It’s finally here – All-Ireland SFC Final Day 2025!
It’s Kerry and Donegal who will battle it out for the top prize in what is a repeat of the 2014 All-Ireland decider. Kerry were successful on that occasion but who will triumph this time? Kerry reached the final after getting the better of Tyrone while Donegal had too much for Meath in the other semi-final.
We’ll have team line-ups for you in the next few moments as we get closer to the 3.30pm throw-in.
As always, we want to hear from you to get your thoughts on what is sure to be a brilliant final. Will it be a day for David Clifford or Michael Murphy? Who will win the sideline battle between Jack O’Connor and Jim McGuinness?
Let us know below.
27 Jul
2:46PM
Here’s how Kerry have been named to line out
1. Shane Ryan (Rathmore)
2. Paul Murphy (Rathmore) 3. Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue) 4. Dylan Casey (Austin Stacks)
5. Brian Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht) 6. Mike Breen (Beaufort) 7. Gavin White (Dr Crokes)
8. Seán O’Brien (Beaufort), 9. Mark O’Shea (Dr Crokes)
10. Joe O’Connor (Austin Stacks), 11. Sean O’Shea (Kenmare), 12. Graham O’Sullivan (Dromid Pearses)
First blood to Kerry as Dylan Geaney takes the first shot and registers the first score of the game. We are off the mark!
27 Jul
3:38PM
1 min: Kerry 0-1 Donegal 0-1
Oisín Gallen nabs the equaliser. Already, there’s nothing between these sides as Donegal strike back after that early point for Kerry.
27 Jul
3:41PM
4 mins: Kerry 0-3 Donegal 0-2
Kerry take the lead again as Seán O’Brien pops the ball over the bar after Paudie Clifford’s shot dropped short.
Gavin White then takes on the Donegal defence with a blistering run before palming the ball over. It came from some brilliant fielding by Joe O’Connor.
Caolan McGonagle, a late addition to Donegal’s starting team, then cuts the gap to one point with a lovely curled effort off his left.
27 Jul
3:42PM
5 mins: Kerry 0-4 Donegal 0-2
Two points already for Kerry wing back Gavin White. Kerry are getting plenty of change from that wing as they lead by two now.
27 Jul
3:44PM
7 mins: Kerry 0-4 Donegal 0-3
Donegal slowing the play down with some cautious passing. Ciarán Thompson then makes the burst and takes a shot off his left.
His effort goes wide but he was being fouled by Joe O’Connor as he kicked the ball, giving Michael Murphy a simple tap-over free to get his name on the scoresheet.
27 Jul
3:45PM
8 mins: Kerry 0-5 Donegal 0-3
Paudie Clifford gets his first score of the day. That’s five points from five efforts for Kerry. And again, it came from Joe O’Connor fetching the kickout.
Kerry winning that battle so far.
27 Jul
3:46PM
9 mins: Kerry 0-7 Donegal 0-3
David Clifford launches the first two-pointer of the day and Kerry stretch the legs with that one. The roar that follows is immense.
What a start for the Kingdom.
27 Jul
3:47PM
10 mins: Kerry 0-7 Donegal 0-3
Paudie Clifford kicks Kerry’s first wide of the day. But they have that buffer and Donegal are struggling to win the kickout battle.
27 Jul
3:48PM
12 mins: Kerry 0-9 Donegal 0-3
Clifford’s second two-pointer!!
Superb from Clifford as he nails another effort from outside the arc. The gap extends to six as we come to the end of the opening quarter.
27 Jul
3:51PM
14 mins: Kerry 0-10 Donegal 0-4
A much-needed score for Donegal as Gallen gets his second of the afternoon after Seán O’Brien had kicked Kerry’s 10th point.
There was a hint of a Donegal goal chance there as Ryan McHugh came storming through but it ended in a point which Donegal will be relieved to get.
27 Jul
3:52PM
15 mins: Kerry 0-12 Donegal 0-4
Seán O’Shea with his first two-pointer of the day, and Kerry’s third so far. He coolly slotted over that free following a trip on David Clifford.
