All-Ireland Series Sam Maguire 2026

[Rossfan]

From T.O.
All-Ireland Semi-Finals
The four quarter-final winners shall play against each other in the Semi-Finals based
on a draw, subject to the avoidance of repeat pairings from the championship, where
possible

[MC]

Galway v Dublin - ask me last week and I'd have said Galway. Now I'm not so sure. Dublin have their issues, but they showed up against Donegal and were by far the better side - only for some shocking shooting they would have won by 8+ in normal time. Galway building nicely, key players all fit(ish) for once, capable of winning the whole thing imo. This should be a brilliant game.

Cork v Mayo - probably the draw they both would have wanted. I think Cork will shade it, I don't think either are realistic AI contenders. I saw Mayo first hand against Tyrone - didn't think either of the two were great. Mayo's bench isn't great and their defence are shaky at best. Good keeper though. Cork have been improving - but only time I've seen them live this year was in the league against Derry and they were awful. Only the league, and they did get promotion - close game.

Tyrone v Kerry - can't see past Kerry here. The Tyrone defence will be stretched too thin to cope in the wide open Croke park space (I assume all quarters are in croker?). They also don't have the same calibre of forward that Kerry does, though who does. Sean O'Shea coming back to fitness too is huge. This could be a tanking as I don't buy into the Tyrone coming good thinking. The Tyrone v Mayo game was not a great game, the introduction of Darren McCurry who scored 6 points on the tight Omagh pitch was the difference in the 2 teams and even at that, a fortuitous last minute free gifted Tyrone the win. Kerry brushed Armagh aside quite easily - armagh are bigger and more of a running team than Tyrone are so I'm struggling to see anything but a similar result. However, Tyrone v Kerry can take on a life of its own, so who knows.

Louth v Monaghan - brilliant draw for both of them. Monaghan just have that never say die attitude that you can't coach into a team. I had actually expected Westmeath to beat them, but Monaghan fully deserved their win. Louth have been excellent this year and Mulroy is one of the best footballers in the country. They're well coached and playing in croker will likely suit them. Really struggle to call this one, but I'll go for Louth as they've had an extra week to prepare and rest.

Galway v Dublin - Galway may benefit from Dublin fatigue with a weeks less recovery and extra time on top. Injuries and niggles will also have an impact - Dublin may be hampered in this regard whereas Galway seem to be more injury free than they have been for a long time.

Cork v Mayo - again the weeks extra recovery may tell - but Mayo possibly have better forwards and might prevail if they can restirct Cork's 2 point shooters.

Tyrone - v Kerry - hard to see anything but a Kerry win unless MOR starts living up to his reputation a bit more.
However, the wide open spaces of Croke Park are a myth - Tyrone's home pitch is the same size as Croke Park as are a lot of pitches throughout the country - and about half a dozen are actually larger. If anything, I wonder if Croke Park feels tighter with the high stands - especially when it's a full house.
Armagh's running game wasn't as focused last weekend and I wonder if it can actually leave teams exposed in the turnovers - Kerry scored a few goals on the break with a defence largely missing and exposed.

Louth v Monaghan - probably the hardest to call - but agree the weeks extra recovery - and Monaghan relying on quite a few older players - may be enough of an advantage for some strong Louth men.

I swear this thing about Monaghan being an aging team and overly reliant on aul lads, has been a thing being brought up for like 15 years now...

I actually think the current age profile of the Monaghan squad is as healthy and balanced as it's been for a long long time. We don't have any lads in the panel in their late 30s who are hanging on and playing key roles, which was often the case over the years. Right now it's a nice mix in the squad of young lads bursting through, those in the mid to late 20s who have been around a while and now becoming leaders, and a handful of lads in the early 30s who have tons of experience but still plenty more to give too in most cases. In different games over the past few weeks, we've had big performances from players in all 3 of those categories which has got us to this point.

Appreciate the change in this Monaghan team and a fresh intake over the last few years - but still think they rely a little too much on a number of older heads. Fantsatic to see Jack Mc Carron over the last few weeks but its a big ask for him to do that repeateldly week after week with little break between games. Any team shutting down Mc Carron - not easy - potentially takes 7-8 points off Monaghan's typical tally.

[ElJeffe]

Galway v Dublin - ask me last week and I'd have said Galway. Now I'm not so sure. Dublin have their issues, but they showed up against Donegal and were by far the better side - only for some shocking shooting they would have won by 8+ in normal time. Galway building nicely, key players all fit(ish) for once, capable of winning the whole thing imo. This should be a brilliant game.

