Although this was a first appearance in the decider since 1919 for Kildare, 1926 began a run of four consecutive All-Ireland SFC finals featuring Kildare.[1]
Paths to the final
Kerry defeated Cavan by 1–6 to 0–1 in the first semi-final. Kildare defeated Galway by 2–5 to 0–2 in the second semi-final.[1]
Matches
Summary
The final was played on 5 September.[1] A last-minute goal by Bill Gorman (Kerry) forced a draw.[1][2] After the game, Kerry's centre-back Jack Murphy put his clothes back on without taking off his playing gear, and died of pneumonia before the replay.[2] He was 22 years of age.[1]
The Kingdom (Kerry) won the replay, with a Nathan O'Reilly goal.[2] The replay was played on 17 October.[3]
It was the second of three All-Ireland SFC titles won by Kerry in the 1920s, which made them joint "team of the decade" with Dublin, also winner of three.[4]
