Novel final pairing looking to end All-Ireland drought

Today's All-Ireland final features a first meeting for Kerry and Galway on the biggest day in women's football. Let's take a closer look at the two finalists.

Both Kerry and Galway hope to break barren spells as the Kingdom last won in 1993. There have been only three counties to claim the title since Galway's last title in 2004, as Cork (11), Dublin (six), and Meath (two) shared the Brendan Martin trophy.

While the Kingdom have reached their third final in a row, they will be hoping for a different outcome on Sunday as they aim to claim their 12th title.

In 2022 they fell short to Meath who claimed back-to-back titles, and in 2023 were ambushed by a new-look Dublin team.

One significant change to the starting team of the 2023 final is the return of Siofra O'Shea. The 2023 captain sustained an ACL injury during the championship, however, opted to play in the final coming on in the 42nd minute.

O'Shea is not only back on the pitch, but she is also once again a key contributor for the Kerry, winning player of the match in the semi-final as Kerry defeated Division 1 winners Armagh in a rematch of the league final earlier this season.

However, this is a new-look Galway side, with a changing of the guard with players such as Mairead Seoighe, Aine McDonagh stepping away to pursue endeavours abroad and Tracey Leonard retiring after 12 years in maroon.

The Tribeswomen echo the Dublin squad that toppled Kerry, with youthful talent injected into not only the panel but starting 15, two first-year senior inter-county players in Niamh Donlon and Niamh Crowley, who both started in the back line last August.

Both Maryanne Jordan and Niamh Divilly are named to start, who just 12 months ago lined out in the minor 'A' All-Ireland final as Galway