Mary Ellen Bolger: All-Ireland final experience will make Kerry stronger

Though Kerry lost to Galway in the All-Ireland decider, the Kingdom goalkeeper said that overall, it was 'not the worst year'

Kerry goalkeeper Mary Ellen Bolger with her 2026 ZuCar Golden Glove award. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

While disappointment still lingers following their narrow TG4 All-Ireland senior football championship final defeat to Galway at Croke Park on August 2, Kerry netminder Mary Ellen Bolger was nevertheless pleased to pick up the ZuCar Golden Glove award for 2026 earlier this week.

Along with fellow custodians Grace Amos (London), 2025 winner Helena Cummins (Roscommon), Lauren Fitzpatrick (Tipperary) and Nicole Hanley (Carlow), Bolger was nominated for this annual prize – which honours top saves made by goalkeepers in the TG4 All-Ireland Championships.