Up for the Match Returns with Buzz, Nerves and Banter Before Kerry and Donegal Take Centre Stage at Croke Park

After a nail-biting GAA All-Ireland Hurling Final that saw Tipperary reign supreme, Up for the Match returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player with another serving of rivalry, music and tradition ahead of Sunday’s GAA All-Ireland Football Final.

In a replay of the 2014 showdown, Kerry will once again face Donegal — and Up for the Match will be there tomorrow night to soak up the atmosphere and bring viewers the excitement, stories and pre-match banter from fans and familiar faces.

Marty Morrissey will be live from Kilcar, Co Donegal, meeting the friends, family, and clubmates of Ryan and Eoin McHugh, and Patrick McBrearty — all lining out for Sunday’s decider. Meanwhile, Anna Geary will be live in Co Kerry, catching up with fans at Rathmore GAA Club, home to Paul Murphy and Shane Ryan.

Back in-studio, GAA legends Marc Ó Sé, and Eamon McGee will share their insights and predictions for the big day, and the Godfather of Donegal GAA Brian McEniffe will also be in-studio.

The popular Donegal anthem, Jimmy’s Winning Matches by Rory & The Island, is set to make a highly anticipated return this Saturday night, and viewers can expect a twist on the fan favourite!

After last week's Riverdance's impressive routine in county colours, viewers will be treated to another unexpected opening performance.

For an extra treat, one lucky viewer and a studio audience member will each win golden tickets to witness history in Croke Park as either Kerry or Donegal raise the Sam Maguire Cup.

Co-host Jacqui Hurley said: “A first-ever All-Ireland final between Cork and Tipp was a novelty, but the fans from both counties brought their A-game to the craic. We know from experience that won’t be a problem for Kerry and Donegal fans — we’re looking forward to a brilliant show with them.” 

Co-presenter Des Cahill said: “Last week, we saw the friendly rivalry between the Tipp and Cork fans — I can’t wait to see what energy the Kerry and Donegal supporters bring to the studio. We’ll have plenty of music, great chats with some GAA football veterans and check in with some of the 80,000 fans that are expected to travel the road to Croker, plus a bit of light entertainment and tunes to settle the nerves.” 

Up for the Match airs Saturday, 26th July at 9.35 pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

The hurling weekend began on Saturday night on RTÉ One as an average audience of 324,000 watched Up for the Match on RTÉ One and RTÉ One+1 as Jacqui Hurley and Des Cahill were joined live in studio by GAA legends, fans and surprise guests to celebrate the All-Ireland final. Up For The Match had 64,967 streams on RTÉ Player.

For more information:

Linda Pototzki, RTÉ Communications Lead