2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship

A total of 33 teams contested the championship. These included 31 teams from Ireland as well as London and New York. As in previous years, Kilkenny decided not to field a team.

The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship of 2012 was run on a provincial basis as usual. It was a knockout tournament with pairings drawn at random in the respective provinces – there was no seeds.

Each match was played as a single leg. If a match was drawn there was a replay. If that match ended in a draw a period of extra time was played; however, if both sides were still level at the end of extra time another replay would have taken place.

;Connacht Championship

Quarter-finals: (3 matches) These were three matches between six of the Connacht teams drawn first. The three winning teams advanced to the semi-finals, while the three losing teams entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Semi-finals: (4 matches) The winners of the three quarter-final games joined the other two Connacht teams to make up the semi-final pairings. The two winning teams advanced to the final, while the two losing teams entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Final: (1 match) The winners of the two semi-finals contested this game. The winning team advanced to the All-Ireland quarter-final, while the losing team entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

;Leinster Championship

Preliminary round: (3 matches) These were three matches between six of the Leinster teams drawn first. The three winning teams advanced to the quarter-finals, while the three losing teams entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Quarter-finals: (4 matches) The winners of the three preliminary round games joined the other five Leinster teams to make up four quarter-final pairings. The four winning teams advanced to the semi-finals, while the four losing teams entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Semi-finals: (2 matches) The four winners of the quarter-finals made up the semi-final pairings. The two winning teams advanced to the final, while the two losing teams entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Final: (1 match) The winners of the two semi-finals contested this game. The winning team advanced to the All-Ireland quarter-final, while the losing team entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

;Munster Championship

Quarter-finals: (2 matches) These were to be two matches between four of the Munster teams drawn first. The two winning teams advanced to the semi-finals, while the two losing teams entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Semi-finals: (4 matches) The winners of the two quarter-final games joined the other two Munster teams to make up the semi-final pairings. The two winning teams advanced to the final, while the two losing teams entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Final: (1 match) The winners of the two semi-finals contested this game. The winning team advanced to the All-Ireland quarter-final, while the losing team entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

;Ulster Championship

Preliminary round: (1 match) This was a lone match between two of the Ulster teams drawn first. The winning team advanced to the quarter-finals, while the losing team entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Quarter-finals: (4 matches) The winners of the lone preliminary round game joined the other seven Ulster teams to make up four quarter-final pairings. The four winning teams advanced to the semi-finals, while the four losing teams entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Semi-finals: (2 matches) The four winners of the quarter-finals made up the semi-final pairings. The two winning teams advanced to the final, while the two losing teams entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Final: (1 match) The winners of the two semi-finals contested this game. The winning team advanced to the All-Ireland quarter-final, while the losing team entered the All-Ireland qualifiers.

;Qualifiers

The qualifiers gave teams defeated in the provincial championships another chance at winning the All-Ireland title.

Round 1 (8 matches): the sixteen teams who failed to reach a provincial semi-final entered the qualifiers at this stage (New York do not compete). An open draw was made to determine the eight match pairings.

Round 2 (8 matches): the eight teams who failed to progress from their provincial semi-finals entered the qualifiers at this stage. They were paired with the eight winners from round 1 of the qualifiers. An open draw was made to determine the eight match pairings.

Round 3 (4 matches): the eight teams from round 2 of the qualifiers were paired against each other. An open draw was made to determine the four match pairings.

Round 4 (4 matches): the four teams who lost their provincial finals entered the qualifiers at this stage. They were paired with the four winners from round 3 of the qualifiers. An open draw was made to determine the four match pairings. The four winners advanced to the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

;All-Ireland Series

Quarter-finals: (4 matches) the four teams from round 4 of the qualifiers were paired against the four provincial winners. An open draw was made to determine the four match pairings. The four winning teams advanced to the semi-finals, while the two losing teams were eliminated from the championship.

Semi-finals: (2 matches) The four winners of the quarter-finals make up the semi-final pairings. The two winning teams advanced to the final, while the two losing teams were eliminated from the championship.

Final: (1 match) The winners of the two semi-finals contested this game.

{{8TeamBracket-Compact-NoSeeds-Byes

| RD1=Quarter-finals

| RD2=Semi-finals

| RD3=Munster final

| score-width= 35

| RD1-team2=File:Colours of Waterford.svg Waterford

| RD1-score2=0-7

| RD1-team1=File:Colours of Limerick.svg Limerick

| RD1-score1=2-12

| RD1-team8=File:Colours of Kerry.svg Kerry

| RD1-score8=0-16

| RD1-team7=File:Colours of Tipperary.svg Tipperary

| RD1-score7=0-10

| RD2-team1=File:Colours of Limerick.svg Limerick

| RD2-score1=0-15

| RD2-team2=File:Colours of Clare.svg Clare

| RD2-score2=1-13

| RD2-team3=File:Colours of Kerry.svg Kerry

| RD2-score3=0-12

| RD2-team4=File:Colours of Cork.svg Cork

| RD2-score4=0-17

| RD3-team1=File:Colours of Clare.svg Clare

| RD3-score1=0-13

| RD3-team2=File:Colours of Cork.svg Cork

| RD3-score2=3-16

}}

{{footballbox

| date = 8 July 2012

| time = 2:00pm

| round = Final

| team1 = Cork File:Colours of Cork.svg

| score = 3-16 – 0-13

| team2 = File:Colours of Clare.svg Clare

| goals1 = A Walsh 1-1, C Sheehan, C O'Neill 0-4 each, N Murphy, F Goold 1-0 each, D O'Connor, D Goulding, P Kerrigan all 0-2 each, B O'Driscoll 0-1.