Cork v Mayo - probably the draw they both would have wanted. I think Cork will shade it, I don't think either are realistic AI contenders. I saw Mayo first hand against Tyrone - didn't think either of the two were great. Mayo's bench isn't great and their defence are shaky at best. Good keeper though. Cork have been improving - but only time I've seen them live this year was in the league against Derry and they were awful. Only the league, and they did get promotion - close game.

Tyrone v Kerry - can't see past Kerry here. The Tyrone defence will be stretched too thin to cope in the wide open Croke park space (I assume all quarters are in croker?). They also don't have the same calibre of forward that Kerry does, though who does. Sean O'Shea coming back to fitness too is huge. This could be a tanking as I don't buy into the Tyrone coming good thinking. The Tyrone v Mayo game was not a great game, the introduction of Darren McCurry who scored 6 points on the tight Omagh pitch was the difference in the 2 teams and even at that, a fortuitous last minute free gifted Tyrone the win. Kerry brushed Armagh aside quite easily - armagh are bigger and more of a running team than Tyrone are so I'm struggling to see anything but a similar result. However, Tyrone v Kerry can take on a life of its own, so who knows.

Louth v Monaghan - brilliant draw for both of them. Monaghan just have that never say die attitude that you can't coach into a team. I had actually expected Westmeath to beat them, but Monaghan fully deserved their win. Louth have been excellent this year and Mulroy is one of the best footballers in the country. They're well coached and playing in croker will likely suit them. Really struggle to call this one, but I'll go for Louth as they've had an extra week to prepare and rest.

Galway v Dublin - Galway may benefit from Dublin fatigue with a weeks less recovery and extra time on top. Injuries and niggles will also have an impact - Dublin may be hampered in this regard whereas Galway seem to be more injury free than they have been for a long time.

Cork v Mayo - again the weeks extra recovery may tell - but Mayo possibly have better forwards and might prevail if they can restirct Cork's 2 point shooters.

Tyrone - v Kerry - hard to see anything but a Kerry win unless MOR starts living up to his reputation a bit more.
However, the wide open spaces of Croke Park are a myth - Tyrone's home pitch is the same size as Croke Park as are a lot of pitches throughout the country - and about half a dozen are actually larger. If anything, I wonder if Croke Park feels tighter with the high stands - especially when it's a full house.
Armagh's running game wasn't as focused last weekend and I wonder if it can actually leave teams exposed in the turnovers - Kerry scored a few goals on the break with a defence largely missing and exposed.

Louth v Monaghan - probably the hardest to call - but agree the weeks extra recovery - and Monaghan relying on quite a few older players - may be enough of an advantage for some strong Louth men.

I swear this thing about Monaghan being an aging team and overly reliant on aul lads, has been a thing being brought up for like 15 years now...

I actually think the current age profile of the Monaghan squad is as healthy and balanced as it's been for a long long time. We don't have any lads in the panel in their late 30s who are hanging on and playing key roles, which was often the case over the years. Right now it's a nice mix in the squad of young lads bursting through, those in the mid to late 20s who have been around a while and now becoming leaders, and a handful of lads in the early 30s who have tons of experience but still plenty more to give too in most cases. In different games over the past few weeks, we've had big performances from players in all 3 of those categories which has got us to this point.

Appreciate the change in this Monaghan team and a fresh intake over the last few years - but still think they rely a little too much on a number of older heads. Fantsatic to see Jack Mc Carron over the last few weeks but its a big ask for him to do that repeateldly week after week with little break between games. Any team shutting down Mc Carron - not easy - potentially takes 7-8 points off Monaghan's typical tally.

McCarron scored 0-0 against Cavan and Derry it was just the side line so 0-2

In the Ulster Final 0-3

He accounted for 5.88% of their scores in Ulster.....

So maybe do some fact checking research before posting.

In AI Series it's 25% of the scores but for the whole championship it's 15.15%.

[galwayman]

Very sad news coming out of Galway today.
Paul Clancy has passed away at the age of just 49.
Quality player and an absolute gentleman.
Brother in law of the late Don Connellan.
RIP PC

[Manning18]

Very sad news coming out of Galway today.
Paul Clancy has passed away at the age of just 49.
Quality player and an absolute gentleman.
Brother in law of the late Don Connellan.
RIP PC

Heartbreaking stuff. Huge part in Moycullens rise from intermediate football to one of the best clubs in the country, after his playing days. And what a classy footballer he was aswel, and a gent as you say. RIP

[Main Street]

Galway v Dublin - ask me last week and I'd have said Galway. Now I'm not so sure. Dublin have their issues, but they showed up against Donegal and were by far the better side - only for some shocking shooting they would have won by 8+ in normal time. Galway building nicely, key players all fit(ish) for once, capable of winning the whole thing imo. This should be a brilliant game.

