The Daily Star Ireland
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 2:30 PM, Limerick and Kildare will face off in the Tailteann Cup Final at Croke Park, Dublin.
This marks the culmination of the GAA’s second-tier Gaelic football competition, with both teams vying for their first Tailteann Cup title and a coveted spot in the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. The match will be broadcast live on RTÉ and BBC, serving as the curtain-raiser to the All-Ireland SFC semi-final between Kerry and Tyrone later that day.
Limerick Overview
Under manager Jimmy Lee, Limerick has showcased remarkable resilience throughout the tournament. Their semi-final against Wicklow was a testament to their tenacity; trailing by seven points with under 20 minutes remaining, they mounted a stunning comeback to win 2-18 to 1-17.
Key contributors include goalkeeper Josh Ryan, who not only made a crucial penalty save but also scored a long-range free, and substitutes Rob Childs and Barry Coleman, who provided vital scores off the bench.
Limerick’s journey to the final has been marked by consistent performances:
- Group Stage: Victories over London, Antrim, and Westmeath.
- Quarter-Final: Defeated Wexford 4-21 to 2-19.
- Semi-Final: Overcame Wicklow 2-18 to 1-17.
Kildare Overview
Kildare, managed by Brian Flanagan, entered the Tailteann Cup as favorites and have lived up to expectations. Their semi-final win over Fermanagh (1-13 to 0-9) was hard-fought, with the game level at 0-8 apiece after 55 minutes. Substitute Brian McLoughlin turned the tide, scoring five points and earning Man of the Match honors.
Kildare’s path to the final includes:
- Group Stage: Wins against Tipperary, Waterford, and Offaly.
- Quarter-Final: Narrow victory over Offaly 1-17 to 0-19.
- Semi-Final: Defeated Fermanagh 1-13 to 0-9.
The return of players like Neil Flynn and Jimmy Hyland from injury adds depth to their squad ahead of the final.
Form Path Summary
- Limerick: Demonstrated resilience, notably in their semi-final comeback against Wicklow.
- Kildare: Consistent performances throughout the tournament, with a strong bench contributing significantly in crucial moments.
Recent Form & Stats
Limerick:
- Last 5 Matches: W–W–W–W–W
- Average Points Scored: 28.2
- Average Points Conceded: 20.6
Kildare:
- Last 5 Matches: W–W–W–W–W
- Average Points Scored: 30.4
- Average Points Conceded: 17.6
Key Players to Watch
Limerick:
- Josh Ryan (Goalkeeper): Notable for his penalty save and long-range scoring ability.
- Rob Childs (Substitute Forward): Instrumental in the semi-final comeback with a crucial goal.
Kildare:
- Brian McLoughlin (Forward): Impactful off the bench, scoring five points in the semi-final.
- James McGrath (Forward): Consistent goal scorer throughout the tournament.
What to Watch Live
- Midfield Battle: The contest between Limerick’s dynamic midfield and Kildare’s structured approach could be decisive.
- Bench Impact: Both teams have benefited from strong performances by substitutes; their contributions may tip the balance.
- Set-Pieces: Goalkeeper Josh Ryan’s long-range frees could provide Limerick with additional scoring opportunities.
Where to Watch Live
The match will be broadcast live on RTÉ and BBC. Throw-in is at 2:30 PM. (ilovelimerick.ie)
Betting Insight
- Match Odds: Kildare 3/10, Limerick 10/3
- Handicap: Kildare -4
- Over/Under Total Points: 45.5
While Kildare enters as the favorite, Limerick’s recent form and resilience suggest they could challenge the odds.
Prediction
Kildare’s depth and experience make them the likely victors, but Limerick’s momentum and fighting spirit cannot be underestimated.
- Predicted Winner: Kildare
- Expected Scoreline: Kildare 1-18 – Limerick 1-14
- Tactical X-Factor: The effectiveness of Kildare’s bench players, particularly in the second half, could be the deciding factor.
