All-Ireland final: Donegal and Kerry field unchanged teams as both counties prepare for Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC showdown at Croke Park, sticking with the same line-ups that brought them success in their semi-final victories. The GAA confirmed the 26-player panels at lunchtime, with Kerry having previously announced a 28-man squad on Thursday, which included Diarmuid O’Connor returning to the panel.
ICYMI: Marc Ó Sé hopes for McGuinness ‘magic dust’ in big decider
Donegal Stick with Semi-Final Winning Formula Donegal manager Jim McGuinness has chosen to keep faith with the side that comfortably defeated Meath in the semi-final. This decision means captain Patrick McBrearty, who made an impact by scoring three points after coming off the bench, will start as a substitute once again. Another notable name, Caolan McGonagle, who many thought might start after the Tyrone defeat, also remains on the bench as McGuinness has named a 35-man squad for the final.
Kerry Remain Unchanged for Croke Park Battle Kerry’s management has also opted for consistency, announcing no changes to the starting line-up that helped them reach the final. Shane Ryan will start in goal, with a defence led by Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, and Dylan Casey. Their forward line remains powerful, featuring David Clifford, Paudie Clifford, and Dylan Geaney, while Sean O’Brien and Mark O’Shea will control the midfield. The squad includes Diarmuid O’Connor, who has rejoined the panel and will be available off the bench if needed.
Key Players and Expected Impact For Donegal, players like Michael Murphy, Oisín Gallen, and Hugh McFadden will play crucial roles in attempting to break down Kerry’s structured defence. Kerry, on the other hand, will rely on the Clifford brothers to create scoring opportunities while maintaining a solid defensive shape to counter Donegal’s attack. The unchanged line-ups reflect both managers’ belief in the systems and players that have brought them to this stage, and fans can expect a closely contested final at Croke Park.
Final Preparations and What’s at Stake As the All-Ireland SFC final approaches, the decision by both teams to keep their line-ups unchanged adds an extra layer of intrigue to Sunday’s match. Donegal will aim to capitalise on the momentum gained from their semi-final win over Meath, while Kerry will look to continue their strong performances throughout the championship. With experienced players on both sides ready to make an impact, this final promises to deliver a high-quality and competitive encounter, with the Sam Maguire Cup awaiting the victors.