27 Jul
3:53PM
16 mins: Kerry 0-12 Donegal 0-4
Michael Murphy wins the kickout and Donegal try to work the ball into an opportunity for a score. But Paul Murphy executes a brilliant block and Kerry win back possession.
27 Jul
3:54PM
17 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-4
Seán O’Shea’s two-point attempt is caught by Donegal keeper Shaun Patton. But Kerry win the ball back and David Clifford gets the ball on the loop for another Kerry point.
They lead by nine and Donegal need to get into this contest quickly.
27 Jul
3:57PM
19 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-4
Gavin White with some clever use of the ball as Kerry work the ball around at ease. The move ends with Dylan Geaney trying for two points but it goes wide.
Kerry win the kickout once more and launch a quick counter attack but Donegal turn the ball over, and that could be a crucial moment.
27 Jul
4:00PM
21 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-4
Kerry had won a turnover but Dylan Casey is penalised for overcarrying. It looked like it was going to be a routine free for Michael Murphy but he hits the post. Donegal needed that as they haven’t scored since the 13th minute.
It gets worse for Donegal as Ciarán Thompson has been forced off with what looks like an ankle injury. It looks like his day is over.
27 Jul
4:01PM
22 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-5
Oisín Gallen completes a brilliant Donegal attack with a vital point. Michael Langan started it by winning the kickout and again, there was a goal chance there. But a point is the outcome.
27 Jul
4:02PM
22 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-6
Conor O’Donnell gets a second Donegal point in a row. Perhaps that will be the fire they need to push them into this game.
Donegal confirm that substitution for Thompson: Daire Ó Baoill is on.
27 Jul
4:04PM
23 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-7
Donegal turn the ball over. Ó Baoill gets his first possession after coming on as they build up the passes.
It comes to Murphy who shoots on sight and there’s six between the teams now.
27 Jul
4:05PM
25 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-8
Four points without reply for Donegal! Michael Murphy steps up again!
What a game. Kerry had the blistering start but Donegal are awake and they’ve given Kerry something to think about. Now it’s up to the Kingdom to muster a response.
27 Jul
4:07PM
27 mins: Kerry 0-14 Donegal 0-8
Paudie Clifford hits the post from an effort for a point. He hits the post but the referee calls for a free after Clifford was fouled by Finnbarr Roarty.
O’Shea knocks the ball over to get the scoreboard moving again for Kerry.
27 Jul
4:09PM
28 mins: Kerry 0-15 Donegal 0-8
Dylan Geaney with a second point in a row for Kerry. Jack O’Connor will be pleased with that after Donegal’s run of scores.
27 Jul
4:11PM
30 mins: Kerry 0-15 Donegal 0-9
Conor O’Donnell brings the difference back to six. Paudie Clifford then tries to raise an orange flag but it ends up as Kerry’s fourth wide so far.
David Clifford is clearly taking himself out of Kerry’s play at the moment as Brendan McCole keeps a tight watch of him.
27 Jul
4:12PM
31 mins: Kerry 0-15 Donegal 0-9
Bad pass from Michael Murphy is intercepted by Jason Foley. Kerry work the ball down to David Clifford who kicks for two points. But it’s well short and Donegal get a lucky break as they build again.
27 Jul
4:13PM
33 mins: Kerry 0-15 Donegal 0-10
Shane O’Donnell brings Donegal to double figures and the contest is much more even now. There’s still five points between the sides but Donegal look a lot more lively now.
27 Jul
4:15PM
34 mins: Kerry 0-15 Donegal 0-10
Kerry slowing the play right down. Paudie Clifford practically walking before playing a few passes over and back with Seán O’Shea.
They look to playing to the hooter now.
27 Jul
4:16PM
35 mins: Kerry 0-17 Donegal 0-10
David Clifford with a third two-pointer!! Kerry are rewarded for their patience and Clifford is winning that battle with McCole.
Kerry stormed out of the traps, leading by nine points at one point. Donegal did respond though, hitting four unanswered points to get back into the contest.
