Galway edge Kerry in controversial finish to win first All-Ireland senior title since 2004

Galway won the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship with a 2-7 to 0-12 victory over Kerry at Croke Park on Sunday, a match decided by a dramatic and controversial sequence in the dying seconds. The win delivered Galway their first senior title since 2004.

How the final was decided

With Galway leading by a single point deep into stoppage time, referee Maggie Farrelly awarded Kerry a free. Síofra O'Shea's kick dropped into the Galway goal and Kerry players began celebrating what they believed was the winning score. Farrelly, however, had already blown her whistle for a square ball, disallowing the goal. The final hooter sounded moments later, confirming Galway as champions. Pundits on broadcaster TG4 debated the call, with some questioning whether it was a square ball. The rules permit score assistants to review television replays, but only if the referee seeks clarification. With seconds remaining, the hooter likely sounded before any review could take place.

Sin é an spórt

Earlier in the half, Eva Noone had kicked the point that put Galway back in front by the minimum after a lengthy attack, following a free won when Erica McGlynn was penalised for a heavy tackle on Louise Ward.

Junior final: Antrim's last-gasp redemption

Antrim won the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship, beating Carlow 1-13 to 2-9 with a point from Maria O'Neill just 15 seconds from the end. The victory equalled the record of four junior titles and avenged their 2025 final defeat to Louth.

Antrim started explosively when Theresa Mallon intercepted a hand pass from Carlow goalkeeper Nicole Hanley and scored a goal inside two minutes. Orlaith Prenter (0-06), O'Neill (0-04), and Áine Tubridy extended the lead, but Carlow, appearing in their first All-Ireland decider, fought back. Clíodhna Ní Shé scored six points, and Aibha Kiernan's 48th-minute goal gave Carlow their first lead of the contest. Antrim responded with a scoring burst from Prenter, O'Neill, and Aoibheann Monaghan, only for substitute Megan Townsend to net a 59th-minute equaliser for Carlow. From the resulting play, Antrim broke away and O'Neill kicked the winner.

It's unbelievable. We worked so hard all year after last year's heartbreak.

Intermediate final: Roscommon end 21-year wait

Roscommon won the All-Ireland Intermediate Final, defeating Fermanagh 2-12 to 0-6. The victory ended a 21-year wait for an intermediate title for the county.

Homecoming plans

Galway County Council confirmed a homecoming for the senior champions at Tuam Stadium on Monday. Further details are to be announced on the council's social media channels.