| goals2 = M O'Shea 0-4, R Donnelly, D Tubridy (2f) 0-3 each, G Brennan 0-2, Gordan Kelly 0-1.

| stadium = Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

| referee = E Kinsella (Laois)

| report = [http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/walsh-proves-cork-inspiration-as-early-goals-derail-title-hopes-of-brave-banner-3161810.html Report]

| attendance = 9,139

}}

----

{{16TeamBracket-Compact-NoSeeds-Byes

| RD1=Preliminary round

| RD2=Quarter-finals

| RD3=Semi-finals

| RD4=Leinster final

| score-width= 35

| RD1-team1=Westmeath

| RD1-score1=0-14

| RD1-team2=Louth

| RD1-score2=2-9

| RD1-team5=Longford

| RD1-score5=1-10

| RD1-team6=Laois

| RD1-score6=0-12

| RD1-team09=Meath

| RD1-score09=0-16

| RD1-team10=Wicklow

| RD1-score10=0-11

| RD2-team1=Louth

| RD2-score1=0-12

| RD2-team2=Dublin

| RD2-score2=2-22

| RD2-team3=Longford

| RD2-score3=0-15

| RD2-team4=Wexford

| RD2-score4=1-13

| RD2-team5=Meath

| RD2-score5=2-21

| RD2-team6=Carlow

| RD2-score6=1-9

| RD2-team7=Offaly

| RD2-score7=0-6

| RD2-team8=Kildare

| RD2-score8=0-19

| RD3-team1=Dublin

| RD3-score1=2-11

| RD3-team2=Wexford

| RD3-score2=1-10

| RD3-team3=Meath

| RD3-score3=1-17

| RD3-team4=Kildare

| RD3-score4=1-11

| RD4-team1=Dublin

| RD4-score1= 2-13

| RD4-team2=Meath

| RD4-score2= 1-13

}}

{{footballbox

| date = 22 July 2012

| time = 4:00pm

| round = Final

| team1 = Dublin

| score = 2-13 – 1-13

| team2 = Meath

| goals1 = B Brogan (4f) 1-7 , D Bastick 1-0, A Brogan, E O’Gara 0-2 each, K McManamon, J McCarthy 0-1 each

| goals2 = B Farrell (6f) 0-7 , J Queeney 1-0, G Reilly 0-3, S Bray, J Sheridan (‘45’), D Tobin 0-1 each

| stadium = Croke Park, Dublin

| referee = Marty Duffy (Sligo)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0722/330148-dublin-meath/ Report]

| attendance = 69, 656

}}

----

{{8TeamBracket-Compact-NoSeeds-Byes

| RD1=Quarter-finals

| RD2=Semi-finals

| RD3=Connacht final

| score-width= 35

| RD1-team1=New York

| RD1-score1= 0-6

| RD1-team2=Sligo

| RD1-score2= 3-21

| RD1-team3=Galway

| RD1-score3=3-15

| RD1-team4=Roscommon

| RD1-score4=0-10

| RD1-team7=London

| RD1-score7=1-8

| RD1-team8=Leitrim

| RD1-score8=0-12

| RD2-team1=Sligo

| RD2-score1=2-14

| RD2-team2=Galway

| RD2-score2=0-15

| RD2-team3=Mayo

| RD2-score3=4-20

| RD2-team4=Leitrim

| RD2-score4=0-10

| RD3-team1=Sligo

| RD3-score1=0-10

| RD3-team2=Mayo

| RD3-score2=0-12

}}

{{footballbox

| date = 15 July 2012

| time = 2:00pm

| round = Final

| team1 = Sligo

| score = 0-10 – 0-12

| team2 = Mayo

| goals1 = A Marren 0-3 (2f), D Maye (f, '45'), A Costello (2f), M Breheny (1f) 0-2 each, D Kelly 0-1.

| goals2 = C O’Connor 0-3 (2f, 1 ’45), A Dillon 0-2, A Moran, B Moran, L Keegan, C Boyle, A O’Shea, D Geraghty, E Varley (f) 0-1 each.

