RTÉ’s Up for the Match Returns with craic, colour and county pride before final clash at Croke Park

GAA fans are in for a treat this Saturday night as RTÉ’s Up for the Match returns with a special episode packed with music, insights, and high-energy county pride ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland Football Final between Kerry and Donegal.

Following the excitement of last weekend’s hurling showdown where Tipperary triumphed, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player will once again serve up the pre-match buzz with hosts Jacqui Hurley and Des Cahill at the helm. The programme airs this evening, Saturday 26 July at 9.35pm.

This year marks a nostalgic rematch of the 2014 final, as Kerry and Donegal prepare to battle once more for the coveted Sam Maguire Cup. Up for the Match promises to capture the atmosphere and excitement from both counties, blending stories, humour and tradition.

RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey will broadcast live from Kilcar, Co Donegal, visiting the hometown of Ryan and Eoin McHugh, and Patrick McBrearty. Meanwhile, Anna Geary will be live from Rathmore GAA Club in Co Kerry, home to Paul Murphy and Shane Ryan, bringing the voices and passion of local supporters straight into Irish living rooms.

In-studio, viewers can expect expert analysis and lively conversation from GAA legends Marc Ó Sé and Eamon McGee, while Brian McEniffe, known as the “Godfather of Donegal GAA”, will also join the panel to offer his insights into the high-stakes final.

Musical fans won’t be disappointed either. The popular Donegal anthem Jimmy’s Winning Matches by Rory & The Island will make its much-anticipated return — but with a unique twist in store.

After Riverdance stunned audiences last week with a colourful GAA-themed performance, producers are teasing yet another surprise opening act to kick off the festivities.

There’s also something in it for the lucky few. One viewer and one studio audience member will each walk away with golden tickets to the All-Ireland Final at Croke Park — a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness history as Kerry or Donegal lift the Sam Maguire.

Co-host Jacqui Hurley reflected on the recent hurling final special:

“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.”

Des Cahill, her co-presenter, added:

“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.”

The hurling edition of Up for the Match drew an average audience of 324,000 on RTÉ One and RTÉ One+1, with an additional 64,967 streams on RTÉ Player — a strong indication that this weekend’s football-focused programme will once again prove a fan favourite.

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