The GAA has confirmed that Monaghan official Martin McNally will referee the All-Ireland SFC final between Kerry and Mayo on Sunday, 26 July. This appointment marks a significant milestone in McNally’s career, as it is his first time taking charge of the senior inter-county decider.
Selection and Officiating Credentials
Martin McNally’s appointment follows a consistent run of high-profile assignments throughout the current season. According to GAA records, his path to the final included officiating the quarter-final clash between Cork and Mayo, alongside key All-Ireland series matches such as Armagh versus Derry and Dublin versus Donegal.
His experience in high-stakes environments is extensive. McNally previously refereed the 2023 All-Ireland Under-20 final and this year’s All-Ireland senior club decider. At the provincial level, he has overseen two Leinster finals (2021 and 2025) and the 2024 Ulster final. By the time the whistle blows on the upcoming final, McNally will have refereed 32 senior inter-county championship matches.
The Match Day Officiating Team
The GAA has finalized the complete panel of officials to assist McNally during the final. The officiating structure is as follows:
- Umpires: Ben Woods, Niall Reilly, Mark Gilsenan, and Anthony Marron (all from Corduff, Monaghan).
- Linesmen: Sean Hurson (Tyrone) and Thomas Murphy (Galway).
- Standby Referee: Sean Hurson (Tyrone).
- Sideline Official: Sean Lonergan (Tipperary).
- Hawkeye Official: Killan Jones.
- Time Official: Marty Duffy (Sligo).
Historical Context of the Final
The upcoming final features a clash between Kerry and Mayo, a pairing that has not met in an All-Ireland decider since 2006. The selection of the officiating team is a final procedural step before the two counties face off to determine the senior football champions.