But Kerry responded again and David Clifford is on fire with three two-pointers so far.
Donegal have also suffered a big blow with Ciarán Thompson going off with injury.
What are your thoughts on the game so far?
27 Jul
4:28PM
Kerry run the clock down to the hooter and then find David Clifford for a two-pointer.
Seán O’Shea gets the first score of the second half to put Kerry eight in front.
27 Jul
4:38PM
36 mins: Kerry 0-19 Donegal 0-10
The Cliffords combine as McCole slips, giving David all the space to notch his eighth point of the day. All from play.
27 Jul
4:40PM
38 mins: Kerry 0-19 Donegal 0-11
Shane O’Donnell takes a shot from a tricky angle which goes wide but we’re coming for a free on Michael Murphy by Jason Foley.
The main man takes it and that’s Donegal’s first point of the second half.
27 Jul
4:42PM
40 mins: Kerry 0-19 Donegal 0-12
Donegal win the Kerry kickout as the ball comes to Shane O’Donnell. Oisín Gallen then earns a free after he was surrounded by Jason Foley and Joe O’Connor.
Murphy steps up again to leave Donegal seven adrift of Kerry.
27 Jul
4:42PM
40 mins: Kerry 0-19 Donegal 0-12
Another blow for Donegal: Ryan McHugh is forced off and is replaced by Jason McGee.
27 Jul
4:45PM
42 mins: Kerry 0-20 Donegal 0-12
Kerry slowing the play down once more. Joe O’Connor almost dispossessed but Kerry work themselves out of the corner as Seán O’Brien palms the ball down to O’Shea who feeds Paudie Clifford and it’s over the bar.
A superb team score.
27 Jul
4:48PM
45 mins: Kerry 0-20 Donegal 0-14
Langan takes a shot but his radar is way off and it’s well wide. Donegal get another opportunity from the kickout as Paul Murphy is too close to collect the pass from goalkeeper Shane Ryan.
Murphy converts the free and they get another score through Conor O’Donnell after a Langan fetch at midfield.
Only six between them now.
27 Jul
4:50PM
47 mins: Kerry 0-21 Donegal 0-15
Dylan Geaney completely unmarked as he scores on the turn. O’Donnell cancels it out at the other end with a lovely score. There was a possible goal chance on but Donegal just need scores right now.
27 Jul
4:51PM
48 mins: Kerry 0-21 Donegal 0-16
Shane O’Donnell combines with Langan to score off his left. And Donegal look like they’re about to unleash Patrick McBrearty from the bench.
27 Jul
4:52PM
48 mins: Kerry 0-21 Donegal 0-16
Donegal win the ball back off Joe O’Connor but he redeems himself with a brilliant block for a Dongal line ball.
Donegal change: Patrick McBrearty is on the field to a huge applause. Gallen off
27 Jul
4:53PM
50 mins: Kerry 0-21 Donegal 0-16
McBrearty kicks a wide from his first shot at the posts.
Bad wide for Kerry as Brian Ó Beaglaoich does all the hard work by taking on the Donegal defence and working himself into space. But his shot off the left boot trails wide.
Donegal have a free down at the other end for Jason Foley touching the ball along the ground. It’s about to be a four-point game.
27 Jul
4:57PM
53 mins: Kerry 0-21 Donegal 0-17
And Michael Murphy answers the call. It’s game on now as we head for the final quarter.
27 Jul
4:58PM
54 mins: Kerry 0-22 Donegal 0-17
Point number three for Gavin White. And what a score from the Kerry defender, and Kerry captain. It was a surging run down along the wing and he popped the ball over through the hand.
Kerry change: Killian Spillane on for Dylan Geaney.
27 Jul
4:59PM
55 mins: Kerry 0-22 Donegal 0-18
Another Michael Murphy free brings the gap back to four. That’s his fifth of the afternoon. What will this final quarter bring?
