WE'RE IN FOR SAM WEEKEND

Confident Healy-Rae says final is Kingdom's to lose

- DANNY DE VAAL

THOUSANDS of Donegal and Kerry fans will descend on Dublin this weekend for the All-Ireland football final.

Jack O'Connor's men hope the Sam Maguire will return to the Kingdom for the 39th time, with fans counting on sharpshooter siblings David and Paudie Clifford to do the business.

Kerry last won the biggest prize in Gaelic football in 2022 after they thrashed Galway.

The following year, they made it to the final but lost out to Dublin.

One man who will definitely be in Croke Park on Sunday is Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae.

Speaking to this paper yesterday, he said: "All roads lead to Dublin this weekend. We'll be there to take on Donegal and beat them even though the people from Donegal are very nice - we'll take no hostages on Sunday." The Minister of State said supporters will see Kerry at their "flying best" when they line out in Croke Park.

Kerry have won the Sam Maguire a record 38 times but Mr HealyRae said excitement is still through the roof.

He added: "The excitement in Kerry is the same as if Mayo were after winning an All-Ireland and went home with the cup.

"I'd be hoping we'd have a record crowd.

Everybody is looking forward to a great day.

"We won't be struggling for a few points.