RTE drops huge All Ireland surprise ahead of Cork and Tipperary final

Riverdance is set to perform ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland final, RTE has revealed.

The global dance troupe will perform on Up For The Match on Saturday, which will be hosted by Des Cahill and Jacqui Hurley.

More than 80,000 fans will be heading to Croke Park on Sunday for what is to be expected to be an exhilarating All-Ireland final between Cork and Tipperary.

But on Saturday, fans have been promised fun, passion, "and a bit of Riverdance" as hosts Des and Jacqui count down to the game on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Saturday at 9:35pm.

Des said: “I've been presenting Up for the Match for over 20 years now, and it never gets old. It's something I look forward to every single time.

“The buzz, the craic, the last-minute nerves - it's become a bit of a cultural phenomenon. For GAA fans, it's the only place to be. It's like Christmas Eve mass, the night before the big event... but with more banter and a lot more jerseys!"

Jacqui said: "I've been counting down the days to Up for the Match. It always feels extra special when your own county is involved, and there's a lot of emotion tied into Cork's story this year.

“A first-ever All-Ireland final between Cork and Tipp? That's something really special - and I've no doubt both sets of fans will bring the craic on Saturday night."

Viewers are in for a real treat as the world-famous Riverdance takes to the stage to open the show with a spectacular performance sure to get feet tapping across the country.

Live from Loughmore-Castleiney in Tipperary, Marty Morrissey meets the family, friends, and clubmates of the iconic McGrath brothers as they prepare for Sunday's showdown.

Meanwhile, back in Cork, Anna Geary catches up with passionate supporters from Blarney GAA - the home club of stars Mark Coleman, Shane Barrett, and Pádraig Power.

In studio, a stellar line-up of hurling greats including Seánie McGrath, Lar Corbett, and Brian Corcoran share their insights and memories ahead of what promises to be a historic final.

"It wouldn't be Up for the Match without some familiar faces - 2FM's Carl Mullan, Roz Purcell, and Aisling Bonner, Kerry's own Billy Keane, and Paralympian Ellen Keane join Olympian Nadia Power to share their favourite All-Ireland memories.

"There will be musical performances as well from Irish trad band Ceol and surprise musical moments representing both Cork and Tipp,” RTE said in a statement.

Up for the Match airs Saturday 19 July at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

Up for the Match (Football) airs Saturday 26 July at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

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