Mayo has ended a 75-year drought, claiming their fourth All-Ireland Senior Football title with a hard-fought 1-20 to 1-17 victory over Kerry in a captivating final at Croke Park. The intense match remained close until the very end, with a raucous crowd witnessing Mayo's historic win.
The victory marks a significant moment for Mayo GAA, finally bringing the coveted title back to the county after decades of near misses. The final was a testament to the resilience and skill of the Mayo team, who faced a formidable opponent in Kerry.
Mayo's scoring was led by Darragh Beirne, who contributed 1-3 including two frees, and Ryan O'Donoghue with 0-5, including two 2-point shots and a free. Diarmuid O'Connor and Kobe McDonald also added crucial points. For Kerry, David Clifford was a standout performer with 1-6, including a 2-point score, and Paudie Clifford added 0-3. Shane Murphy, Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, and Dylan Casey formed Kerry's defense, while Graham O'Sullivan, Mike Breen, and Gavin White anchored the midfield. Kerry's forward line included Mark O'Shea, Sean O'Brien, Joe O'Connor, Sean O'Shea, Tom O'Sullivan, Paudie Clifford, David Clifford, and Dylan Geaney.
Key substitutions were made by both sides during the match. Mayo brought on Tommy Conroy for Paul Towey early on, and later Mattie Ruane, Rory Brickenden, Conor Loftus, and Paddy Durcan. Kerry's strategic substitutions included Evan Looney, Keith Evans, Tomas Kennedy, Brian O'Beaglaioch, and Micheal Burns.
The match was officiated by Martin McNally of Monaghan.