AIB fuels All-Ireland excitement
As the curtain falls on #TheToughest season yet, a championship that defied every prediction, Donegal and Kerry stand on the precipice of history. One will emerge as the inaugural Sam Maguire champion of Gaelic Football's thrilling new era. Eamonn McGee and Marc Ó Sé pictured outside Croke Park.
AIB, proud sponsors of club and county, has today been joined by Eamonn McGee (Donegal), and Marc O’Sé (Kerry) ahead of the 2025 GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship 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 journey has been nothing short of thrilling, marked by its unpredictable twists and unforgettable moments.
The 2025 Championship has ushered in a new era for Gaelic Football, largely thanks to the Football Review Committee's rule enhancements. These changes have brought a season of intense, high-scoring matches, making the games thrillingly unpredictable. All eyes are now on the final, a clash between Kerry and Donegal that promises to excite fans and pundits alike, with no clear favourite emerging from their contrasting styles. This season has been a record-breaker: Donegal have already secured a record nine Championship wins and are on the cusp of breaking the all-time single-season points record having amassed an astonishing 268 points in just nine games. Amidst this season of change, Kerry now seek to add a sense of tradition, aiming for their 39th All-Ireland title to further cement their legendary status.
Donegal and Kerry will meet for a second time in the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final on Sunday. The Kingdom were victorious in 2014 when they halted Donegal’s dreams of a second Sam Maguire in three years. Kerry last lifted Sam in 2022, but their most recent memory of the final is defeat in 2023 to Dublin. Meanwhile, Tír Chonaill last tasted All-Ireland success in 2012, led by the familiar faces of Jim McGuinness and Michael Murphy.
Both teams took the scenic route to the final, playing the preliminary quarter-final on the way to Croke Park. Interestingly both teams lost in the group stages of the Championship to each other’s semi- final opponents. Tyrone overturned Donegal in round 1 but David Clifford and company had no issues dispatching the Red Hand the first semi-final as Joe O’Connor starred from midfield, solidifying his All-Star credentials. Earlier in the Championship Meath shocked Kerry in Tullamore, but Donegal were ruthless in attack winning by a 20-point margin in the second semi-final.
As the season draws to a close, AIB is proud to celebrate the dedication of GAA volunteers once more through the Volunteer VIP competition, returning for a third year, which will culminate in a truly 'money-can't-buy' experience on All-Ireland Final Sunday. Deserving GAA volunteers will embark on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Croke Park on Sunday morning, culminating in coveted tickets to the match itself. AIB recognises the unwavering commitment and dedication of GAA volunteers nationwide.
AIB CEO, Colin Hunt said: "AIB is immensely proud to continue sponsoring what has been a historic and record breaking year for intercounty football. This season, defined by its unpredictability, has kept supporters gripped, sparking conversations nationwide about the thrilling new era of our game. This weekend's All-Ireland final promises to showcase the incredible talent and passion that the GAA consistently produces. But beyond the spectacle of the game, it's the vibrant community and the tireless dedication of volunteers that truly make these competitions special. To all those who give so much, we extend our sincerest thanks, and we wish the very best of luck to both Donegal and Kerry as they compete for the Sam Maguire."
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns said: "AIB's steadfast support for the GAA, from the grassroots club level right through to the inter-county game, is commendable and deeply valued. This season has been one of unprecedented excitement and competitiveness, a testament to the thrilling new era of Gaelic Football. As we look forward to what promises to be a magnificent All-Ireland final, a fitting end to a remarkable Championship, I would like to wish the players, management, and fans of both counties the very best of luck."
