Ireland chasing European glory at 2026 Mixed Slo-Pitch Championship

Ireland will aim to end a seven-year wait for a European Championships medal when they take the field at the 2026 European Mixed Slow Pitch Championship in London from July 14-18.

With an experienced squad, several players arriving straight from last month’s Men’s European Championship and a proud history in the competition, there is a real belief that Ireland can once again challenge Europe’s elite.

One of the most successful nations in Europe

Since the start of the European Championship in 1998, Ireland has established itself as one of the continent’s traditional powers.

Only Great Britain, which has won 13 of 14 European titles, has been more successful than Ireland, whose record includes 10 European medals.

Ireland’s greatest achievements include:

2002
2004
2008

1998
2000
2006
2010
2011
2015
2019

Although Ireland narrowly missed out on the podium in 2022 (5th) and 2024 (4th), these performances reinforced that they remain one of the strongest teams in Europe and are more than capable of competing for medals again.

One advantage Ireland may hold over many of its rivals is its recent international experience.

Several members of the team, including Cathal Creaven, have just returned from representing Ireland at the European Men’s Slo-Pitch Championship.

Competing against the best men’s teams in Europe provides invaluable preparation, with players arriving in London already in good shape after a week of high-intensity international softball.

Ireland will be led by Aideen Teo, with Peter Mullen as head coach alongside coaches Jon Barry and Dermot McManus.

Norma McIntyre is team captain, while pitching duties will be shared by the experienced trio of:

The 10 nations play each other once in a round-robin competition.

At the end of the group stage:

1st against 2nd competes in the final of the European Championship.
3rd versus 4th meeting in the bronze medal match.
The remaining teams play classification matches.

Every run, every victory and every tie-break could prove decisive.

08:45 – Ireland v Norway

3:00 p.m. – Ireland vs Czechia

10:45 a.m. – Ireland v Guernsey

2:45 p.m. – Ireland v Germany

09:00 – Ireland v Lithuania

3:00 p.m. – Ireland v Austria

Friday July 17

09:00 – Ireland v Belgium

3:00 p.m. – Ireland v Poland

6:45 p.m. – Ireland v Great Britain

The matches that could define the Irish tournament

Ireland expect to pick up wins against Norway, Guernsey, Lithuania, Austria, Belgium and Poland.

These six matches are vital.

If Ireland can also claim a major scalp against Germany, Czechia or Great Britain, they should put themselves firmly in contention for a place in the bronze medal match, or perhaps even the final.

The highlight will undoubtedly be Wednesday afternoon’s clash against Germany. Germany denied Ireland a bronze medal at the 2024 Championships, and this match could once again have huge implications in the race for a top four finish.

The opening against Norway is just as important. A quick start would allow Ireland to regain confidence in the tougher competitions that follow.

Hazel hopes for another medal

This will be Hazel Kilduff’s third European Championship.

Its previous finishes are:

After experiencing the heartbreak of missing out on the European podium two years ago, she hopes to add a medal to her collection.

Can Ireland return to the podium?

Great Britain deservedly start as heavy favourites, but behind them the competition is remarkably open.

Ireland has proven over the past three decades that it belongs to Europe’s elite. They have experience throughout the team, proven pitchers, players arriving in excellent shape and a management team that knows what success at this level requires.

If Ireland take care of the games they are expected to win and put in a standout performance or two against Europe’s leading nations, there is every reason to believe they can end a seven-year wait for a medal at the European Championships.

Did you know?

Galway City Rapparees GAA Rounders Club will have three players representing two different countries at this year’s European Championship.

Cathal Creaven and Hazel Kilduff have been capped for Ireland, while team-mate Katie Jessop will represent reigning champions Great Britain, a unique feat which underlines the Galway club’s growing reputation on the international stage.