All-Ireland final player-by-player guide: Galway v Kerry
Danielle O'Leary of Kerry kicks past Kate Geraghty of Galway. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
The social media channels of Galway LGFA put out a frankly bizarre post at the beginning of the year where they sought expressions of interest for the goalkeeping position. First-choice No.1 of the past two seasons, Dearbhla Gower, stepped away for 2026 because of college commitments. Stepping up was O’Halloran, goalkeeper for the 2023 All-Ireland minor win.
Missed the 2024 run to the All-Ireland final having opted out two years ago to sort a long-standing injury. Returned to the set-up and starting line-up in ‘25. A nurse away from the field, Quinn was captain for the All-Ireland minor final defeat of 2017. Graduated to the adult ranks a year later.
At 34, Ní Loingsigh is the elder stateswoman of the Galway team. One of five current starters who began the 2019 final defeat to Dublin, as well as the ‘24 disappointment. Galway full-back line endured a torrid Croker outing two years ago. Ní Loingsigh’s experience and leadership must steer a different outcome here.
Galway's 25-year-old captain held Armagh taliswoman Aimee Mackin to just one point from play in the semi-final. Considering the three-time All-Star had tallied 4-3 from play across the three previous outings, Geraghty’s containment exercise was notable. Spent a lot of the ‘24 decider shackling Danielle O’Leary, but might management favour her for Síofra O’Shea?
The first of six Kilkerrin-Clonberne starters. Older sister of corner-forward Eva. Will surge forward at every opportunity. Player of the match in the All-Ireland quarter-final rout of Mayo. Seamless is her relationship with centre-back Nicola Ward given they occupy the same shirts at club level.
Galway’s enforcer. The game’s outstanding enforcer. A granite core. So much more to the 29-year-old than steel of mind and presence. Her game-intelligence is integral to Galway's successful functioning, so too is her ability to break lines and create scoring opportunities for others. Kerry have to negate or avoid the 2024 player of the year.
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Youngest of the three Divilly sisters. First two seasons were spent in the half-forward line. In the absence of travelling Ailbhe Davoren, the 20-year-old came out to midfield this year, but will now start final from half-back. All-Ireland semi-final player of the match nod will have filled her with confidence after difficult outings in ‘24 final and ‘25 semi-final.
A first start of 2026 for the fit-again 2019 All-Star. Used off the bench during her late return to League fare, a grade-two groin tear saw the 29-year-old miss the Connacht final and All-Ireland group series. Banked eight minutes in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Clocked double that time against Armagh. Galway team so much stronger for her inclusion.
The 28-year-old sits in the middle of the three sisters, both in age and jersey number. Was sat in the stand for 2024 All-Ireland final, having opted out of the inter-county scene for a year. An occupational therapist, the same as Olivia, Siobhán was crowned club player of the year in March following Kilkerrin-Clonberne’s five-in-a-row.
Locked in a captivating duel with Síofra O’Shea for player of the year. Sunday decides the winner. Top of maroon scoring chart with 2-24. From play, she kicked 0-3 against Meath, 2-3 against Tyrone, 0-5 against Mayo, and 0-2 against Armagh. Pace, poise, elegance. Will come onto so much possession, it’s how much can be penetrative.
Raised the county’s first-ever orange flag on opening weekend of league action. Responsible for one of Galway’s two championship orange flags. The long-range ability of herself and Olivia Divilly will render ineffective any attempt by Kerry to pack deep. As a midfielder, won two League titles and two FAI Cups with Athlone Town between 2023-25.
2025 was her debut season. 2026 is her first season as a starter. Balances inter-county existence with League of Ireland duties for Galway United, who currently sit second in the Premier Division table. Lined out for Ireland at U16, U17, and U19 level. Captained her country at U19 European Championships in 2024. Galway footballer Matthew is her brother.
On the scoresheet in all five of Kilkerrin-Clonberne’s All-Ireland final successes. Top-scored with 0-6 during the 2023 win over Ballymacarbry. Racial abuse allegation against her, from Connacht club game against Westport last year, initially saw her hit with six-month suspension. Reduced to 16 weeks on appeal, it was later quashed by DRA.
Delivered the deciding goal in Galway’s League win away to Kerry on March 1. Threw over five from play on the afternoon of the Connacht final victory over Mayo. Nine seasons on the go in maroon. Was a second half sub during 2019 final defeat to Dublin. Telepathic relationship with the other Corofin clubwoman in the inside line.
The scoring demand that once sat too concentrated on the 32-year-old’s shoulders is now more evenly distributed. From two All-Ireland final appearances, she has managed just 0-2 from play. Eilísh Lynch stifled her in August 2024. Leonard must announce herself at the third time of asking. Has all the tools to do so. 2-14 for this championship.
: Bench is weaker for Louise Ward’s promotion. There is no disputing that reality. Shauna Hynes followed Ward off the bench at Pearse Park last time out and proceeded to kick four points in the quarter of an hour she was on the field. Hynes will now be first in on the attacking front. Chellene Trill was the back-up defensive option first in against Mayo and Armagh. Ellen Power could take that mantle after losing the No.7 shirt she wore for the last four games.
Daniel Moynihan was appointed senior manager ahead of the 2024 season, having led the county to All-Ireland minor glory in 2023. It is arguable whether he or his players were ready for the 2024 All-Ireland final they landed into. That chastening experience has provided invaluable teachings for this latest spin. A native of Ballinasloe, Moynihan’s three years in the role is a level of stability almost alien to Galway ladies football such is the constant changing of the main bib.