| stadium = Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon

| referee = Cormac Reilly (Meath)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0715/329247-mayo-edge-out-yeats-men-in-connacht/ Report]

| attendance = 23,257

}}

----

{{16TeamBracket-Compact-NoSeeds-Byes

| RD1=Preliminary round

| RD2=Quarter-finals

| RD3=Semi-finals

| RD4=Ulster final

| score-width= 35

| RD1-team1=Cavan

| RD1-score1= 1-10

| RD1-team2=Donegal

| RD1-score2= 1-16

| RD2-team1=Donegal

| RD2-score1=2-13

| RD2-team2=Derry

| RD2-score2=0-9

| RD2-team3=Tyrone

| RD2-score3=0-19

| RD2-team4=Armagh

| RD2-score4=1-13

| RD2-team5=Monaghan

| RD2-score5=1-12

| RD2-team6=Antrim

| RD2-score6=1-9

| RD2-team7=Down

| RD2-score7=2-10

| RD2-team8=Fermanagh

| RD2-score8=1-8

| RD3-team1=Donegal

| RD3-score1=0-12

| RD3-team2=Tyrone

| RD3-score2=0-10

| RD3-team3=Monaghan

| RD3-score3=1-13

| RD3-team4=Down

| RD3-score4=1-14

| RD4-team1=Donegal

| RD4-score1= 2-18

| RD4-team2=Down

| RD4-score2= 0-13

}}

{{footballbox

| date = 22 July 2012

| time = 2:00pm

| round = Final

| team1 = Down

| score = 0-13 – 2-18

| team2 = Donegal

| goals1 = L Doyle (2f) 0-4 , D O’Hare (1f) 0-2 , C Laverty, A Rogers, K McKernan, A Brannigan, C Maginn, D Hughes, E McCartan 0-1 each

| goals2 = L McLoone, F McGlynn 1-0 each, C McFadden (3f) 0-6 , Declan Walsh, R Bradley, M McHugh, M McElhinney 0-2 each, David Walsh, D McLaughlin, P McBrearty, M Murphy 0-1 each

| stadium = St. Tiernach's Park, Clones

| referee = Joe McQuillan (Cavan)

| report = [https://www.bbc.com/sport/northern-ireland/18912731 Report]

| attendance = 34, 696

}}

----

On 18 June 2012, the draw was made for the first round of the All-Ireland qualifiers. This draw contained all the teams who had been knocked out of their provincial competitions prior to the semi-final stage, apart from New York.{{cite web|title=Draw takes place for the first round of SFC qualifiers|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/draw-takes-place-for-the-first-round-of-sfc-qualifiers-3141149.html|publisher=Irish Independent|access-date=2012-06-18|date=2012-06-18}}{{cite web|title=The draw for the first round of the senior football qualifiers took place this morning|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0618/325459-football-qualifiers-draw/|publisher=RTÉ Sport|access-date=2012-06-18|date=2012-06-18}} It was broadcast live on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland for the first time.{{cite news|first=Sean|last=Nolan|url=http://www.joe.ie/gaa/gaa-news/whod-you-get-the-first-round-of-the-football-championship-qualifiers-have-been-decided/|title=Dates for Qualifier draws confirmed|work=JOE}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = 30 June 2012

| time = 1:00pm

| round = Round 1

| team1 = London

| score = 2-09 – 2-11

| team2 = Antrim

| goals1 = E O'Neill, C McCallion 1-1 each, M Mullins (1f), S McVeigh 0-2 each, S Kelly (f), J Scanlon, M Gottsche 0-1 each.

| goals2 = T McCann 0-5 (4f), A Gallagher, K Niblock 1-0 each, J Loughery, C Murray 0-2 each, M Sweeney, C Kelly 0-1 each.

| stadium = Emerald GAA Grounds, Ruislip

| referee = P Hughes (Armagh)

| report = [http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/antrims-narrow-escape-3154478.html Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 30 June 2012

| time = 2:30pm

| round = Round 1

| team1 = Wicklow

| score = 1-17 – 0-15
(AET)

| team2 = Waterford

| goals1 = C McGraynor 1-2, J McGrath (1 '45), J Kelly 0-3 each, S Furlong (1f), T Hannon (1f) 0-2 each, A Byrne, D Hayden, N Gaffney, J Stafford, N Mernagh 0-1 each.

| goals2 = P Hurney 0-5, P Whyte (2f, 1 '45), M Ferncombe (1f) 0-3 each, S Briggs, T Grey, G Hurney, JJ Hutchinson 0-1 each.

| stadium = Aughrim County Ground, Aughrim

| referee = P O'Sullivan (Kerry)

| report = [http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/wicklow-find-the-extra-gears-3154487.html Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 30 June 2012

| time = 7:00pm

| round = Round 1

| team1 = Laois

| score = 1-10 – 0-09

| team2 = Carlow

| goals1 = J O'Loughlin 1-1, MJ Tierney 0-3 (2f), R Munnelly 0-2 (1f), B Quigley, D O'Connor, C Kelly, D Conway (f) 0-1 each

| goals2 = B Murphy 0-5 (3f), JJ Smith (2f), D St Ledger (1f) 0-2 each.

