finely poised in the standings, but the bookmakers make Galway strong favourites at 1/3, with a -4 handicap applied. Wexford, available at 3/1, will need to defy recent form trends if they are to come away with a result.

Recent Form and Head-to-Head

Galway beat Offaly comfortably in Round 1 but came up short against Kilkenny last weekend. Wexford opened with a win over Antrim but were outclassed by Dublin in their second outing.

The last five championship meetings between Galway and Wexford show just how tight this rivalry has become:

2024: Wexford 1-28 Galway 0-23
2023: Galway 0-24 Wexford 2-12
2022: Galway 1-19 Wexford 1-19
2020: Galway 1-27 Wexford 0-17
2019: Galway 0-16 Wexford 0-16

This will be the 17th championship clash between the counties. Both have won seven each, with two draws—highlighting the historic parity. However, Galway hold the edge in more recent encounters, with an unbeaten run in their last four championship games in Pearse Stadium against Wexford.

Goals at a Premium

One of the standout stats in this fixture is the lack of goals. In the six games played from 2018 to 2024, only seven goals have been scored in total. This trend suggests another low-scoring tactical battle could be on the cards, especially with Galway’s defensive structure typically holding firm at home.

League Form and Home Advantage

Galway also defeated Wexford in this year’s Allianz League at Chadwicks Wexford Park by 2-19 to 1-20, a result that will give them added confidence coming into this weekend.

They will also take comfort from their six-point win over Wexford at home in the 2022 championship. That said, Wexford got revenge in 2024, winning by eight points on their own turf.

Betting and Prediction

With Galway -4 on the handicap and a price of 1/3 to win, the market strongly leans towards a home victory. The handicap line suggests the bookies expect Galway to win by at least five points. Given the trends and Galway’s strong form at Pearse Stadium, that looks a reasonable prediction.

Prediction: Galway to cover the -4 handicap in a tight, physical contest.

GAA Rounders: Full Weekend Fixtures Preview

*Rounders Championship Previews & Fixtures – Sunday, 11th May 2025*

The second weekend of the 2025 GAA Rounders Championship — and the opening round of the senior championships — brings a packed slate of high-stakes fixtures across the country. With promotion hopefuls, former finalists, and early-season form all colliding, Sunday could prove pivotal. And for most teams in action, it’s only week one.

All eyes will be on heavy-hitters like Limekiln vs Breaffy in both the Senior Men’s and Mixed grades, as the two All-Ireland finalists renew their rivalry. Erne Eagles vs Cuchulainn promises to be a crucial clash across three codes, with last year’s tight margins fresh in the memory. Elsewhere, newcomers Kilmeena face a baptism of fire away to The Heath in Senior Mixed, while the all-Galway Intermediate Mixed derby between Galway City Rapparees and Athenry could be a historic first.

⸻

INTERMEDIATE LADIES

Kilmeena vs St Clare’s
Venue: Heath
Time: 1.30pm
Kilmeena were promoted to Intermediate Ladies for 2025, but started with a disappointing 9–10 defeat to Michael Glaveys. A second loss would seriously dent their semi-final hopes. St Clare’s, losing semi-finalists in 2024, are considered one of the early favourites — and will expect to take care of business here.

⸻

INTERMEDIATE MEN

Kilmeena vs St Clare’s
Venue: The Heath
Time: 11:30am
They met in 2024’s Intermediate Men’s Championship — where Kilmeena emerged 11–6 winners. With St Clare’s coming off a 2024 semi-final appearance, this game could tilt the balance of the group for either side. All-Star Tommy Hoban will need to be in on top form for the Mayo side if they are to start the season off with a win.

Galway City Rapparees vs Dublin Metropolitans
Venue: Galway
Time: 1.30pm
The Rapparees, 2023 finalists, endured a miserable 2024 and are desperate to bounce back. Dublin Mets, promoted as Junior Men’s champions, made a major statement with a last-gasp win away to Emo last time out. With Ryan Dennis and Jack Cheyne set to battle it out on the mound, this is one of the most exciting pitching duels at intermediate level of the weekend — and potentially a decider for a semi-final spot down the line.

⸻

INTERMEDIATE MIXED

Galway City Rapparees vs Athenry
Venue: Galway
Time: 3.15pm
The first all-Galway Rounders Championship clash in the history of rounders, and with local pride on the line, it’s shaping up to be a huge day for both clubs.