Cork v Mayo - probably the draw they both would have wanted. I think Cork will shade it, I don't think either are realistic AI contenders. I saw Mayo first hand against Tyrone - didn't think either of the two were great. Mayo's bench isn't great and their defence are shaky at best. Good keeper though. Cork have been improving - but only time I've seen them live this year was in the league against Derry and they were awful. Only the league, and they did get promotion - close game.

Tyrone v Kerry - can't see past Kerry here. The Tyrone defence will be stretched too thin to cope in the wide open Croke park space (I assume all quarters are in croker?). They also don't have the same calibre of forward that Kerry does, though who does. Sean O'Shea coming back to fitness too is huge. This could be a tanking as I don't buy into the Tyrone coming good thinking. The Tyrone v Mayo game was not a great game, the introduction of Darren McCurry who scored 6 points on the tight Omagh pitch was the difference in the 2 teams and even at that, a fortuitous last minute free gifted Tyrone the win. Kerry brushed Armagh aside quite easily - armagh are bigger and more of a running team than Tyrone are so I'm struggling to see anything but a similar result. However, Tyrone v Kerry can take on a life of its own, so who knows.

Louth v Monaghan - brilliant draw for both of them. Monaghan just have that never say die attitude that you can't coach into a team. I had actually expected Westmeath to beat them, but Monaghan fully deserved their win. Louth have been excellent this year and Mulroy is one of the best footballers in the country. They're well coached and playing in croker will likely suit them. Really struggle to call this one, but I'll go for Louth as they've had an extra week to prepare and rest.

Galway v Dublin - Galway may benefit from Dublin fatigue with a weeks less recovery and extra time on top. Injuries and niggles will also have an impact - Dublin may be hampered in this regard whereas Galway seem to be more injury free than they have been for a long time.

Cork v Mayo - again the weeks extra recovery may tell - but Mayo possibly have better forwards and might prevail if they can restirct Cork's 2 point shooters.

Tyrone - v Kerry - hard to see anything but a Kerry win unless MOR starts living up to his reputation a bit more.
However, the wide open spaces of Croke Park are a myth - Tyrone's home pitch is the same size as Croke Park as are a lot of pitches throughout the country - and about half a dozen are actually larger. If anything, I wonder if Croke Park feels tighter with the high stands - especially when it's a full house.
Armagh's running game wasn't as focused last weekend and I wonder if it can actually leave teams exposed in the turnovers - Kerry scored a few goals on the break with a defence largely missing and exposed.

Louth v Monaghan - probably the hardest to call - but agree the weeks extra recovery - and Monaghan relying on quite a few older players - may be enough of an advantage for some strong Louth men.

I swear this thing about Monaghan being an aging team and overly reliant on aul lads, has been a thing being brought up for like 15 years now...

I actually think the current age profile of the Monaghan squad is as healthy and balanced as it's been for a long long time. We don't have any lads in the panel in their late 30s who are hanging on and playing key roles, which was often the case over the years. Right now it's a nice mix in the squad of young lads bursting through, those in the mid to late 20s who have been around a while and now becoming leaders, and a handful of lads in the early 30s who have tons of experience but still plenty more to give too in most cases. In different games over the past few weeks, we've had big performances from players in all 3 of those categories which has got us to this point.

Appreciate the change in this Monaghan team and a fresh intake over the last few years - but still think they rely a little too much on a number of older heads. Fantsatic to see Jack Mc Carron over the last few weeks but its a big ask for him to do that repeateldly week after week with little break between games. Any team shutting down Mc Carron - not easy - potentially takes 7-8 points off Monaghan's typical tally.

McCarron scored 0-0 against Cavan and Derry it was just the side line so 0-2

In the Ulster Final 0-3

He accounted for 5.88% of their scores in Ulster.....

So maybe do some fact checking research before posting.

In AI Series it's 25% of the scores but for the whole championship it's 15.15%.

McCarron's still a young man by Monaghan standards, a mere garsún at 32. Today's game is made for him as he doesn't have to track back (he's a lazy looking fécker) and the 2 point score, pity that McManus's time had come before the new rules. The issues with Jack were with injury recovery. He was used sparingly this year until the last 2 or 3 games. He's still only finding his feet this season and moving with relative ease. Other than Jack, Ryan Wylie is 32  and then one or two lads at 30.

[Armagh18]

Galway v Dublin - ask me last week and I'd have said Galway. Now I'm not so sure. Dublin have their issues, but they showed up against Donegal and were by far the better side - only for some shocking shooting they would have won by 8+ in normal time. Galway building nicely, key players all fit(ish) for once, capable of winning the whole thing imo. This should be a brilliant game.