| stadium = O'Moore Park, Portlaoise

| referee = S Doyle (Wexford)

| report = [http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/dempsey-quits-as-laois-go-through-3154490.html Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 30 June 2012

| time = 7:00pm

| round = Round 1

| team1 = Westmeath

| score = 1-15 – 0-12

| team2 = Louth

| goals1 = C McCormack 1-3, G Egan, J Heslin (4f) 0-4 each, D Glennon 0-3 (1f), J Dolan 0-1.

| goals2 = D Clarke 0-4f, J McEneaney 0-3f, D Crilly, R Finnegan, D Byrne, A Hoey, JP Rooney 0-1 each.

| stadium = Cusack Park, Mullingar

| referee = D Fahy (Longford)

| report = [http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/lakemen-advance-as-louth-see-red-3154486.html Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 30 June 2012

| time = 7:00pm

| round = Round 1

| team1 = Tipperary

| score = 1-12 – 0-10

| team2 = Offaly

| goals1 = M Quinlivan 0-4 (1f), A Maloney 0-3, P Acheson 1-0, P Austin, R Ryan 0-2 each, B Mulvihill 0-1.

| goals2 = K Casey 0-5 (1f), N Dunne 0-3 (2f), N McNamee 0-2.

| stadium = Semple Stadium, Thurles

| referee = C Lane (Cork)

| report = [http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/tipp-top-faithful-efforts-3154483.html Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 30 June 2012

| time = 7:00pm

| round = Round 1

| team1 = Longford

| score = 0-17 – 2-8

| team2 = Derry

| goals1 = S McCormack 0-11 (9f), F McGee, B Kavanagh, B McElavaney, P McCormack, CP Smyth, M Quinn ('45') 0-1 each.

| goals2 = B McGoldrick 2-0, P Bradley 0-3 (1f), J McCamely 0-2, M Lynch, E McGuckin, E Bradley 0-1 each.

| stadium = Pearse Park, Longford

| referee = Michael Duffy (Sligo)

| report = [http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/gritty-longford-secure-victory-in-chaotic-finish-3154481.html Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 1 July 2012

| time = 2:30pm

| round = Round 1

| team1 = Roscommon

| score = 1-11 – 1-09

| team2 = Armagh

| goals1 = D Shine 0-7 (6f), S Kilbride 1-1 (1f), C Shine, K Mannion, C Cregg 0-1 each

| goals2 = J Clarke 1-3, A Forker (2f), T Kernan 0-2 each, J Hanratty, A Duffy 0-1 each

| stadium = Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon

| referee = Maurice Deegan (Laois)

| report = [http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/kilbride-sparks-roscommon-revival-as-orourke-calls-time-3154757.html Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 1 July 2012

| time = 2:30pm

| round = Round 1

| team1 = Fermanagh

| score = 0-15 – 3-13

| team2 = Cavan

| goals1 = D Kille 0-9 (8f); T Corrigan 0-3; P Ward 0-2 (1f); R Jones 0-1

| goals2 = J Brady 0-5 (2f); G McKiernan, E Keating, N McDermott (1f) 1-1 each; D Reilly, N Smith, T Corr, K Tierney, D McKiernan 0-1 each

| stadium = Brewster Park, Enniskillen

| referee = B Cassidy (Derry)

| report = [http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/johnston-woe-inspires-cavan-in-comeback-3154758.html Report]

| attendance =

}}

On 2 July 2012, the draw was made for the second round of the All-Ireland qualifiers. This draw contained all the teams who had been knocked out of their provincial competitions at the semi-final stage in one pot and the winners of the first round of the qualifiers in the second pot.{{cite web|title=The draw for the second round of the SFC qualifiers see Kildare paired with Cavan while Roscommon take on Tyroneg|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0702/327442-draw-for-second-round-of-the-sfc-qualifiers/|publisher=RTÉ Sport|access-date=2012-07-02|date=2012-07-02}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = 15 July 2012

| time = 15:00

| round = Round 2

| team1 = Westmeath

| score = 1-12 – 2-10

| team2 = Kerry

| goals1 = J Heslin (4f) 0-05, David Glennon (1pen) 1-0, K Martin (1f) 0-02, P Sharry, G Egan, D Corroon, Denis Glennon, R Foley 0-01 each

| goals2 = B Sheehan (1pen)(3f) 1-03, Darran O’Sullivan 1-0, C Cooper (2f) 0-03, J O’Donoghue, P Galvin 0-02 each

| stadium = Cusack Park, Mullingar

| referee = M Higgins (Fermanagh)

| report = [http://munster.gaa.ie/2012/07/15/gaa-football-all-ireland-senior-championship-round-2-westmeath-v-kerry/ Report]

| attendance = 6,620

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 14 July 2012

| time = 14:00

| round = Round 2

| team1 = Longford

| score = 1-15 – 1-21
(AET)

| team2 = Limerick

| goals1 = S McCormack 0-08 (4f), F McGee 0-04, N Mulligan 1-00, P Barden 0-02, D Barden 0-01

