Kerry selector James Costello feels the Kingdom have reached Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC final without hitting their “A game” thus far in 2026.

Jack O’Connor’s men came through battle against Tyrone (2-25 to 0-27) and Dublin (2-18 to 0-20) in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively, to book their return to the final where they’ll face Mayo in three days’ time at Croke Park (throw-in 3.30pm).

Speaking to GAA.ie in the build to the biggest date on the GAA calendar, Costello hopes that the defending champions can hit top form on the day.

“We probably haven't delivered a 70-minute performance all year, and that's something we're aware of too,” he said.

“What I will say is our game management has been good this year. We found ways to win games, which it's all about. It's all about staying alive. Nobody will care about quarter-finals or semi-finals.

“So, we found ways to win without hitting our A game, as we like to call it, as much as we want. But having said that, as you guys well know, All-Ireland Final Day takes on a life of its own, it's a game of its own, it stands alone.

“You could have been playing brilliant going into it and not perform, or you mightn't be performing and you could hit form on the day. It's one day, it's a snapshot in time. Let's see what we can produce.”

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