Today's All-Ireland final features a first meeting of Kerry and Galway on the biggest day in women's football. Let's take a closer look at the two finalists.
Both Kerry and Galway hope to break barren spells as the Kingdom last won in 1993. There have been only three counties to claim the title since Galway's last title in 2004, as Cork (11), Dublin (six), and Meath (two) shared the Brendan Martin trophy.
While the Kingdom have reached their third final in a row, they will be hoping for a different outcome on Sunday as they aim to claim their 12th title.
In 2022 they fell short to Meath who claimed back-to-back titles, and in 2023 were ambushed by a new-look Dublin team.
One significant change to the starting team of the 2023 final is the return of Siofra O'Shea. The 2023 captain sustained an ACL injury during the championship, however, opted to play in the final coming on in the 42nd minute.
O'Shea is not only back on the pitch, but she is also once again a key contributor for the Kerry, winning player of the match in the semi-final as Kerry defeated Division 1 winners Armagh in a rematch of the league final earlier this season.
However, this is a new-look Galway side, with a changing of the guard with players such as Mairead Seoighe, Aine McDonagh stepping away to pursue endeavours abroad and Tracey Leonard retiring after 12 years in maroon.
The Tribeswomen echo the Dublin squad that toppled Kerry, with youthful talent injected into not only the panel but starting 15, two first-year senior inter-county players in Niamh Donlon and Niamh Crowley, who both started in the back line last August.
Both Maryanne Jordan and Niamh Divilly are named to start, who just 12 months ago lined out in the minor 'A' All-Ireland final as Galway overcame Kildare, with goalkeeper Leah O'Halloran named as number 16. All three were also involved in the 2022 minor final as was Mairead Glynn, who is named to start in midfield.
Galway have six players from Kilkerrin-Clonberne, players who achieved three All-Irelands in a row; Nicola Ward, Olivia Divily, Louise Ward, Niamh Divily, Ailish Morrisey, and Chloe Miskell.
Divily, Leonard, and Ward, who started the 2019 All-Ireland final against Dublin and have continued to perform at the highest level for their county, look set to play key roles this weekend.
Sharpshooter Leonard was named July's GAA GPA player of the month for July as she put away 3-08 in two knockout games against Dublin and Cork. She is one of the main threats in the full-forward line and is backed up by Divily in the half-forward line.
Divily is touted by many as one of the key elements in the Galway attack, with 3-19 scored in five championship games. She combines her skills, athleticism, and football brain to be one of the most consistent players in the game.
Ward is not to be overlooked in the half-back line. She will don the number six jersey but is far from a traditional centre half-back as she was involved in all three of Galway's goals, scoring one of her own during their quarter-final win over Dublin earning player of the match. Already Ward will contend for the Player of the Year award and with a big game ahead, it is certain that she will lead through her actions on the field as she has done all year.
Kerry have evolved in 2024. With a change in playing style from the electric attacking fast-paced transition football to being more methodical, thoughtful in their approach, and seeking the correct option.
That is not their only evolution. The spread of scoring and overreliance on Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh has decreased thanks to Danielle O'Leary, who is Kerry's top scorer with a tally of 1-30 in the championship, and Emma Dineen contributing 4-05.
While Ní Mhuircheartaigh ranks second in scoring with 2-17 in the championship, with six of those points coming from play compared to her 2023 championship tally of 4-44, which earned her player of the year honours.
Will Kerry learn from 2022 and 2023 and finally reach the promised land? Win or lose this afternoon it is likely the last time we will see this current group of players and management step foot onto a football pitch.
What a way to finish your career with that ever-elusive All-Ireland medal. Lose, and you finish with the question of 'what if?'
The final game of the season usually comes down to who can remain cool, calm, and collected in the heat of the battle. That battle begins at 4.15pm in Croke Park, with the winner crowned and walking up the steps of the Hogan Stand before 6pm.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
