The 1980s represented the Golden Age of Kerry ladies football when they won nearly every All-Ireland during that decade.
“At the time when you’re playing, everything just flashes by you. You don’t appreciate it,” said Kathleen Curran, who won seven All Ireland medals with the Kingdom.
“It’s when you retire. You think about everything. We were just an amazing team.”
Since then, the wins for Kerry have dried up and they have gone from top dogs to underdogs, last winning an All-Ireland title in 1993.
However the former All-star believes the team can do it this year after losing finals in 2022 and 2023.
“They have to win this one. It’s like… this is three now in a row. The other teams seems to just push their way through them and then it’s not until the second-half that Kerry seems to get into the game,” she said.
Another chance
Inside the Kerry camp, excitement is building ahead of Sunday’s big game.
The Kingdom is hoping it will be third time lucky after defeats in the final last year and in 2022.
“We get another chance at it on Sunday and that’s what it’s all about,” said Declan Quill, joint manager of Kerry.
“It’s about being there on the big day and hopefully just giving us that chance to bridge a gap of 31 years.”
“We’ve trained very well since the semi-final and the girls are really looking forward to undertaking the biggest game of the year” he added.
Kerry got to this final after beating Armagh in a spectacular semi-final, scoring 1-5 in the second quarter.
They will play Galway this Sunday at Croke Park in the first ever final meeting between the two counties.
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‘Proud to be in that Kerry jersey’
For one of the most decorated Kerry football players, it is a special moment.
“When you step on to Croke Park pitch, let no-one tell you differently, you grow ten feet tall… you’re in that Kerry jersey and you’re proud to be in that Kerry jersey” said Marion O’Doherty.
The three-time All Star has won eight All-Ireland senior medals with Kerry. She said the kingdom’s mixed experience could work in their favour.
“Kerry have been there for the last two years, so that should stand to them on the day. They should know their mistakes and where they made them last year and the year before,” she said.
“They were unfortunate. Last year they kind of fell apart halfway through the second-half, but that should stand to them in this year’s All Ireland.”
Call for support from the Kingdom
While Kerry is hoping to bring home the Brendan Martin trophy, Declan Quill is asking fans to show support on the day.
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“With the men not being in the All-Ireland this year, I suppose people have a few extra quid in the pocket… [I’d] really encourage them to come and support the girls” he said.
“The girls… hear their support and it gives them that extra bit of a boost through the game.
“So I think it’s really important that everyone gets in the car as the train, the airplanes, whatever you want to make the Dublin,” he added.