AIB celebrates the backroom architects of success

AIB, proud sponsors of club and county, has today been joined by former Kerry star David Moran and Mayo legend David Clarke ahead of the 2026 GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final. The 2026 season marks AIB’s eleventh year as a sponsor of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship and fifth year as a sponsor of the Tailteann Cup.

The newly introduced 2026 Championship format raised the stakes significantly. The increased number of must win knockout fixtures created a frantic, unpredictable campaign defined by numerous twists and turns. And behind each of these thrilling moments on the pitch has been a dedicated backroom team working tirelessly to support the players' ambitions. Throughout this season, AIB has celebrated the profound impact of the managers, coaches, mentors, and backroom teams who support the players on Gaelic football’s biggest stage and, in doing so, lift all those around them.

Kerry and Mayo will meet for a fourth time in the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final this Sunday, with Kerry coming out on top on the three previous occasions. The Kingdom are looking to retain the Sam Maguire Cup following their victory over Donegal in last year’s decider, while Mayo are looking to lift the trophy for the first time since 1951.

Neither team enjoyed a straightforward route to the final. Mayo’s turbulent journey began with a heavy defeat to Roscommon, though they bounced back to edge Monaghan. Another setback followed against Tyrone in Round 2 and when Andy Moran’s men trailed Meath by ten points after just 25 minutes in Round 3, they looked on the brink of disaster, but a spectacular turnaround saved their season. Mayo subsequently swept past Cork before dispatching Louth by one of the biggest margins in semi-final history.

Kerry’s path was equally testing. The Munster champions fell to Donegal in the opening round but recovered in style, easily accounting for Kildare before dismantling Armagh. After coming through a classic encounter against Tyrone, Jack O'Connor's charges overcame Dublin in the semi-final to keep their back to back Sam Maguire dreams alive.

While Sunday's showcase will celebrate the players on the field, their journey has been paved by the relentless work of coaches, trainers, and support staff behind the scenes. As we stand on the cusp of an historic All-Ireland Final, AIB is proud to champion these architects of success, whose guidance and dedication make every extraordinary championship moment possible.

AIB Chief Executive Officer, Colin Hunt said: “The road to this year’s All-Ireland Final has been one of the most thrilling in memory, with the new Championship format delivering unparalleled drama and excitement. As we prepare for Sunday's historic clash between Kerry and Mayo, the sense of anticipation across the country is palpable. At AIB, we know that while the players will rightly command the spotlight in Croke Park, their achievements are shaped by a collective effort. That is why our campaign proudly champions the relentless dedication of the managers, coaches, and support networks who work behind the scenes to turn ambitions into reality. It is their unwavering commitment that lifts these teams and inspires their communities. We are proud to celebrate these formidable figures, and we wish both both counties the very best of luck on Sunday.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns stated: “An All-Ireland Football Final at Croke Park represents the pinnacle of our sporting year and the sheer intensity of this season’s new look Championship has captured the nation's imagination. Yet the high drama we witness on the pitch is only possible because of the monumental effort that takes place far from the spotlight. Behind every player who steps onto the field on Sunday is an extraordinary network of managers, coaches, and support staff who guide and prepare them. AIB’s campaign is a fantastic acknowledgement of these vital often unseen structures. By celebrating the backroom teams who lift our players, AIB highlights the very essence of community spirit that defines the GAA, and we wish the very best of luck to both Mayo and Kerry.”