Galway City Rapparees were one of only a couple of unbeaten teams across all grades last season. They capped off a perfect 2024 campaign by winning the Junior Mixed final and earning promotion — but despite that, they enter 2025 as underdogs in a fiercely competitive Intermediate division. With momentum on their side, they’ll be hoping to extend their winning streak and make an early statement.

Athenry, meanwhile, had two wins last season and know they’ll need to be sharper if they want to push for a semi-final place this year. They’ll be wary of a fired-up Rapparees squad with a point to prove and home support behind them. Expect a passionate and tight encounter in what could become one of the league’s newest rivalries.

⸻

SENIOR LADIES

Erne Eagles vs Cuchulainn
Venue: Erne
Time: 11:30am
Two of last year’s top contenders collide in what could be an early decider for a semi-final place.

Cuchulainn looked destined for the 2024 final before a late-on fightback from Breaffy to snatch victory. Erne Eagles also bowed out at the semi-final stage — but it was this exact fixture where they prevailed in a pulsating 24–21 shootout. That game was one of the matches of the season and both sides will be desperate to lay down a marker early in 2025.

With the strength of this year’s Senior Ladies division, neither team can afford to lose ground. The winner here could already have one foot in the knockout stages.

⸻

SENIOR MEN

Erne Eagles vs Cuchulainn
Venue: Erne
Time: 2:30
Erne Eagles are the hot favourites to retain their Senior Men’s crown and begin their 2025 campaign at home to Cuchulainn — a side they comfortably defeated 22–5 last season.

While Cuchulainn did secure two wins in 2024 and have their sights set on a top-four finish, this fixture represents a huge step up. It’s a valuable early test of how much they’ve progressed, but they’ll need to be at their very best — and then some — to cause an upset here. Anything other than an Erne win would send shockwaves through the championship.

Carrickmacross Emmets vs Glynn Barntown
Venue: Carrickmacross
Time:
The rivalry continues as Glynn Barntown return to face a Carrickmacross Emmets side that handed them a humbling 20–2 defeat in 2024. Barntown will be out for blood this time around, and there’s every chance this could be a far tighter contest than last year’s one-sided affair.

Carrickmacross had a mixed league campaign but really put it up to Erne Eagles in the semi-final. They will be hoping for victory — but don’t be shocked if we see a much tighter match this season.

Limekiln vs Breaffy
Venue: Limekiln
Time: 2pm
This is a repeat of the 2024 semi-final, which Breaffy won before losing the final — and it’s another chance for Breaffy to get one over on Limekiln. Their league clash last season finished 13–12, and expect this one to be just as close, with a draw not being ruled out.

Both clubs are stacked with All-Star talent, and this should be a physical, high-skill contest.

⸻

SENIOR MIXED

Erne Eagles vs Cuchulainn
Venue: Erne
Time: 1pm
This game in 2024 decided Cuchulainn’s fate of not making the semi-finals. They narrowly lost 5–7. Last season’s semi-finalist Erne Eagles will be looking to go at least one better — but don’t be surprised if this is as close as 2024. Cuchulainn have the tools to compete but must be near-perfect to pull off a result.

Carrickmacross Emmets vs Glynn Barntown
Venue: Carrickmacross
Time: TBC
Glynn Barntown have added a few players which should move them to favourites. Carrick easily beat them in 2024 (23–7)

If Glynn can come away with a victory here, every team in the division will be afraid of them. But if Carrick win, it should set them up for at least a semi-final place in 2025. It will confirm the readiness of both sides for the top four places.

Limekiln vs Breaffy
Venue: Limekiln
Time: 12.30pm
Another rematch of the 2024 final — and another chance for Limekiln to finally get one over on Breaffy. Both clubs are stacked with All-Star talent, and this should be a physical, high-skill contest.

If you like top-class bowling, Michelle Hopkins vs Chris Hughes in this one will be epic. Home advantage might swing it Limekiln’s way, but Breaffy won’t be in any mood to start off their title defence with a loss to their biggest rival in the division.

The Heath vs Kilmeena
Venue: The Heath
Time: 3pm
Kilmeena’s promotion to Senior Mixed is a major milestone — but their debut match is a tough one. They are back-to-back champions in the Junior and Intermediate grades and will be the Wrexham of Rounders if they can win three in a row.

The Heath are title contenders, having taken a year out in 2024 after a tough championship in 2023 which ended in All-Ireland victory. A close game is possible, but the hosts are clear favourites to show they are back with a bang in the Senior Mixed Championship.