The seagull who wound up at the All-Ireland Senior Football final is making a flying recovery, according to Kildare Wildlife Rescue. 

The bird made a surprise appearance in the first half of the nail-biting match between Armagh and Galway on Sunday. 

The feathered guest was quickly spotted running with the players – though he never received the ball. 

Many were also concerned after it appeared the bird had injured its wing and was unable to fly away. 

According to Kildare Wildlife Rescue, the bird – which was actually a Herring Gull - was escorted off the pitch during half-time by wildlife expert Barry Nolan. 

Gull rescued from the pitch of the All Ireland game yesterday @officialgaa @Armagh_GAA @Galway_GAA pic.twitter.com/Zc0J7hRvrX

— Kildare Wildlife Rescue (@WildlifeKildare) July 29, 2024

The gull was transported to Kildare Wildlife Rescue where it was treated for some minor injuries. 

“They are doing well and will only have a short stay with us before returning to the wild,” it said. 

The group said it has received “a large amount of emails from worried viewers at home”, concerned for the bird’s safety at the intense match. 

Seagull keeps his cool in front of Galway's Cillian McDaid, 28/07/2024. Image: Daire Brennan/Sportsfilw

Mr Nolan is well-versed in bird safety on the pitch – as his two hawks visit Croke Park on match day to ward off unwanted flying visitors. 

The seagull on Sunday seemed to be a good omen for Armagh, who won against Galway by just one point. 

There are centre backs all around the country that could only wish to have the sense of positioning being shown by that seagull at Croke Park.

— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 28, 2024

It is not yet known whether the bird will choose to make an appearance for the All-Ireland Women’s Football final between Kerry and Galway on August 4th.