27 Jul
5:01PM
57 mins: Kerry 0-22 Donegal 0-18
Frantic few seconds there. Kerry’s Diarmuid O’Connor wins a free. Gavin White gets overturned, and then Paudie Clifford is overturned but the referee awards a Kerry free.
Shane Ryan comes all the way up to take it. It was a two-point chance but he slipped at the final step. Donegal come away with the ball.
27 Jul
5:02PM
57 mins: Kerry 0-22 Donegal 0-18
Huge miss there for Donegal. Conor O’Donnell right in front of the posts but a last-second touch from Paul Murphy is enough to put him off and kick the ball wide.
Kerry keep that four-point advantage.
27 Jul
5:04PM
58 mins: Kerry 0-24 Donegal 0-18
Paudie Clifford hauled down and it’s another long-range free for Kerry. O’Shea comes over to take from the hands.
It’s for two and the kick is good!! Six is the difference now.
Donegal change: Jamie Brennan comes on for Eoghan Bán Gallagher.
27 Jul
5:06PM
60 mins: Kerry 0-25 Donegal 0-18
Daire Ó Baoill the latest to have a go at the posts for Donegal. But it’s another wide.
Kerry win the kickout, coming storming back down the field as Paudie Clifford lifts the ball over the bar for his third from play.
27 Jul
5:08PM
62 mins: Kerry 0-25 Donegal 0-19
Daire Ó Baoill in again with some nifty footwork. He looked like he took the shot off balanace but the ball draws in enough to drop over the bar. A much-needed score but they’ve been turned over since and the seconds are starting to get away from them.
27 Jul
5:09PM
62 mins: Kerry 0-25 Donegal 0-19
O’Connor registers a wide for Kerry after a really strong carry. But it’s Donegal who need the scores.
Kerry change: Evan Looney comes on for Brian Ó Beaglaoich.
27 Jul
5:10PM
64 mins: Kerry 0-25 Donegal 0-19
McCole wins a 50-50 ball against Clifford. That could give Donegal a lift as the final five minutes loom.
27 Jul
5:11PM
64 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
Foley does very well to marshal Murphy under a dropping ball as Ryan collects. Kerry punish them with a Clifford point.
27 Jul
5:12PM
65 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
SAVE!!
Conor O’Donnell with a goal-line save after David Clifford went around Patton and tried to sweep the ball home. It’s a ’45 for Kerry and they will be happy just to keep possession.
27 Jul
5:12PM
65 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
Kerry change: Tadhg Morley comes on for Mike Breen.
27 Jul
5:14PM
66 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
Donegal try the long-ball tactic to try and find Murphy. It doesn’t work but Donegal win the ball back and come at Kerry once more.
Kerry deal with the pressure and Paudie Clifford clears the danger.
27 Jul
5:16PM
68 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
Kerry working the clock now and just building up the passes as the seconds tick away. Graham O’Sullivan takes a shot but it falls into the keeper’s hands.
Donegal go again.
27 Jul
5:17PM
68 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
Kerry fans can smell their All-Ireland victory in the air.
Kerry change: Graham O’Sullivan comes off and is replaced by Micheál Burns.
What a result. What a performance. What a brilliant Kerry team.
That’s All-Ireland number five for manager Jack O’Connor and a 39th title for the county.
Joe O’Connor with the final flourish as he drives through and blasts the net for Kerry. Donegal just never got a foothold on the game and that early burst from the Kingdom really set the foundation.
They had heroes all over the field from Gavin White to Paudie Clifford, David Clifford and O’Connor. They were ferocious throughout and having already dethroned Armagh with a superb display, are deserved champions for 2025.
27 Jul
5:27PM
Joe O'Connor puts the cherry on the cake for the Kingdom
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As it happened: Kerry v Donegal, All-Ireland SFC Final
It’s finally here – All-Ireland SFC Final Day 2025!
It’s Kerry and Donegal who will battle it out for the top prize in what is a repeat of the 2014 All-Ireland decider. Kerry were successful on that occasion but who will triumph this time? Kerry reached the final after getting the better of Tyrone while Donegal had too much for Meath in the other semi-final.