| goals2 = D O’Connor 1-02, I Ryan 0-05 (3f), E O’Connor, I Corbett 0-03 each, S Buckley 0-02, S Kelly, S Lucey, B Scanlon (0-01 ‘45’), J McCarthy, M Sheehan, S O’Carroll 0-01 each

| stadium = Pearse Park, Longford

| referee = P Hughes (Armagh)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/news/2012/0714/329170-limerick-enjoy-extra-time-win-over-longford/ Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 14 July 2012

| time = 15:00

| round = Round 2

| team1 = Antrim

| score = 0-11 – 0-10

| team2 = Galway

| goals1 = T McCann 0-04 (2f), M McCann 0-03, J Loughrey, C Kelly, A Gallagher, D O’Hagan 0-01 each

| goals2 = M Hehir (3f) 0-03, P Joyce (1f) M Meehan (2f) 0-02 each, G O'Donnell, C Doherty, P Conroy 0-01 each

| stadium = Casement Park, Belfast

| referee = D Fahy (Longford)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0714/329179-antrim-pull-off-sensational-victory-over-galway/ Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 14 July 2012

| time = 18:00

| round = Round 2

| team1 = Leitrim

| score = 0-13 – 0-10

| team2 = Wicklow

| goals1 = E Mulligan 0-6 (6f), J Glancy 0-5, R Cox, G Hickey 0-1 each

| goals2 = J Kelly 0-3, S Furlong (1f), J McGrath 0-2 each, T Hannon (1f), D Healy, N Mernagh 0-1 each

| stadium = Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, Carrick-on-Shannon

| referee = B Cassidy (Derry)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0714/329198-brave-leitrim-punish-wicklows-profligacy/ Report]

| attendance = 3,346

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 14 July 2012

| time = 17:00

| round = Round 2

| team1 = Tipperary

| score = 1-13 – 0-15

| team2 = Wexford

| goals1 = M Quinlivan 0-04 (1f), D Leahy 1-00, P Austin, B Fox & A Maloney (2f) 0-02 each, A Campbell, H Coghlan & P Acheson 0-01 each

| goals2 = S Roche 0-05 (3f), R Barry 0-04 (3f, 1 45), PJ Banville 0-03, C Lyng 0-2, B Brosnan 0-01

| stadium = Semple Stadium, Thurles

| referee = Michael Duffy (Sligo)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0714/329171-tipp-footballers-dump-out-model-men/ Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 15 July 2012

| time = 15:00

| round = Round 2

| team1 = Cavan

| score = 1-09 – 3-20

| team2 = Kildare

| goals1 = E Keating 1-01, N McDermott (3f) 0-03, J Brady (3f) 0-03, G McKiernan 0-02

| goals2 = A Smith 1-05, E O’Flaherty (7f) 0-08, M Conway (2f) 1-04, E Bolton 1-0, J Doyle, S Johnston (1f), D Earley 0-01 each

| stadium = Breffni Park, Cavan

| referee = Marty Duffy (Sligo)

| report = [http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2012/0716/sport/johnston-gilds-the-lillies-200868.html Report]

| attendance = 14,558

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 15 July 2012

| time = 15:00

| round = Round 2

| team1 = Laois

| score = 2-12 – 0-12

| team2 = Monaghan

| goals1 = C Kelly 1-02, B Quigley 1-01, R Munnelly 0-03 (3f), D O’Connor 0-02, C Boyle, P Clancy, G Walsh, MJ Tierney (1 ‘45’) 0-01 each

| goals2 = C McManus 0-05 (3f), P Finlay 0-03 (2f), T Freeman, D Clerkin, D Mone, O Lennon 0-01 each

| stadium = O'Moore Park, Portlaoise

| referee = David Coldrick (Meath)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0715/329251-laois-show-class-to-defeat-monaghan/ Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 14 July 2012

| time = 14:00

| round = Round 2

| team1 = Roscommon

| score = 0-08 – 1-16

| team2 = Tyrone

| goals1 = C Cregg 0-4, D Shine 0-2 (1f), S Kilbride, G Heneghan (1f) 0-1 each

| goals2 = P Harte 1-0 (pen), O Mulligan 0-5 (2f), D McCurry 0-4, J McMahon (1f), M Penrose (1f) 0-2 each, N McKenna, S O’Neill, J Lafferty 0-1 each

| stadium = Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon

| referee = R Hickey (Clare)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0714/329167-tyrone-ease-past-roscommon-at-dr-hyde-park/ Report]

| attendance =

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = 21 July 2012

| time =

| round = Round 3

| team1 = Kerry

| score = 1-16 – 1-06

| team2 = Tyrone

| goals1 = C Cooper 0-05 (1f), K Donaghy 1-01, B Sheehan (3f), Declan O’Sullivan 0-03 each, James O’Donoghue 0-02, P Galvin, P Curtin 0-01 each

| goals2 = C Gormley 1-00, M Penrose (1f), D McCurry, C Cavanagh, Sean O’Neill, C Clarke, A Cassidy 0-01 each

| stadium = Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney

| referee = David Coldrick (Meath)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0721/330080-kerry-tyrone/ Report]

| attendance = 24,370

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 21 July 2012

| time =

| round = Round 3

| team1 = Kildare

| score = 0-19 – 0-12
(AET)

| team2 = Limerick

| goals1 =J Kavanagh, M Conway (0-02f) 0-03 each, J Doyle (0-02f), M O’Flaherty, S Johnston 0-02 each, E O’Flaherty (0-01f), A Smith, R Kelly, M Foley, E Bolton, P O’Neill, E Doyle 0-01 each.

