BREAKING: Referee confirmed for Mayo-Kerry All-Ireland final
The reiteoir will be in the middle of Croke Park as both counties duel with Sam Maguire on the line
The GAA have confirmed that referee Martin McNally is set to officiate the upcoming All-Ireland Football Championship final between Mayo and Kerry.
For both counties, the final is the biggest occasion of their footballing lives. However, for the whistler, being selected to officiate on the most important day in the calendar is considered an honour.
Next Sunday, the responsibility will be that of McNally.
The Monaghan whistler will be in the centre of his first All-Ireland final, and the 32nd senior inter-county Championship game of his career.
The Corduff clubman has previous with Mayo this season, having taken charge of the All-Ireland quarter final against Cork.
Here’s what our Head of Sport, Michael Gallagher, had to say about McNally’s peformance that day.
“In real-time it was hard to see why he was so adamant that Ryan O'Donoghue wasn't fouled for a first-half penalty. Andy Moran seemed to have a conversation with him at half-time, maybe querying some calls.
“The Monaghan man did his best, but neither side will be overly happy with the officials."
McNally also officiated the U-20 final in 2023, as well as the All-Ireland club final in 2023.
He will be joined by stand-by referee Sean Hurson, line umpire Thomas Murphy (Galway), and sideline official Sean Lonergan.
Mayo and Kerry will clash in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final in Croke Park on Sunday, July 26.