The AIB All-Ireland Club Championships reach their conclusion this weekend as Galway's Kilkerrin-Clonberne and Annaghdown strive for glory in their respective finals at Croke Park.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne vs Kilmacud Crokes, Saturday December 14, 5pm
The senior final sees defending champions Kilkerrin-Clonberne as they take on Kilmacud Crokes of Dublin on Saturday in Croke Park. Throw-in is 5pm in what promises to be a highly-competitive final.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne will be hoping to make it four-in-a-row while their Dublin rivals will be aiming for a first AIB Ladies Football All-Ireland Senior title. Both sides feature numerous inter-county footballers and have enjoyed impressive campaigns this season.
Kilkerrin-Clonberne ran out 2-11 to 1-9 winners in their semi-final over Clann Éireann. First-half goals from Aisling Madden and Ailish Morrissey paved the way for the reigning Galway and Connacht champions to maintain their four-in-a-row ambitions.
Saturday's final is a repeat of the thrilling 2023 semi-final between Kilkerrin-Clonberne and Kilmacud Crokes which went to extra-time. Speaking to the LGFA post-match, Kilkerrin-Clonberne manager Willie Ward is under no illusions of the task his team faces.
“They've improved and they've got a few players back, so they'll be better than last year,” said Ward. “We're going to have to find another level ourselves from today. But we're there, it's Croke Park and it's a different day,” he added.
Annaghdown vs Bennekerry/Tinryland, Saturday December 14, 3pm
Annaghdown will face off with Carlow's Bennekerry/Tinryland in an equally anticipated intermediate final in the opening game this Saturday at Croke Park. Throw-in is 3pm.
A strong second-half performance from Annaghdown booked the Galway side's place in this weekend's final. Annaghdown overcame defending champions O'Donovan Rossa in a hard-fought 1-12 to 1-09 victory in the semi-final.
Annaghdown's last All-Ireland title came in 2016 and the Connacht champions will have to be at their best to triumph over Bennerkerry/Tinryland who secured their place in the decider with a similar three-point victory over Mullahoran of 4-6 to 1-12.
Tickets are still available to purchase for Saturday's finals. The intermediate and senior Finals will also be broadcast live on TG4.