| goals2 =I Ryan 0-07 (0-05f), S Kelly, D Quaid, G Collins, E O’Connor, B Scanlon (0-01f) 0-01 each

| stadium = O'Moore Park, Portlaoise

| referee = Barry Cassidy (Derry)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0721/330086-kildare-limerick/ Report]

| attendance = 11,345

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 21 July 2012

| time =

| round = Round 3

| team1 = Tipperary

| score = 0-10 – 0-08

| team2 = Antrim

| goals1 = A Maloney 0-06 (3f), G Hannigan, D Leahy, M Quinlivan (1f), B Mulvihill 0-01 each

| goals2 = J Loughrey, T McCann (1 ‘45’) 0-02 each, S McDonagh, M McCann, K Brady, M Magill 0-01 each

| stadium = Semple Stadium, Thurles

| referee = E Kinsella (Laois)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0721/330069-tipperary-antrim/ Report]

| attendance = 2,563

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 21 July 2012

| time =

| round = Round 3

| team1 = Leitrim

| score = 1-11 – 1-13

| team2 = Laois

| goals1 = E Mulligan 0-06 (6f), K Conlon 1-02, R Cox 0-02, C Clarke 0-01

| goals2 = C Boyle 1-00, R Munnelly 0-03, C Kelly (1f), MJ Tierney (2f), C Begley 0-02 each, B Sheehan, P Clancy 0-01 each

| stadium = Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, Carrick on Shannon

| referee = Rory Hickey (Clare), Martin Higgins (Fermanagh)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0721/330084-leitrim-laois/ Report]

| attendance =

}}

{{football box collapsible

| date = 28 July 2012

| time = 19:00

| round = Round 4

| team1 = Clare

| score = 1-06 – 2-22

| team2 = Kerry

| goals1 = D Russell 1-01, D Tubridy (3f) 0-03 , G Quinlan 0-02

| goals2 = C Cooper 1-04, J O'Donoghue 1-03, B Sheehan (4f) 0-04 , K Donaghy 0-03, Declan O'Sullivan, K O'Leary 0-02 each, M Ó Sé, D Walsh, A Maher, P Galvin 0-01 each

| stadium = Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

| referee = Maurice Deegan (Laois)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0728/330997-kerry-set-records-during-win-over-clare/ Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 28 July 2012

| time = 18:30

| round = Round 4

| team1 = Sligo

| score = 0-04 – 0-13

| team2 = Kildare

| goals1 = A Marren (2f) 0-02 , D Maye (1f), E O’Hara 0-01 each

| goals2 = E O’Flaherty (4f) 0-04 , M Conway (2f), A Smith 0-02 each, T O’Connor, J Kavanagh, R Kelly, E Bolton, E Doyle 0-01 each

| stadium = Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon

| referee = David Coldrick (Meath)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0728/330981-kildare-cruise-into-quarter-finals/ Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 28 July 2012

| time = 16:00

| round = Round 4

| team1 = Down

| score = 1-13 – 0-11

| team2 = Tipperary

| goals1 = B Coulter 1-02, A Rogers (1f), M Poland (1f) 0-04 each, D Gordon, B McArdle, K Duffin (1f) 0-01 each

| goals2 = A Maloney (2f), M Quinlivan (2f) 0-03 each, P Austin 0-02, B Fox, P Acheson, B Mulvihill 0-01 each

| stadium = Cusack Park, Mullingar

| referee = C Reilly (Meath)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0728/330971-down-deservedly-advance-at-tipps-expense/ Report]

| attendance =

}}{{football box collapsible

| date = 28 July 2012

| time = 15:30

| round = Round 4

| team1 = Meath

| score = 1-12 – 1-15

| team2 = Laois

| goals1 = P Byrne 1-0, B Farrell 0-8 (8f), S Bray (1f), G Reilly, M Burke, E Harrington 0-1 each

| goals2 = R Munnelly (1pen, 1f) 1-04, P Clancy, C Kelly (1 ’45), MJ Tierney (1f) 0-2 each, D O’Connor, B Sheehan, C Begley, B Quigley, D Strong 0-1 each

| stadium = O'Connor Park, Tullamore

| referee = Joe McQuillan (Cavan)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0728/330966-cvcx/ Report]