We’ll have team line-ups for you in the next few moments as we get closer to the 3.30pm throw-in.
As always, we want to hear from you to get your thoughts on what is sure to be a brilliant final. Will it be a day for David Clifford or Michael Murphy? Who will win the sideline battle between Jack O’Connor and Jim McGuinness?
Let us know below.
Here’s how Kerry have been named to line out
1. Shane Ryan (Rathmore)
2. Paul Murphy (Rathmore) 3. Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue) 4. Dylan Casey (Austin Stacks)
5. Brian Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht) 6. Mike Breen (Beaufort) 7. Gavin White (Dr Crokes)
8. Seán O’Brien (Beaufort), 9. Mark O’Shea (Dr Crokes)
10. Joe O’Connor (Austin Stacks), 11. Sean O’Shea (Kenmare), 12. Graham O’Sullivan (Dromid Pearses)
13. David Clifford (Fossa), 14. Paudie Clifford (Fossa). 15. Dylan Geaney (Dingle)
Subs
And now to Donegal…
1. Shaun Patton (St. Eunan’s)
2. Finnbarr Roarty (Naomh Conaill), 3. Brendan McCole (St. Naul’s), 4. Peadar Mogan (St. Naul’s)
5. Ryan McHugh (Kilcar), 6. Eoghan Bán Gallagher (Killybegs), 7. Caolan McColgan (St Patrick’s Muff)
8. Hugh McFadden (Killybegs), 9. Michael Langan (St. Michael’s)
10. Shane O’Donnell (St. Eunan’s), 11. Ciarán Thompson (Naomh Conaill), 12. Ciarán Moore (St. Eunan’s)
13. Conor O’Donnell (Carndonagh), 14. Michael Murphy (Glenswilly), 15. Oisín Gallen (Seán Mac Cumhaills).
Plenty of pre-match reading to comb through before throw-in
Donegal change: Caolan McGonagle replaces Hugh McFadden.
Ready to go…
Kerry’s All-Ireland-winning team from 2000 honoured ahead of throw-in
Michael D Higgins is on the pitch now for his last All-Ireland men’s final as President of Ireland.
It’s pre-match parade time. Kerry are ready to line up but Donegal are using up every second to get some final sprints in before heading over.
Kerry have won the toss and will play into the Davin end for the first half.
Some more mind games before throw-in: Donegal broke off from the parade on the turn to Hill 16. Kerry have stayed right to the end.
Throw-In! Kerry v Donegal
1 min: Kerry 0-1 Donegal 0-0
First blood to Kerry as Dylan Geaney takes the first shot and registers the first score of the game. We are off the mark!
1 min: Kerry 0-1 Donegal 0-1
Oisín Gallen nabs the equaliser. Already, there’s nothing between these sides as Donegal strike back after that early point for Kerry.
4 mins: Kerry 0-3 Donegal 0-2
Kerry take the lead again as Seán O’Brien pops the ball over the bar after Paudie Clifford’s shot dropped short.
Gavin White then takes on the Donegal defence with a blistering run before palming the ball over. It came from some brilliant fielding by Joe O’Connor.
Caolan McGonagle, a late addition to Donegal’s starting team, then cuts the gap to one point with a lovely curled effort off his left.
5 mins: Kerry 0-4 Donegal 0-2
Two points already for Kerry wing back Gavin White. Kerry are getting plenty of change from that wing as they lead by two now.
7 mins: Kerry 0-4 Donegal 0-3
Donegal slowing the play down with some cautious passing. Ciarán Thompson then makes the burst and takes a shot off his left.
His effort goes wide but he was being fouled by Joe O’Connor as he kicked the ball, giving Michael Murphy a simple tap-over free to get his name on the scoresheet.
8 mins: Kerry 0-5 Donegal 0-3
Paudie Clifford gets his first score of the day. That’s five points from five efforts for Kerry. And again, it came from Joe O’Connor fetching the kickout.
Kerry winning that battle so far.
9 mins: Kerry 0-7 Donegal 0-3
David Clifford launches the first two-pointer of the day and Kerry stretch the legs with that one. The roar that follows is immense.
