Emma Costello aiming to end her wait for All-Ireland with Kerry

Michael Bolton

A total of 16 years after making her debut for Kerry, Emma Costello is still making a big impact for the county.

Costello is in her third stint with the Kingdom, as she prepares for their semi-final against last season's winners, Dublin, on Saturday.

Having missed the 2024 All-Ireland win, Costello is determined to get her hands on the Brendan Martin Cup.

While it took some consideration to continue playing this season after returning in 2025, it is a decision Costello is delighted with.

"I had played last year, but the Meath game didn't go so well, so there was probably an itch to see if we could improve on that.

"We had to make sure if logistically if that would work out too, so there was a lot of planning for a couple of months to see if we were able to do it.

"I am so happy it worked out, and we were able to do it.

"I think there is definitely a different feel to it, I suppose, knowing I am definitely getting closer this time to the end. You are just trying to keep fighting.

"It is hard not to want to keep playing; it keeps pulling you back."

Kerry avenged their semi-final defeat over Meath with a big victory over them in the quarter-finals.

In their first season as defending All-Ireland champions in over 30 years, Costello quickly went back from being a fan to a key player.

Having won the PwC player of the month for June, Costello has shown she is still a key player for Kerry. Reflecting on the 2024 final as a fan, Costello wants to create her own memories on the pitch.

"I thought I was finished, so I was just so proud of them that day and so happy we finally did it.

"There is a lot of players that it took to get there. There is a lot of players who went through the Kerry team who didn't get to an All-Ireland final.

"I was just so proud of them, I didn't know I would be back again to be honest.

"It would mean the world, I have been playing for Kerry for a long time. To be able to show (her daughter) Molly that mam done it would be lovely."

Costello praised the competitive season, with not only Kerry and Dublin facing off in the semi-finals, but Galway and Armagh also going head to head for a spot in the All-Ireland finals.

"It is so competitive, the championship is wide open, and that is the way you want it. You don't want a team dominating. It's great you can't call it.

"It is showing how much ladies football has come on. Our Munster championship this year was so competitive that we were pushed to the line all of the time.

"It is good games, week in, week out. It is great to see," she said.