Kerry v Mayo live updates: Follow the action from the All-Ireland football final

The stage is set for the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Final as Kerry faces Mayo at Croke Park this afternoon. This highly anticipated clash marks the culmination of the championship season and the third time these two storied counties have met in the final this century, with Kerry emerging victorious in both previous encounters in 2004 and 2006.

Kerry, the reigning champions, are aiming to secure back-to-back titles for only the second time this century. Their quest for continued dominance is spearheaded by the Clifford brothers, who have taken up the mantle from previous Kerry legends like Donaghy and Cooper. The weight of expectation rests heavily on their shoulders as they face a determined Mayo side.

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It’s the third time this century that these two have met in the All-Ireland final, with Kerry running out big winners in ’04 and ‘06. 20 years on from that second game, the Kerry stars are no longer Donaghy and Cooper, with the Clifford brothers picking up that mantle. Meanwhile, today’s challengers still have an inspirational McDonald up front, and it’s the trio of him, Ryan O’Donoghue and Darragh Beirne that have the Mayo supporters dreaming.

Mayo, on the other hand, arrives with a fervent hope of ending their 75-year wait for the coveted Sam Maguire trophy. Their aspirations are fueled by an inspirational forward line, notably Kobe McDonald, who, alongside Ryan O’Donoghue and Darragh Beirne, has ignited the dreams of Mayo supporters. While McDonald is not yet on the same level as Kerry's David Clifford, similarities exist in the immense pressure and expectation placed upon both young stars.

Adding a layer of poignancy to this year's final is the fact that it will be Seán Moran's last as the Irish Times' GAA correspondent. After 32 years covering the sport, Moran has penned a reflective piece on the changes he has witnessed, offering a unique perspective on the enduring appeal of Gaelic football ahead of his final big game at Croker.

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Although the AFL-bound teenager is not quite on Clifford’s level just yet, there are similarities in the weight of expectation placed on them at an early.