AIB commences build up to the All-Ireland Semi-Finals
Unprecedented surprises and high-octane action have defined a historic season which has proven to be #TheToughest to call, with the race for silverware still wide open. AIB will also bring an added layer of excitement as the season nears an end with the return of the Volunteer VIP competition for the third time. Former Kerry and Tyrone stars, Colm Cooper and Stephen O'Neill, pictured ahead of Saturday's All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final between the counties.
AIB, proud sponsors of club and county, has today been joined by Kevin Cassidy (Donegal), Trevor Giles (Meath), Stephen O’Neill (Tyrone), Colm Cooper (Kerry) ahead of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-finals, while John Galvin (Limerick), and Johnny Doyle (Kildare) join AIB ahead of this year's Tailteann Cup final. 2025 marks AIB’s tenth year as a sponsor of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship and fourth year as a sponsor of the Tailteann Cup. The 2025 Championship has been thrilling, unpredictable, and wide-open nature.
Following this year’s Football Review Committee rule enhancements, the competitions have fostered a level of unpredictability and openness not seen in recent years, leading to a Championship where the concept of a 'clear favourite' has been consistently challenged. This shift has sparked widespread conversations among fans and pundits alike, debating the impact of the new rules on the game's dynamics. Historic moments, such as Louth winning their first Leinster title in 68 years, and Meath beating Galway in Croke Park for the first time since 1970, underscore this new era. The high-scoring nature of the Championship is no more evident than with Donegal, who have scored 408 points in nine games. Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of the Championship has seen Dublin lose as many Championship matches in 2025 as they did in the previous 10 years combined, including unexpected defeats that have sent shockwaves through the competition and fueled discussions about the evolving landscape of Gaelic Football.
The first GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final of the 2025 season will see the 2021 Champions Tyrone renew their rivalry with the 2022 Champions Kerry. This pairing has previously met in the semi-finals in 2015, 2019, and 2021, with Tyrone victorious on one occasion and Kerry winning two. Kerry progressed to the semi-finals after a dominant second-half display to beat defending champions Armagh by eight points. Tyrone overcame Dublin in the other quarter-final, scoring the last four points of the game, including Niall Morgan’s free, to propel them into their first semi-final in four years.
Donegal are back in their second semi-final in a row following a stunning comeback against Monaghan. Jim McGuinness’ men were seven points down at half-time but outscored Monaghan 1-15 to 0-5 in the second half to win by six points. Donegal’s semi-final opponent is Meath, who progressed to a first All-Ireland semi-final since 2009 as they overcame Connacht champions Galway. Meath led by six with 15 minutes left, and then in the space of just over three minutes, Galway scored 2-3 to go three up. Matthew Costello then scored a vital Meath goal to get them back in front and progress to the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final.
The Tailteann Cup final kicks off this weekend’s action where Kildare and Limerick will both be looking to claim their first Tailteann Cup title. Both counties are unbeaten so far in this year’s competition. Limerick overcame Wicklow in their semi-final, coming from 7 points behind by scoring 1-9 in a 16-minute period, leading them to a 2-18 to 1-17 win. Kildare, having lost their previous five league and championship encounters at Croke Park, overcame Fermanagh by 7 points in the other semi-final.
As the season draws to a close, AIB is delighted to announce the return of the Volunteer VIP competition which gives GAA volunteers the opportunity to win a ‘money-can’t-buy’ behind-the-scenes tour of Croke Park on the morning of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football final, as well as coveted tickets to the match. AIB recognises the commitment and dedication of GAA volunteers nationwide, the people who give so much of their time each year to their club and county. Volunteers are the foundation on which the GAA is built, and AIB is celebrating them once again. The competition launched on Monday, July 7th and closes on Sunday, July 20th.
AIB CEO, Colin Hunt said: “AIB is incredibly proud to continue our sponsorship of what has been such an exciting year of inter-county football. This unpredictable season has kept supporters on the edge of their seats, sparking conversations across the country about the evolving nature of our game. This weekend promises to deliver even more entertainment and excitement, showcasing talent that the GAA continues to produce. What truly makes these competitions special, however, is the incredible community that surrounds them. To all the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy in playing such a vital role in the GAA, we want to extend our sincerest thanks and wish the very best of luck to all the counties competing this weekend.”
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns said: “This season has truly been a testament to the thrilling and wide-open nature of our games, unfolding across both the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship and the Tailteann Cup. The impact of our new rules is clear, contributing to higher-scoring matches and a series of unexpected results that have captivated audiences nationwide. I would like to wish the players, management, and fans of each county competing this weekend the very best of luck.”