The 22 year old Portmagee native shared the number one position with 2024 All Star Ciara Butler but has started Kerry’s last five encounters. Munster Final Player of the Match, Bolger kicks from the tee, an unusual sight in ladies football.
The pocket rocket UCC Pharmacy student has been a huge find for Mark Bourke this season. An underage national sprint champion, she captained the Kerry minors to All Ireland B success in 2023. Likes driving forward and popped over a nice score against Kildare.
Now 32, the teak tough physiotherapist made her debut eleven years ago and secured a coveted All Ireland medal in 2024. A traditional old style uncompromising full back, Kearney will relish her battle with Leanne Coen.
2023 All Star Lynch is playing the football of her career. Her goal saving interception on Kate Sullivan in the All Ireland semi final was textbook. A 2024 All Ireland winner, Primary school teacher Lynch will relish keeping tabs on Eva Noone.
A two-time All Star, in 2022 and All Ireland winning 2024, O'Connell endured an injury hit league campaign but has returned in outstanding form for the championship. The Garda constantly drives forward and has contributed four points during Kerry's All-Ireland series.
Hard as nails, Costello missed the 2024 final as she was pregnant, was then injured, and the 35 year old has now returned better than ever. A full 16 years since her debut, Costello faces her sternest test against the effervescent Kate Slevin.
Did Dillane mean her lobbed top corner goal in the 2024 final? Probably not. The 24 year old continues to improve and she’s another vital ball carrier in the Kerry rearguard. Will need to curtail her hard tackling with Olivia Divilly about.
Southern Gaels)
Galvin is Kerry’s de facto leader but suffered a season ending and heartbreaking knee injury a few days before the All Ireland semi-final. Although listed to play at midfield on the official team, the 31 year old, in fantastic form this season will play no part in the final, barring a miracle. Normally wing forward, Evans slotted seamlessly into midfield for the semi-final. Hard working, unselfish and with a massive engine, 25 year old Evans missed the 2024 triumph as she was travelling.
A powerhouse at midfield. Excellent fielder and has popped up with a goal and two in the All Ireland series. A former UCC star, 24 year old O’Connell is now up there with great Kerry midfielders like Mary Jo Curran and Lorraine Scanlon.
The 2024 All Ireland winning captain is back to her best as evidenced in her Player of the Match performance in the quarter final against Meath. All Star winner in 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Ballylongford native has slotted five points in the All-Ireland series.
‘Cracker’ - Kerry's creative heartbeat remains one of the county's most underrated players. The 25-year-old teacher brilliantly created Siofra O'Shea's semi-final goal against Dublin, though her attacking instincts may be curbed by marking Galway’s dynamic Nicola Ward.
Not named in official team, but when she was thrown into the cauldron against Dublin, 18-year-old debutant Mulvihill looked completely at home. Her work rate and composure impressed throughout. With Evans likely at midfield, Galway's Hannah Noone will test her, but there’s no such thing as a shrinking violet in Moyvane.
Debuted at 16 in 2017, the UHK nurse has saved her best for this season with 1-6 in the All Ireland series, including a mouthwatering goal in the semi final against Dublin. Balanced and deceptively quick, she could be Kerry’s secret weapon.
O’Leary may be regarded as Pippen to Siofra O’Shea’s Jordan, but like Pippen she’s a force of nature herself. Unstoppable on her day, 24 year old O’Leary has slipped in 1-7 in the four All Ireland series games. Another big one awaits.
Kerry captain, July Player of the Month, the in-form forward and the country’s top senior scorer with 3-25 so far. Will Kate Gerathy tag O’Shea even when she drifts out? That’s the conundrum that Galway boss Daniel Moynihan will have to decide upon.
Reserve goalkeeper Ciara Butler was an All Star and All Ireland medal winner in 2024. Erica McGlynn rejoined the panel before the Munster Final and has had some good moments. Dr Crokes Leah McMahon, another basketball prodigy, is a young player with vast potential and an eye for goal.
Rachel Dwyer, a daughter of 1997 and 2000 All Ireland winner Denis and a niece of Maurice Fitzgerald, missed out on a medal in 2024 as she was in America but could have a big say off the bench in this final.
Katie Brosnan came on in 2024 and made a telling contribution. Reports are that the Firies girl is going well in training so she may be one of the first that Mark Bourke looks to on Sunday.
The 19-year-old Castlegregory youngster Éabha Ní Laighin is highly thought of in the Kerry camp, and she could see game time in the half back line.
Manager Mark Bourke’s reputation was forged in the men’s game where he guided St Senans to a maiden North Kerry Championship in 2019 and subsequently led Milltown/Castlemaine to the 2023 Kerry Intermediate Championship.
In his two years in charge he has guided the Kerry ladies to the National League Division One title in 2025 and Munster Championships in 2025 and 2026.
Coach Mike Tim O’Sullivan from Tousist was a Kerry minor in 2008. A teacher in Tralee CBS, he trained Currow senior men for three years before being recruited by Bourke for the Kerry senior ladies.
Selector Nora O’Connor of Rathmore has been involved with Kerry underage sides over a number of seasons whilst goalkeeping coach Darragh O’Shea of Ballydonoghue is very highly rated.
Former Kerry GAA nutritionist Kevin Beasley is now doing this job for the ladies whilst S&C coach Wayne Murphy has been lauded for Kerry’s superb conditioning.
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