As the biggest GAA event in the Irish sporting calendar, we were always likely to see some big names make their way to Croke Park for this afternoon’s All-Ireland football final between Kerry and Mayo.
The return of Mayo to this year’s decider was always likely to add an extra layer of intrigue, with the county going in search of their first Sam Maguire triumph in 75.
As a result, it was no surprise to see some familiar faces make their way to Jones’ Road for this clash.
We had some figures from the world of GAA, politics, entertainment, and television on site for the game.
Big names at Croke Park for Kerry vs Mayo
Former President Michael D Higgins
26 July 2026; Former President of Ireland Michael D Higgins arrives ahead of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final match between Kerry and Mayo at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
RTÉ pundits Niall Morgan, Peter Canavan, Tomás Ó Sé, and Lee Keegan
Some punditry lineup from RTÉ in fairness, featuring a pundit from each of the competing counties (and a couple of Tyrone men to keep the peace).
GAA President Jarlath Burns
26 July 2026; Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns before the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final match between Kerry and Mayo at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
GAA President Jarlath Burns was on site for what will be his last All-Ireland football final in his current position.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin
26 July 2026; An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD before the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final match between Kerry and Mayo at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
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Mayo superfan Jimmy Sloyan eating the dinner in Drumcondra
The man himself.
Hopefully he can put his animosity with Andy Moran aside for the day that’s in it.
Kerry legend Paul Galvin
A prime Paul Galvin would be handy man to have on the pitch for a game like this.
TV presenter and social media star Eric Roberts
What a duo!
Comedian and impressionist Conor Moore
Comedian Jarlath Regan
Star of ‘The Traitors UK’ Rachel Duffy
Comedian Deirdre O’Kane
Along with Jarlath Regan and Rachel Duffy, Deirdre O’Kane was part of the BBC’s broadcast for this game.
They have made a habit of including some familiar faces from the world of entertainment in their offering from the game in recent years.