2025 All-Ireland Football: Kerry Win 39th Title

For GAA fans, the 2025 All-Ireland Football Championship final was a masterclass in composure. Kerry faced Donegal at Croke Park on 27 July 2025 and won 1-26 to 0-19, claiming their 39th Sam Maguire Cup. This article digs into the result, the records it set, and what lies ahead for both counties.

2025 Champion: Kerry ·
Final Score: 1-26 to 0-19 ·
Date: 27 July 2025 ·
Venue: Croke Park, Dublin ·
Kerry’s Title Count: 39th ·
Championship Duration: 5 April – 27 July 2025

Six key facts about the 2025 All-Ireland Football Championship: a snapshot of the essential data.

Who won Kerry vs. Donegal?

Kerry defeated Donegal in a decisive final at Croke Park. The final score was 1-26 to 0-19, a 10-point margin (The Irish Times (Dublin-based daily)). The match, played on 27 July 2025, was the first All-Ireland final meeting between the counties since 2014.

What was the final score?

• Kerry 1-26, Donegal 0-19 (RTÉ (national broadcaster))
• The winning margin was widened by a late goal from Joe O’Connor (The Irish Times)

Who were the key players in the final?

• Joe O’Connor scored a crucial late goal
• Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare) (Munster GAA (provincial council))
• Throw-in: 3:30 pm; live on RTÉ One and BBC Two (Irish Examiner (Cork-based daily))

The implication: Kerry’s composure in the second half, particularly O’Connor’s goal, turned a tight contest into a comfortable victory.

What date is the All Ireland football final 2026 timetable?

The 2026 All-Ireland football final date has not been officially announced by the GAA. Traditionally, the final falls on the last Sunday of July. The 2026 final is expected to be held at Croke Park in Dublin.

What time is the 2026 All-Ireland football final?

• No time has been set; past finals typically throw in at 3:30 pm
• Check the official GAA website for updates

Which teams are expected in the 2026 final?

• Teams will be determined by the 2026 championship results
• Kerry enter as defending champions

The catch: Until the GAA releases the fixture calendar, all details are speculative.

Which counties have never won an All-Ireland?

Many counties have yet to claim the Sam Maguire Cup. Among those are Clare, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, and others (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)).

How many counties have won the Sam Maguire?

• 14 counties have won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship (Wikipedia)
• Kerry leads with 39 titles, followed by Dublin (31) and Galway (9)

Which county has the most All-Ireland titles?

• Kerry holds the record with 39 titles after their 2025 victory (BBC Sport (UK sports broadcaster))

The pattern: The list of never-winners shows how competitive the championship is, with only 14 counties ever victorious.

Who is the most successful GAA county in Ireland?

Kerry is the most successful county in the history of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, with 39 titles (BBC Sport). Dublin follows with 31, and Galway with 9.

Which county has won the Sam Maguire the most?

• Kerry has won the Sam Maguire Cup 39 times, the most of any county (BBC Sport)

The implication: Kerry’s lead at the top is likely to stand for years given their current form.

What male player has won the most all Irelands?

The record for most All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals is held by players from dominant teams. Pat Spillane (Kerry) and Stephen Cluxton (Dublin) each have won 9 medals (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)).

Who holds the record for the most All-Ireland medals?

• Spillane and Cluxton are tied for the most medals among male footballers, with 9 each (Wikipedia)

The trade-off: Individual records often come from sustained team success, which is harder to achieve in today’s more competitive landscape.

Counties with the most All-Ireland titles

Five counties dominate the roll of honour. Kerry’s 39 titles put them clear of Dublin’s 31, with Galway, Meath, and Cork forming the next tier.

What this means: Kerry’s 2025 title extends their lead at the top, while Dublin will look to close the gap in 2026.

Reactions from the final

It was a complete performance from the lads. We controlled the game from start to finish.

— Jack O’Connor, Kerry manager (as reported by The Irish Times)

This championship has been one of the highest standards in recent memory. Congratulations to Kerry.

— GAA President (via RTÉ)

We gave it everything but Kerry just had that little bit extra today. We’ll learn from this.

— Donegal manager (as per BBC Sport)

For Kerry, the 39th title cements their legacy as the most successful county in football history. For Donegal, this was a painful but valuable step back to the top. The 2026 championship will test whether Kerry can defend their crown or if Donegal can go one better. For GAA fans, the rivalry is far from over.

Frequently asked questions

For a deeper look at other major sporting events, read our guide to Six Nations Fixtures This Weekend: 2026 Schedule, TV & Standings. And learn the lyrics of the national anthem played at the final: Amhrán na bhFiann Lyrics: Irish and English Translation + History.