Cork v Mayo - probably the draw they both would have wanted. I think Cork will shade it, I don't think either are realistic AI contenders. I saw Mayo first hand against Tyrone - didn't think either of the two were great. Mayo's bench isn't great and their defence are shaky at best. Good keeper though. Cork have been improving - but only time I've seen them live this year was in the league against Derry and they were awful. Only the league, and they did get promotion - close game.

Tyrone v Kerry - can't see past Kerry here. The Tyrone defence will be stretched too thin to cope in the wide open Croke park space (I assume all quarters are in croker?). They also don't have the same calibre of forward that Kerry does, though who does. Sean O'Shea coming back to fitness too is huge. This could be a tanking as I don't buy into the Tyrone coming good thinking. The Tyrone v Mayo game was not a great game, the introduction of Darren McCurry who scored 6 points on the tight Omagh pitch was the difference in the 2 teams and even at that, a fortuitous last minute free gifted Tyrone the win. Kerry brushed Armagh aside quite easily - armagh are bigger and more of a running team than Tyrone are so I'm struggling to see anything but a similar result. However, Tyrone v Kerry can take on a life of its own, so who knows.

Louth v Monaghan - brilliant draw for both of them. Monaghan just have that never say die attitude that you can't coach into a team. I had actually expected Westmeath to beat them, but Monaghan fully deserved their win. Louth have been excellent this year and Mulroy is one of the best footballers in the country. They're well coached and playing in croker will likely suit them. Really struggle to call this one, but I'll go for Louth as they've had an extra week to prepare and rest.

Galway v Dublin - Galway may benefit from Dublin fatigue with a weeks less recovery and extra time on top. Injuries and niggles will also have an impact - Dublin may be hampered in this regard whereas Galway seem to be more injury free than they have been for a long time.

Cork v Mayo - again the weeks extra recovery may tell - but Mayo possibly have better forwards and might prevail if they can restirct Cork's 2 point shooters.

Tyrone - v Kerry - hard to see anything but a Kerry win unless MOR starts living up to his reputation a bit more.
However, the wide open spaces of Croke Park are a myth - Tyrone's home pitch is the same size as Croke Park as are a lot of pitches throughout the country - and about half a dozen are actually larger. If anything, I wonder if Croke Park feels tighter with the high stands - especially when it's a full house.
Armagh's running game wasn't as focused last weekend and I wonder if it can actually leave teams exposed in the turnovers - Kerry scored a few goals on the break with a defence largely missing and exposed.

Louth v Monaghan - probably the hardest to call - but agree the weeks extra recovery - and Monaghan relying on quite a few older players - may be enough of an advantage for some strong Louth men.

I swear this thing about Monaghan being an aging team and overly reliant on aul lads, has been a thing being brought up for like 15 years now...

I actually think the current age profile of the Monaghan squad is as healthy and balanced as it's been for a long long time. We don't have any lads in the panel in their late 30s who are hanging on and playing key roles, which was often the case over the years. Right now it's a nice mix in the squad of young lads bursting through, those in the mid to late 20s who have been around a while and now becoming leaders, and a handful of lads in the early 30s who have tons of experience but still plenty more to give too in most cases. In different games over the past few weeks, we've had big performances from players in all 3 of those categories which has got us to this point.

Appreciate the change in this Monaghan team and a fresh intake over the last few years - but still think they rely a little too much on a number of older heads. Fantsatic to see Jack Mc Carron over the last few weeks but its a big ask for him to do that repeateldly week after week with little break between games. Any team shutting down Mc Carron - not easy - potentially takes 7-8 points off Monaghan's typical tally.

McCarron scored 0-0 against Cavan and Derry it was just the side line so 0-2

In the Ulster Final 0-3

He accounted for 5.88% of their scores in Ulster.....

So maybe do some fact checking research before posting.

In AI Series it's 25% of the scores but for the whole championship it's 15.15%.

McCarron's still a young man by Monaghan standards, a mere garsún at 32. Today's game is made for him as he doesn't have to track back (he's a lazy looking fécker) and the 2 point score, pity that McManus's time had come before the new rules. The issues with Jack were with injury recovery. He was used sparingly this year until the last 2 or 3 games. He's still only finding his feet this season and moving with relative ease. Other than Jack, Ryan Wylie is 32  and then one or two lads at 30.

What age is McCarthy?

Some serious ballers on that Monaghan team, O'Hanlon a super lad as well. Beggan at the minute is like a cheat code to the point where teams need to be extremely cautious of any tackling within the 65. 

