The biggest day in sports ireland this weekend is set for Croke Park, and the build-up has got another lift with RTÉ and BBC confirming their on-air teams for the 2026 All-Ireland football final. Kerry arrive as favourites, Mayo come in with momentum and belief, and viewers across Ireland can now look forward to a heavyweight broadcast lineup to match one of the biggest fixtures in Irish sports.
Sunday’s decider has all the ingredients of a classic in the all ireland championship. Kerry are chasing another Sam Maguire after last year’s commanding success, while Mayo have forced their way into the final with an attack that has brought real energy to this season’s gaa news. Young forwards Kobe McDonald and Darragh Beirne have added spark, and with Ryan O’Donoghue offering leadership, Mayo will feel they have the firepower to test the Kingdom.
Sports Ireland Focus: Who Is Covering The All-Ireland Final?
Fans following sports ireland, gaa ireland and wider ireland sports news will have two major live options on the day, with both RTÉ and BBC showing the match live.
RTÉ coverage details
RTÉ’s live build-up begins at 2:15pm on RTÉ Two, with Joanne Cantwell leading the presentation from Croke Park. The panel has strong county representation and plenty of championship pedigree.
- Lee Keegan
- Tomás Ó Sé
- Niall Morgan
- Peter Canavan
On commentary, Marty Morrissey will call the action alongside Éamonn Fitzmaurice. Later in the evening, The Sunday Game will return with an expanded review panel featuring Fitzmaurice, Keegan, Cora Staunton, Ciarán Whelan, Paul Flynn and Enda McGinley. The programme is also expected to name its Team of the Year, along with Player of the Year and the final’s Man of the Match.
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BBC coverage details
BBC’s broadcast starts at 3pm on BBC Two NI and BBC iPlayer. Sarah Mulkerrins will host, with a studio panel that blends big-game experience and county insight.
- Philly McMahon
- Oisín McConville
- Killian Young
- Padraig O’Hora
Pitchside, Mark Sidebottom will be joined by Brendan Devenney and Owen Mulligan, while Thomas Niblock takes on commentary duties with Conor McManus beside him. BBC has also built a reputation for bringing in Irish celebrity guests around major gaelic football occasions, and another cameo appearance is expected on final day.
Why Kerry v Mayo Still Feels Worth Watching
Plenty in ireland gaa news today has framed this as a mismatch, but finals can quickly tear up the script. Kerry’s quality, experience and scoring threat make them deserved favourites. Still, Mayo’s pace up front and underdog freedom could make this far more competitive than many expect.
That is what makes this such a compelling event in sports ireland and county gaa: one team trying to confirm its status, the other trying to create a season-defining shock. Add in the atmosphere of croke park events, national coverage and the emotion that surrounds an All-Ireland final, and the stage is set.
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What To Watch Next
For supporters tracking sports ireland, the next big question is simple: will Kerry deliver like champions, or can Mayo turn attacking promise into an upset for the ages? Beyond the result, viewers will also be watching for the post-match reaction, Team of the Year selections and the wider fallout across irish sports and the gaa season. In short, this is not just about who lifts Sam Maguire, but what story the game leaves behind.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
