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07 Sept 2025
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07 Sept 2025
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The GAA All-Ireland football final weekend is here, and RTÉ is kicking things off in style with another lively edition of Up for the Match this Saturday night.
As Kerry and Donegal prepare to face off in Sunday's decider at Croke Park, Up for the Match returns to RTÉ One with the usual mix of GAA legends, surprise performances, and full-blown county pride.
Broadcast live from 9.35pm, the show will be fronted once again by Jacqui Hurley and Des Cahill, who'll be joined in studio by football greats including Marc Ó Sé, Eamon McGee and Donegal GAA icon Brian McEniff.
Viewers can expect plenty of lively chats, county colour and musical moments, including a return of the fan favourite Jimmy's Winning Matches by Rory & The Island, with a twist in store.
Marty Morrissey will be checking in live from Kilcar, home club to Donegal stars Ryan and Eoin McHugh and Patrick McBrearty, while Anna Geary will be in Rathmore GAA in Kerry with locals supporting Paul Murphy and Shane Ryan.
And after last week's surprise Riverdance routine lit up the hurling edition, RTÉ is promising another unexpected opening number to get the show rolling.
Co-presenter Jacqui Hurley said: "A first-ever All-Ireland final between Cork and Tipp was a novelty, but the fans from both counties brought their A-game to the craic.
"We know from experience that won't be a problem for Kerry and Donegal fans — we're looking forward to a brilliant show with them."
Des Cahill added: "Last week, we saw the friendly rivalry between the Tipp and Cork fans — I can't wait to see what energy the Kerry and Donegal supporters bring to the studio.
"We'll have plenty of music, great chats with some GAA football veterans and check in with some of the 80,000 fans that are expected to travel the road to Croker, plus a bit of light entertainment and tunes to settle the nerves."
To top it all off, one lucky viewer and one studio audience member will each walk away with a golden ticket to Sunday's sold-out showdown at Croke Park.
Up for the Match airs this Saturday, July 26, at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
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