| attendance =

}}

{{8TeamBracket-NoSeeds

| score-width= 35

| RD1= Quarter-finals

| RD2= Semi-finals

| RD3= Final

| RD1-team1= Cork

| RD1-score1= 2-19

| RD1-team2= Kildare

| RD1-score2= 0-12

| RD1-team3= Donegal

| RD1-score3= 1-12

| RD1-team4= Kerry

| RD1-score4= 1-10

| RD1-team5= Mayo

| RD1-score5= 3-18

| RD1-team6= Down

| RD1-score6= 2-09

| RD1-team7= Dublin

| RD1-score7= 1-12

| RD1-team8= Laois

| RD1-score8= 0-12

| RD2-team1= Cork

| RD2-score1= 1-11

| RD2-team2= Donegal

| RD2-score2= 0-16

| RD2-team3= Mayo

| RD2-score3= 0-19

| RD2-team4= Dublin

| RD2-score4= 0-16

| RD3-team1= Donegal

| RD3-score1= 2-11

| RD3-team2= Mayo

| RD3-score2= 0-13

}}

{{footballbox

| date = 4 August 2012

| time = 17:00

| round = Quarter-final

| team1 = Mayo

| score = 3-18 – 2-09

| team2 = Down

| goals1 = M Conroy 2-01, J Doherty 1-00, C O’Connor (6f) 0-07 , A Dillon 0-04, K McLoughlin 0-02, L Keegan, A O’Shea, A Moran, E Varley 0-01 each

| goals2 = B Coulter 1-01, K King 1-00, A Carr (5f) 0-07, L Doyle (1f) 0-01

| stadium = Croke Park, Dublin

| referee = Maurice Deegan (Laois)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0804/332105-mayo-claim-semi-final-spot-against/ Report]

| attendance =

}}

----

{{footballbox

| date = 4 August 2012

| time = 19:00

| round = Quarter-final

| team1 = Dublin

| score = 1-12 – 0-12

| team2 = Laois

| goals1 = MD Macauley 1-00, B Brogan (3f) 0-04 , S Cluxton (1f, 2 ’45) 0-03, P Flynn 0-02, E O’Gara, K Nolan, D Bastick 0-01 each

| goals2 = R Munnelly (5f) 0-06, C Kelly (3f) 0-03, G Walsh 0-02, C Begley 0-01

| stadium = Croke Park, Dublin

| referee = Cormac Reilly (Meath)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0804/332111-nervy-dublin/ Report]

| attendance =

}}

----

{{footballbox

| date = 5 August 2012

| time = 14:00

| round = Quarter-final

| team1 = Cork

| score = 2-19 – 0-12

| team2 = Kildare

| goals1 = C O’Neill (2f) 1-03 , E Doyle o.g., D O’Connor 0-4 (1f, 2 ’45), A Walsh 0-3 (1f), P Kerrigan, D Goulding, P O’Neill, P Kissane 0-02 each, F Goold 0-01

| goals2 = A Smith (1f) 0-04 , J Doyle (1f) 0-03 , H McGrillen, R Kelly, E O’Flaherty (f), M Conway (f), D Earley 0-1 each

| stadium = Croke Park, Dublin

| referee = Joe McQuillan (Cavan)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0805/332182-cork-charge-into-another-all-ireland-semi-final/ Report]

| attendance =

}}

----

{{footballbox

| date = 5 August 2012

| time = 16:00

| round = Quarter-final

| team1 = Donegal

| score = 1-12 – 1-10

| team2 = Kerry

| goals1 = C McFadden (1-00sl, 2f) 1-05 , M Murphy (2f) 0-03 , L McLoone, P McBrearty, C Toye, K Lacey 0-01 each

| goals2 = C Cooper (2f) 0-04 , K Donaghy 1-00, A Maher 0-02, B Sheehan (1f), Declan O’Sullivan, J O’Donoghue, P Galvin 0-01 each

| stadium = Croke Park, Dublin

| referee = Marty Duffy (Sligo)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0805/332189-donegal-repel-late-kerry-surge-to-reach-last-four/ Report]

| attendance =

}}

----

{{footballbox

| date = 26 August 2012

| time = 15:30

| round = Semi-final

| team1 = Cork

| score = 1-11 – 0-16

| team2 = Donegal

| goals1 = C O’Neill 1-03, C Sheehan 0-03, P Kerrigan 0-02, D Goulding (f), P Kelly, A Walsh 0-01 each

| goals2 = C McFadden (2f, 1 ’45) 0-05 , M Murphy (3f) 0-03 , K Lacey 0-02, M McHugh, A Thompson, F McGlynn, D Walsh, M McElhinney, R Kavanagh 0-01 each

| stadium = Croke Park, Dublin

| referee = David Coldrick (Meath)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0826/335031-cork-donegal/ Report]

| attendance = 55,169

}}

----

{{footballbox

| date = 2 September 2012

| time = 15:30

| round = Semi-final

| team1 = Mayo

| score = 0-19 – 0-16

| team2 = Dublin

| goals1 = C O’Connor (3 ’45, 3f) 0-07 , A Dillon 0-03, K McLoughlin, E Varley (1f) 0-02 each, B Moran, M Conroy, R Feeney, S O’Shea, J Doherty 0-01 each