[imtommygunn]

I thought a commentator said on the last game that he was thirty or was turning it at least. Him, McCarron, began, Ryan Wyie and maybe lavelle older end of the team but you would imagine beggan the elder statesman. Most of those ones would have a few years.

[Rossfan]

Very sad news coming out of Galway today.
Paul Clancy has passed away at the age of just 49.
Quality player and an absolute gentleman.
Brother in law of the late Don Connellan.
RIP PC

Ah no.
May he R.I.P.

[blanketattack]

Sorry guys but haven't time to read back thru 30 pages of messages so just giving a quick recap on Kerry v Armagh. It didn't go as I expected, Kerry blew us out of the water (Again) and were fully deserved winners. Armagh were awful form 1 -15 and got what they deserved, defence were shocking bad (how B McCambridge can't get on in that defence is shocking) Midfield is non existing and the forward line playing across the way back and forth whilst Kerry just take the ball and in 2 passes it's in the net or over the bar. I said last week if Kerry push up on Armagh and make them kick it long then they'd be in trouble and that's what Kerry done (Don't mention it Jack).
Anyway...all the best to Kerry for the remainder of the Championship and bar Galway I can't see anyone else beating them, one slight complaint is the stand in Killarney was brutal and so uncomfortable to sit on, the only one worse I can remember is Cusack Park, Mullingar.
Season is over for us but whoever you follow may the luck follow you to the end (except Tyrone, only joking my friendly neighbours)

Fair dues, Armagh could make a lot of excuses- injuries, 6 day turnaround, 300 mile journey, a calamitous goal, but they didn't give excuses.

It was similar to last year, Armagh started better but Kerry had a 14 point net gain in 15 minutes to end the game. Last year it put Kerry 9 up after being 5 down, this year it put Kerry 15 up after being 1 up.

McGeeney turned a Div 3 team who had won 1 game in Ulster in 3 years, to win the All-Ireland, after previously captaining Armagh to their first All-Ireland. Regardless of what he decides to do, his statue is guaranteed!

[AustinPowers]

Sorry guys but haven't time to read back thru 30 pages of messages so just giving a quick recap on Kerry v Armagh. It didn't go as I expected, Kerry blew us out of the water (Again) and were fully deserved winners. Armagh were awful form 1 -15 and got what they deserved, defence were shocking bad (how B McCambridge can't get on in that defence is shocking) Midfield is non existing and the forward line playing across the way back and forth whilst Kerry just take the ball and in 2 passes it's in the net or over the bar. I said last week if Kerry push up on Armagh and make them kick it long then they'd be in trouble and that's what Kerry done (Don't mention it Jack).
Anyway...all the best to Kerry for the remainder of the Championship and bar Galway I can't see anyone else beating them, one slight complaint is the stand in Killarney was brutal and so uncomfortable to sit on, the only one worse I can remember is Cusack Park, Mullingar.
Season is over for us but whoever you follow may the luck follow you to the end (except Tyrone, only joking my friendly neighbours)

Fair dues, Armagh could make a lot of excuses- injuries, 6 day turnaround, 300 mile journey, a calamitous goal, but they didn't give excuses.

It was similar to last year, Armagh started better but Kerry had a 14 point net gain in 15 minutes to end the game. Last year it put Kerry 9 up after being 5 down, this year it put Kerry 15 up after being 1 up.

McGeeney turned a Div 3 team who had won 1 game in Ulster in 3 years, to win the All-Ireland, after previously captaining Armagh to their first All-Ireland. Regardless of what he decides to do, his statue is guaranteed!

Statue or status?

[stephenite]

Very sad news coming out of Galway today.
Paul Clancy has passed away at the age of just 49.
Quality player and an absolute gentleman.
Brother in law of the late Don Connellan.
RIP PC

That's terribly sad news - fantastic footballer and the one occasion I got to chat to him he was an absolute gentleman. RIP

[GaillimhIarthair]

Very sad news coming out of Galway today.
Paul Clancy has passed away at the age of just 49.
Quality player and an absolute gentleman.
Brother in law of the late Don Connellan.
RIP PC

Terribly sad news indeed.  A wonderful footballer and a real driving force within the Moycullen club.
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam

[tbrick18]

That is indeed sad, young man at 49.
He was some footballer in his day.
RIP.

[J70]

Very sad news coming out of Galway today.
Paul Clancy has passed away at the age of just 49.
Quality player and an absolute gentleman.
Brother in law of the late Don Connellan.
RIP PC

How awful! 

Brilliant classy player.

Way too young.