Every year our Island holds a tournament between each of the 32 counties in order to crown a champion in Gaelic Football, Hurling, Ladies Gaelic Football, and Camogie. Colloquially these four finals are known as the four sacred Sundays. Recently two of the four finals, the Senior Hurling Championship and the Senior Football Championship were held at Croke Park in Dublin in front of a sold out 82,000 person crowd. In 2026, both finals delivered memorable storylines that reminded supporters why Gaelic games remain at the beating heart of Irish culture.
The All-Ireland Senior Hurling final saw Limerick overcome Galway by a score of 1-29 to 1-18 securing their second championship in three years. While the final score looks like a comfortable victory for Limerick, the matchup itself carried a lot of significance. This matchup marked the first All-Ireland finals meeting between the two counties since their dramatic one-point game in 2018 which kickstarted Limerick’s recent run of success winning six Liam MacCarthy cups in nine years. Limerick’s blend of experience, composure, and relentless work rate proved way too much for Galway on the biggest stage. Their ability to control possession, convert scoring opportunities, and dictate the pace of the game demonstrated why they have remained Hurling’s team of the 2020’s. For all Limerick supporters, it was another unforgettable day at Croke Park and another reminder of the county’s remarkable consistency at the highest level.
Just one week later, the All-Ireland Senior Football final produced one of the biggest stories of the year. Mayo defeated Kerry 1-20 to 1-17 to lift the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time since 1951, ending one of the longest and most brutal finals losing streak in the history of the GAA. For decades Mayo had come painfully close, suffering eleven finals defeats and carrying the weight of the famous Mayo curse. On this occasion, however, the curse was finally broken. Facing the reigning champions and favorites, Mayo showed remarkable resilience. After a difficult opening period, they responded with confidence and intensity, producing one of the county’s finest championship performances. A crucial goal from Darragh Beirne and outstanding displays from Ryan O’Donoghue and emerging young players like Kobe McDonald helped Mayo withstand Kerry’s late challenge before thousands of traveling supporters celebrated scenes that many thought they might never witness. Perhaps the most emotional image of the afternoon came after the final whistle, as Mayo captain Jack Coyne lifted the Sam Maguire Cup ending the 75-year wait and completing one of the most remarkable redemption stories in recent GAA history.
The 2026 championship season perfectly showcased what makes Gaelic Games so special from Limerick’s continued dominance to Mayo’s remarkable victory every match showcased the intense pride, loyalty and support that goes into being a fan of the GAA. Long after the scores are forgotten the stories from fans told to each other wherever they may meet will continue to live on in GAA folklore.