What a start for the Kingdom.
10 mins: Kerry 0-7 Donegal 0-3
Paudie Clifford kicks Kerry’s first wide of the day. But they have that buffer and Donegal are struggling to win the kickout battle.
12 mins: Kerry 0-9 Donegal 0-3
Clifford’s second two-pointer!!
Superb from Clifford as he nails another effort from outside the arc. The gap extends to six as we come to the end of the opening quarter.
14 mins: Kerry 0-10 Donegal 0-4
A much-needed score for Donegal as Gallen gets his second of the afternoon after Seán O’Brien had kicked Kerry’s 10th point.
There was a hint of a Donegal goal chance there as Ryan McHugh came storming through but it ended in a point which Donegal will be relieved to get.
15 mins: Kerry 0-12 Donegal 0-4
Seán O’Shea with his first two-pointer of the day, and Kerry’s third so far. He coolly slotted over that free following a trip on David Clifford.
16 mins: Kerry 0-12 Donegal 0-4
Michael Murphy wins the kickout and Donegal try to work the ball into an opportunity for a score. But Paul Murphy executes a brilliant block and Kerry win back possession.
17 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-4
Seán O’Shea’s two-point attempt is caught by Donegal keeper Shaun Patton. But Kerry win the ball back and David Clifford gets the ball on the loop for another Kerry point.
They lead by nine and Donegal need to get into this contest quickly.
19 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-4
Gavin White with some clever use of the ball as Kerry work the ball around at ease. The move ends with Dylan Geaney trying for two points but it goes wide.
Kerry win the kickout once more and launch a quick counter attack but Donegal turn the ball over, and that could be a crucial moment.
21 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-4
Kerry had won a turnover but Dylan Casey is penalised for overcarrying. It looked like it was going to be a routine free for Michael Murphy but he hits the post. Donegal needed that as they haven’t scored since the 13th minute.
It gets worse for Donegal as Ciarán Thompson has been forced off with what looks like an ankle injury. It looks like his day is over.
22 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-5
Oisín Gallen completes a brilliant Donegal attack with a vital point. Michael Langan started it by winning the kickout and again, there was a goal chance there. But a point is the outcome.
22 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-6
Conor O’Donnell gets a second Donegal point in a row. Perhaps that will be the fire they need to push them into this game.
Donegal confirm that substitution for Thompson: Daire Ó Baoill is on.
23 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-7
Donegal turn the ball over. Ó Baoill gets his first possession after coming on as they build up the passes.
It comes to Murphy who shoots on sight and there’s six between the teams now.
25 mins: Kerry 0-13 Donegal 0-8
Four points without reply for Donegal! Michael Murphy steps up again!
What a game. Kerry had the blistering start but Donegal are awake and they’ve given Kerry something to think about. Now it’s up to the Kingdom to muster a response.
27 mins: Kerry 0-14 Donegal 0-8
Paudie Clifford hits the post from an effort for a point. He hits the post but the referee calls for a free after Clifford was fouled by Finnbarr Roarty.
O’Shea knocks the ball over to get the scoreboard moving again for Kerry.
28 mins: Kerry 0-15 Donegal 0-8
Dylan Geaney with a second point in a row for Kerry. Jack O’Connor will be pleased with that after Donegal’s run of scores.
30 mins: Kerry 0-15 Donegal 0-9
Conor O’Donnell brings the difference back to six. Paudie Clifford then tries to raise an orange flag but it ends up as Kerry’s fourth wide so far.
David Clifford is clearly taking himself out of Kerry’s play at the moment as Brendan McCole keeps a tight watch of him.
31 mins: Kerry 0-15 Donegal 0-9
Bad pass from Michael Murphy is intercepted by Jason Foley. Kerry work the ball down to David Clifford who kicks for two points. But it’s well short and Donegal get a lucky break as they build again.
33 mins: Kerry 0-15 Donegal 0-10
Shane O’Donnell brings Donegal to double figures and the contest is much more even now. There’s still five points between the sides but Donegal look a lot more lively now.
