Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final 2026

Cork’s minor footballers have earned their place on the biggest stage in Gaelic games. After a commanding semi-final win over Derry - Cork ran out 2-19 to 2-8 winners at Parnell Park - the Rebels face defending champions Tyrone in the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final on Sunday, 26 July at Croke Park. This is underage Gaelic football at its most intense: the Tom Markham Cup at stake, played in front of a packed Croke Park crowd, with the senior final to follow later in the afternoon. If you follow Cork GAA, or if you simply love watching the next generation of intercounty footballers at their best, this is a day worth making the journey for.

What to expect

The minor final traditionally serves as the curtain-raiser to the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final, which means the atmosphere inside Croke Park builds from the first throw-in. Supporters from both counties pack the terraces and stands, and the occasion brings out something extra in the players - many of whom will go on to senior intercounty careers over the following years.

Cork’s path to the final was impressive. They beat Meath 3-19 to 1-12 in the quarter-final before their second-half surge against Derry saw them over the line. Tyrone come in as holders and will be formidable opponents. With tickets typically bundled into All-Ireland Final packages, or available separately for the minor match, the game draws a large and passionate crowd. Minor finals at Croke Park can be every bit as tight and absorbing as the senior game - often more so, with young players carrying genuine hunger and uncertainty about the result right to the final whistle.

Getting there

Croke Park sits on Jones Road in Dublin 3, within easy walking distance of Connolly Station (DART, commuter rail) and served by several Dublin Bus routes along the north side of the city. From Cork, Bus Éireann and private coaches typically run on All-Ireland Final weekends - book early, as these fill fast. If driving, park-and-ride on the outskirts of Dublin is strongly recommended; city-centre parking near the stadium is very limited on big match days and traffic backs up considerably. Most visitors travelling from Cork leave the car behind on final day.

While you’re in Cork

This is a Dublin fixture, but Cork supporters travelling up for the day will be departing from a county full of things worth lingering over before or after. There is more to see in Cork and across Co. Cork.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday, 26 July 2026
• Time: TBC - throw-in is typically mid-afternoon, ahead of the senior final; check GAA.ie for confirmation closer to the date
• Venue: Croke Park, Jones Road, Dublin 3
• Tickets: From €15 - available via Ticketmaster / GAA.ie; minor final tickets are often bundled with the senior final, so check both options
• Book ahead: Croke Park capacity events sell out; do not leave ticket purchase to the last minute