Galway crowned All-Ireland champions after tense final against Kerry

Galway are All-Ireland champions after a tense 0-12 to 2-07 victory over Kerry at Croke Park. The win avenged a devastating loss to Kerry in 2024, a defeat that had deeply impacted the team.

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We couldn't let that one slip. We couldn't let it go again.

Goalscoring sensation Leanne Coen, who netted twice in the match, highlighted the team's resolve. "We couldn't let that one slip. We couldn't let it go again," Coen told RTÉ Sport. She credited Nicola Ward's run for creating the opportunity for her first goal and stressed the importance of continuous effort.

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I think I looked at the scoreboard and in fairness only for Nicola's (Ward) run we probably wouldn't have got in there. So fair play to Nic and her run.

Olivia Divilly, who contributed three points, echoed Coen's sentiments. "Two years ago, we played Kerry here in Croke Park and they gave us an absolute hiding," she said. "To come back here to this time and to get over such a talented team, we're just over the moon." Divilly acknowledged the challenging windy conditions that affected shooting for both sides.

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We knew we couldn't stop. We had to keep going and happy with the win in the end.

The match concluded with confusion in the final seconds. A Kerry free found the net, prompting celebrations from both teams, but referee Margaret Farrelly had called a free out for a square ball. Galway players saw the call, while some Kerry players missed it, leading to a moment of uncertainty before the final whistle confirmed Galway's victory.

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Two years ago, we played Kerry here in Croke Park and they gave us an absolute hiding and, you know, we've learned a few things from them and to, to come back here to this time and to get over such a talented team, we're just over the moon.