34 mins: Kerry 0-15 Donegal 0-10
Kerry slowing the play right down. Paudie Clifford practically walking before playing a few passes over and back with Seán O’Shea.
They look to playing to the hooter now.
35 mins: Kerry 0-17 Donegal 0-10
David Clifford with a third two-pointer!! Kerry are rewarded for their patience and Clifford is winning that battle with McCole.
Half-Time! Kerry 0-17 Donegal 0-10
Kerry 0-17 Donegal 0-10
Very interesting first half.
Kerry stormed out of the traps, leading by nine points at one point. Donegal did respond though, hitting four unanswered points to get back into the contest.
But Kerry responded again and David Clifford is on fire with three two-pointers so far.
Donegal have also suffered a big blow with Ciarán Thompson going off with injury.
What are your thoughts on the game so far?
Second-Half! Kerry 0-17 Donegal 0-10
35 mins: Kerry 0-18 Donegal 0-10
Seán O’Shea gets the first score of the second half to put Kerry eight in front.
36 mins: Kerry 0-19 Donegal 0-10
The Cliffords combine as McCole slips, giving David all the space to notch his eighth point of the day. All from play.
38 mins: Kerry 0-19 Donegal 0-11
Shane O’Donnell takes a shot from a tricky angle which goes wide but we’re coming for a free on Michael Murphy by Jason Foley.
The main man takes it and that’s Donegal’s first point of the second half.
40 mins: Kerry 0-19 Donegal 0-12
Donegal win the Kerry kickout as the ball comes to Shane O’Donnell. Oisín Gallen then earns a free after he was surrounded by Jason Foley and Joe O’Connor.
Murphy steps up again to leave Donegal seven adrift of Kerry.
40 mins: Kerry 0-19 Donegal 0-12
Another blow for Donegal: Ryan McHugh is forced off and is replaced by Jason McGee.
42 mins: Kerry 0-20 Donegal 0-12
Kerry slowing the play down once more. Joe O’Connor almost dispossessed but Kerry work themselves out of the corner as Seán O’Brien palms the ball down to O’Shea who feeds Paudie Clifford and it’s over the bar.
A superb team score.
45 mins: Kerry 0-20 Donegal 0-14
Langan takes a shot but his radar is way off and it’s well wide. Donegal get another opportunity from the kickout as Paul Murphy is too close to collect the pass from goalkeeper Shane Ryan.
Murphy converts the free and they get another score through Conor O’Donnell after a Langan fetch at midfield.
Only six between them now.
47 mins: Kerry 0-21 Donegal 0-15
Dylan Geaney completely unmarked as he scores on the turn. O’Donnell cancels it out at the other end with a lovely score. There was a possible goal chance on but Donegal just need scores right now.
48 mins: Kerry 0-21 Donegal 0-16
Shane O’Donnell combines with Langan to score off his left. And Donegal look like they’re about to unleash Patrick McBrearty from the bench.
48 mins: Kerry 0-21 Donegal 0-16
Donegal win the ball back off Joe O’Connor but he redeems himself with a brilliant block for a Dongal line ball.
Donegal change: Patrick McBrearty is on the field to a huge applause. Gallen off
50 mins: Kerry 0-21 Donegal 0-16
McBrearty kicks a wide from his first shot at the posts.
Kerry change: Diarmuid O’Connor replaces Seán O’Brien.
52 mins: Kerry 0-21 Donegal 0-16
Bad wide for Kerry as Brian Ó Beaglaoich does all the hard work by taking on the Donegal defence and working himself into space. But his shot off the left boot trails wide.
Donegal have a free down at the other end for Jason Foley touching the ball along the ground. It’s about to be a four-point game.
53 mins: Kerry 0-21 Donegal 0-17
And Michael Murphy answers the call. It’s game on now as we head for the final quarter.
54 mins: Kerry 0-22 Donegal 0-17
Point number three for Gavin White. And what a score from the Kerry defender, and Kerry captain. It was a surging run down along the wing and he popped the ball over through the hand.
