Kerry demolish Galway to end All-Ireland drought

Kerry made it third time lucky at Croke Park by bravely overcoming back-to-back TG4 All-Ireland ladies senior final defeatsto land the county's first crown since 1993.

An outstanding individual display by the experienced Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, a thrilling cameo from substitute Hannah O'Donoghue, who contributed 1-02, and the brilliance of full-back Kayleigh Cronin, who was named player of the match, all combined to propel Kerry to a landmark 12-point win.

The Munster champions had strong performers all around the field with Emma Dineen among those with 1-02, while defender Aoife Dillane hammered the first nail in Galway's coffin with Kerry's opening goal.

There was heartache for Kerry only a few months ago when they lost the Division 1 league final to Armagh but they have bounced back superbly, regaining the Munster title and now taking their place at the summit of the championship.

Another huge reward for Kerry is their move, ahead of Cork, to the top of the all-time roll of honour with their 12th title.

But it's desolation for the Tribeswomen who were chasing a second title and their first since 2004, but who ultimately succumbed to a repeat of their 2019 final loss.

It was Dublin's Hannah Tyrrell that did all the damage last year, memorably shooting eight points in the first-half alone to leave Kerry staring down back-to-back final defeats on that occasion.

Ultra experienced Ni Mhuircheartaigh, perhaps inspired by that individual feat of genius 12 months ago, stood up this time as the dominant figure for Kerry initially with five of her overall six points coming in the opening half.

Dineen, like in the semi-final defeat of Armagh, was terrific again in a creative capacity, as was 2023 captain Síofra O'Shea who provided a