The TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Championship Finals are upon us this weekend on Sunday August 4th in Croke Park, particularly special this year as the LGFA celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The Junior final between Fermanagh and Louth kicks off the action-packed day at 11:45 AM, followed by Leitrim taking on Tyrone in the Intermediate Final at 1:45 PM. The Senior Final pits Galway against 2022 and 2023 runners-up Kerry, with the counties set to meet for the very first time in a Brendan Martin Cup decider.
As we eagerly anticipate the All-Ireland Ladies Football Finals, we’ve taken a look ahead to the potential talking points before the first whistle is blown.
Five major All-Ireland Ladies Football Final talking points
Can Kerry break their Final curse?
After falling to Meath in 2022 and Dublin in 2023, Kerry are determined to finally claim the All-Ireland title. Their history of near-misses adds extra pressure, but will also serve to fuel their motivation. The Kingdom’s last final win occurred in 1993, however a win on Sunday would put them out in front on the all-time Senior roll of honours list. They currently hold 11 All-Ireland Senior Championship titles, a feat matched with Cork who claimed all 11 of their wins during the Rebellettes’ dominant 2005-2016 era.
Galway’s scoring stars
Galway, a team on the rise, has significant momentum after ousting reigning champions Dublin in a thrilling quarter-final at Parnell Park, followed by a confident win over Cork in the semis. With one All-Ireland title to their name, the Tribeswomen are hoping to emulate the success of their 2004 team who lifted the Brendan Martin in Croke Park. Corner-forward superstar RóisÃn Leonard was named this month’s Croke Park Hotel/LGFA Player of the Month as she ties with teammate Olivia Divilly as the Championship’s top scorers with 7-29 put away between the two. This will certainly add confidence to Daniel Moynihan’s side going into the weekend.
READ HERE: Galway’s Thrilling Quarter-Final Clash with DublinÂ
Clashing styles of play
Both Dublin and Cork failed to maintain the Tribeswomen in front of goal, an area where they pose a significant threat. The speedy Leonard is quick to break the lines of defence, and these Galway girls will not hesitate to drive for goals where it worked so well for them in previous games. Kerry must anticipate their style of through-the-hands play and quick off-the-shoulder runs if they are to come out on top. Kerry, on the other hand, prefer long balls into their forwards where they back the likes of Danielle O’Leary and captain Niamh Carmody to gather these passes and send scores over. The Kingdom will bring physicality to the game and a certain hunger that has accumulated over the past three years.
The return of SÃofra O’Shea
SÃofra O’Shea, who captained Kerry last year, made a notable return to the starting lineup in the recent All-Ireland semi-final. She had been sidelined with her second cruciate knee ligament injury, which she sustained during training just before last year’s semi-final. Appearing off the bench in some of Kerry’s previous matches this season, O’Shea’s full return to the pitch saw her deliver a standout performance against Armagh two weeks’ ago, earning her Player of the Match. Her return has been a vital boost for Kerry where her presence is felt all over the pitch and will certainly add to the Kingdom’s attacking threat this Sunday. O’Shea is set to start as number 12.
High stakes in the Intermediate Final: Leitrim vs. Tyrone
Leitrim and Tyrone will renew their rivalry in the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Final after a cracking group-stage encounter earlier this summer. Leitrim’s impressive comeback victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated rematch. This final not only offers the coveted silverware but also promotion to the Senior Championship for 2025. Leitrim are aiming for their second Intermediate title since 1997, whereas Tyrone are competing in their third Intermediate decider and seeking to add to their 2018 win. The stakes are high as both teams look to make history and advance to the next level.