Cawley to ref All-Ireland SFC final

Brendan Cawley will take charge of the All-Ireland SFC final between Donegal and Kerry on Sunday week.

The Kildare match official handled Kerry's All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Armagh and also refereed Donegal's Ulster SFC preliminary round victory over Derry and their Ulster final extra-time win over Armagh. He was also the man in the middle for the 2024 All-Ireland SFC semi-final between Donegal and Galway, and the 2023 All-Ireland SFC semi-final between Galway and Derry.

The Sam Maguire Cup decider will be the Sarsfields clubman's 30th SFC game to referee since his first in 2019. His umpires on the day will be Dave Coady, Lee Moore (both from Ballykelly), Eoghan Fitzpatrick (Nurney) and Johnny Farrell (Rathangan).

His linesmen will be Monaghan’s Martin McNally and Meath’s David Coldrick. Martin will be the standby referee, and the sideline official will be Thomas Murphy from Galway. Also on duty will be Garreth Whelan, from Wicklow, who will be Hawk-Eye Official, along with Seán Laverty, from Antrim, who will be the Time Official.

Congratulating Cawley on his appointment, Kildare GAA said: "Anyone who knows Brendan, or has worked alongside him, will agree that this moment was always a matter of when, not if.

"His dedication, consistency and composure have long marked him out as one of the very best in the game, and it is fitting that he now takes charge of this prestigious fixture.

"A special word of congratulations must also go to his team of umpires, who have travelled the length and breadth of the country with him. Their commitment and support have been vital, and it’s only right that they share in this proud moment.

"It is also a very proud moment for Brendan’s family and friends."