ALL eyes will be on Croke Park once again NEXT WEEKEND as Kerry face Donegal in a mouthwatering GAA All-Ireland football final.
Kerry are the most successful Gaelic football team in the competition’s history, having lifted the title a staggering 38 times.
Kerry are hoping to secure a mammoth 39th titleSportsfile
While Donegal look to clinch their first football triumph since 2012Sportsfile
And the Irish giants are appearing in their third final in four years after beating Tyrone 1-20 to 0-17 in a thrilling semi-final clash.
But you could argue that opponents Donegal will be hungrier to win the championship, as their only two title wins were way back in 1992 and 2012.
Furthermore, Jim McGuinness’ side should have the wind in their sails following a stunning 3-26 to 0-15 semis triumph over Meath.
However, Joe Brolly believes Donegal go into this final as favourites, which wasn’t a good omen for Kerry’s previous opponents, Armagh.
When is the GAA All-Ireland football final?
The GAA All-Ireland football final between Kerry and Donegal will take place on Saturday, July 27.
It is scheduled to get underway at 3:30pm BST / 10:30am ET.
Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland is the chosen venue for this iconic match and it can host a whopping 82,300 fans.
Armagh won their second title, with a 1–11 to 0–13 win against Galway in the 2024 final.
How to watch the GAA All-Ireland football final for FREE
The GAA All-Ireland football final will be broadcast LIVE on BBC Two Northern Ireland.
Fans can stream the entire action for FREE on BBC iPlayer.
Coverage is expected to get underway from 2:15pm BST – one hour and 15 minutes before the throw-in.
Fans in the US can watch the match through the GAA+ stream or website.
Alternatively, SunSport will have coverage of the entire action through our live blog.
Who will be the referee?
The GAA has announced that Brendan Cawley will officiate this year’s All-Ireland football final between Kerry and Donegal.
It’ll be the Kildare native’s first time refereeing Gaelic football‘s showpiece occasion.
The Sarsfields clubman has been on the inter-county officiating circuit since 2019 and is a widely respected figure across the game.
His line umpires on the day will be Monaghan’s Martin McNally and David Coldrick of Meath, with McNally also set to serve as the standby referee.
What kits will be worn?
Kerry are set to wear their alternative blue kit in order to avoid a colour clash in this year’s All-Ireland football final.
Common sense seemed to be ignored for Donegal’s semi-final triumph over Meath when both teams lined out in their traditional colours.
It is the referee’s call whether a colour clash is significant enough that one or both of the teams is compelled to wear one of their alternative strips.
Ultimately, Paul Faloon did not deem that a necessary step to take. And in fairness many viewers expressed that they had little to no issue distinguishing Donegal players from Kerry counterparts.
But it was a problem for some portions of the TV as well as Croke Park audience.
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