Kerry change: Killian Spillane on for Dylan Geaney.
55 mins: Kerry 0-22 Donegal 0-18
Another Michael Murphy free brings the gap back to four. That’s his fifth of the afternoon. What will this final quarter bring?
57 mins: Kerry 0-22 Donegal 0-18
Frantic few seconds there. Kerry’s Diarmuid O’Connor wins a free. Gavin White gets overturned, and then Paudie Clifford is overturned but the referee awards a Kerry free.
Shane Ryan comes all the way up to take it. It was a two-point chance but he slipped at the final step. Donegal come away with the ball.
57 mins: Kerry 0-22 Donegal 0-18
Huge miss there for Donegal. Conor O’Donnell right in front of the posts but a last-second touch from Paul Murphy is enough to put him off and kick the ball wide.
Kerry keep that four-point advantage.
58 mins: Kerry 0-24 Donegal 0-18
Paudie Clifford hauled down and it’s another long-range free for Kerry. O’Shea comes over to take from the hands.
It’s for two and the kick is good!! Six is the difference now.
Donegal change: Jamie Brennan comes on for Eoghan Bán Gallagher.
60 mins: Kerry 0-25 Donegal 0-18
Daire Ó Baoill the latest to have a go at the posts for Donegal. But it’s another wide.
Kerry win the kickout, coming storming back down the field as Paudie Clifford lifts the ball over the bar for his third from play.
62 mins: Kerry 0-25 Donegal 0-19
Daire Ó Baoill in again with some nifty footwork. He looked like he took the shot off balanace but the ball draws in enough to drop over the bar. A much-needed score but they’ve been turned over since and the seconds are starting to get away from them.
62 mins: Kerry 0-25 Donegal 0-19
O’Connor registers a wide for Kerry after a really strong carry. But it’s Donegal who need the scores.
Kerry change: Evan Looney comes on for Brian Ó Beaglaoich.
64 mins: Kerry 0-25 Donegal 0-19
McCole wins a 50-50 ball against Clifford. That could give Donegal a lift as the final five minutes loom.
64 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
Foley does very well to marshal Murphy under a dropping ball as Ryan collects. Kerry punish them with a Clifford point.
65 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
SAVE!!
Conor O’Donnell with a goal-line save after David Clifford went around Patton and tried to sweep the ball home. It’s a ’45 for Kerry and they will be happy just to keep possession.
65 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
Kerry change: Tadhg Morley comes on for Mike Breen.
66 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
Donegal try the long-ball tactic to try and find Murphy. It doesn’t work but Donegal win the ball back and come at Kerry once more.
Kerry deal with the pressure and Paudie Clifford clears the danger.
68 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
Kerry working the clock now and just building up the passes as the seconds tick away. Graham O’Sullivan takes a shot but it falls into the keeper’s hands.
Donegal go again.
68 mins: Kerry 0-26 Donegal 0-19
Kerry fans can smell their All-Ireland victory in the air.
Kerry change: Graham O’Sullivan comes off and is replaced by Micheál Burns.
GOAL! Kerry 1-26 Donegal 0-19 (Joe O’Connor ’69)
Full-Time! Kerry 1-26 Donegal 0-19
Kerry 1-26 Donegal 0-19
Well, that is that!
What a result. What a performance. What a brilliant Kerry team.
That’s All-Ireland number five for manager Jack O’Connor and a 39th title for the county.
Joe O’Connor with the final flourish as he drives through and blasts the net for Kerry. Donegal just never got a foothold on the game and that early burst from the Kingdom really set the foundation.
They had heroes all over the field from Gavin White to Paudie Clifford, David Clifford and O’Connor. They were ferocious throughout and having already dethroned Armagh with a superb display, are deserved champions for 2025.
As Gavin White accepts the cup, have a read of Fintan O’Toole’s match report live from Croke Park here.
Well, that’s all from us folks. Thanks for being with us and we hope you enjoyed the coverage.
Until next time, good luck!
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