| goals2 = B Brogan (6f) 0-06 , C Kilkenny, S Cluxton (3 ’45) 0-03 each, D Connolly, P Flynn 0-02 each

| stadium = Croke Park, Dublin

| referee = Joe McQuillan (Cavan)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0902/335966-mayo-shock-dublin-to-reach-decider/ Report]

| attendance = 81,364

}}

----

{{Main|2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final}}

{{footballbox

| date = 23 September 2012

| time =

| round = Final

| team1 = Donegal

| score = 2-11 – 0-13

| team2 = Mayo

| goals1 = M Murphy (3f), C McFadden (3f) 1-04 each, R Bradley, N Gallagher, F McGlynn 0-1 each

| goals2 = C O’Connor (5f) 0-05 , E Varley (1f), K McLoughlin 0-02 each, L Keegan, M Conroy, R Feeney, J Gibbons 0-01 each

| stadium = Croke Park, Dublin

| referee = Maurice Deegan (Laois)

| report = [http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0923/338732-donegal-beat-mayo-to-end-wait-for-sam/ Report]

| attendance = 82,269

}}

Ahead of the 2012 Championship, three referees joined the panel: Conor Lane of Banteer, Martin Higgins of Fermanagh and Barry Cassidy of Derry.{{cite news|first=John |last=Fogarty |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2013/0508/ireland/collins-gets-marching-orders-from-football-championship-panel-230694.html |title=Collins gets marching orders from football championship panel |newspaper=Irish Examiner |date=8 May 2013 |access-date=8 May 2013 |quote=They join Banteer's Conor Lane, the referee in last month's Division 2 final, as well as Martin Higgins and Barry Cassidy who were all introduced to the group last season and retain their places. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524193039/http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2013/0508/ireland/collins-gets-marching-orders-from-football-championship-panel-230694.html |archive-date=24 May 2015 |url-status=live }}

;2012 Championship referees' panel

{{col-begin}}

{{col-4}}

• Barry Cassidy (Derry)
• David Coldrick (Meath)
• Michael Collins (Cork)
• Maurice Deegan (Laois)

{{col-4}}

• Syl Doyle (Wexford)
• Marty Duffy (Sligo)
• Michael Duffy (Sligo)
• Derek Fahy (Longford)

{{col-4}}

• Rory Hickey (Clare)
• Martin Higgins (Fermanagh)
• Pádraig Hughes (Armagh)
• Eddie Kinsella (Laois)

{{col-4}}

• Conor Lane (Cork)
• Joe McQuillan (Cavan)
• Pádraig O'Sullivan (Kerry)
• Cormac Reilly (Meath)

{{col-end}}

File:Semple Stadium hurling 2.jpg; Tipperary v. Wexford]]

• First goal of the championship: Stephen Coen for Sligo against New York (Connacht quarter-final)
• Widest winning margin: 24 points
• Sligo 3-21 – 0-06 New York (Connacht quarter-final)
• Most goals in a match: 5
• Mayo 3-18 – 2-09 Down (All Ireland quarter-final)
• Most points in a match: 35
• Mayo 0-19 – 0-16 Dublin (All Ireland Semi-final)
• Most goals by one team in a match: 4
• Mayo 4-20 – 0-10 Leitrim (Connacht Semi-final)
• Highest aggregate score: 42 points
• Mayo 4-20 – 0-10 Leitrim (Connacht Semi-final)
• Lowest aggregate score: 17 points
• Sligo 0-04 – 0-13 Kildare (fourth round)
• Most goals scored by a losing team: 2
• London 2-09 – 2-11 Antrim (first round)
• Longford 0-17 – 2-8 Derry (first round)
• Mayo 3-18 – 2-9 Down (All Ireland quarter-final)

;Season

;Single game

• Sligo record an easiest ever championship win over New York.{{clarify|reason=Was it Sligo's easiest ever championship win? Or just the easiest win over New York?|date=April 2024}}
• Clare beat Limerick for the first time since 1984.
• Cork played Clare in the Munster final for the first time since 1949.
• Donegal won a first All-Ireland title since 1992.

;Monthly

;Sunday Game Team of the Year

The Sunday Game team of the year was picked on 23 September, the night of the final and included 8 of Donegal's winning team.

{{-}}

;GAA/GPA All Stars

{{Color box|#FFFFDD}} Player has previously been selected.

;County breakdown

• Donegal = 8
• Mayo = 4
• Cork = 2
• Dublin = 1

[https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2012/1002/340084-donegal-dominate-all-star-nominations-with-12/ List of nominees]

• 2012 All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
• 2012 National Football League (Ireland)
• "Jimmy's Winning Matches", a song
• Jimmy's Winnin' Matches, a documentary

{{Reflist}}

{{All-Ireland Senior Football Championship}}

{{GAA 2012}}

All-Ireland Senior Football Championship