The All-Ireland football final is just days away, and Kerry and Mayo fans are eagerly awaiting the team announcements for Sunday’s decider in Croke Park.
The Kingdom are strong favourites to reclaim Sam Maguire, having seen off Armagh, Tyrone, and Dublin en route to the final.
Even if they do seem to be the finest team in Ireland once again, some in Kerry are uncomfortable with the uber-confident feeling surrounding the county ahead of their showdown with Mayo.
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Andy Moran’s Mayo are somewhat more surprising All-Ireland finalists, but their electric forward line have combined in scintillating fashion in their last few games.
This could be Kobe McDonald’s one shot at an All-Ireland, and Mayo’s 12th since they last won Sam in 1951.
It’s set to be a cracker on Sunday – here’s the team news for the All-Ireland football final.
Kerry v Mayo: Team news for All-Ireland final
Kerry named their team for the All-Ireland final on Thursday evening.
Jack O’Connor’s starting team is unchanged from the team that beat Dublin in the All-Ireland semifinal.
Paul Geaney is named to the bench. David Clifford is expected to start the match as the on-field captain, according to the Irish Examiner and others.
🏐 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT | All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final
Kerry play Mayo in the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final on Sunday at 3:30pm in Croke Park.
For full team news: https://t.co/CGy3aS9NPz#WeAreKerry #CiarraíAbú pic.twitter.com/u1sSieEhTx
— Kerry GAA (@Kerry_Official) July 23, 2026
Kerry appear to have nodded to the long running piseog in how they’ve arranged the positions in the forward line.
Kerry have never won an All-Ireland with a captain wearing the thirteen jersey.
David Clifford has worn the #13 jersey for Kerry for the All-Ireland semifinal and quarterfinal but shifts to 14 for Sunday. Brother Paudie will be right beside his brother in the parade, wearing the 13 shirt.
As for Mayo, Andy Moran’s men are set to receive an injection of experience from returning men for the All-Ireland final.
Both Diarmuid O’Connor and Paddy Durcan could play a part, having been named in the matchday 26 but not playing a minute of the semi-final against Louth.
Despite picking up a knock in that semi-final, Darragh Beirne is expected to be fit to play.
Kerry face Mayo in the All-Ireland senior football final on Sunday, July 26th. Throw-in is at 3:30pm at Croke Park, and the game is live on RTÉ 2 and BBC One.