Kerry have gotten the better of Dublin to qualify for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final.
The defending champions emerged victorious in Croke Park by 2-18 to 0-20.
Dublin’s James Costello opened the scoring with a first minute two pointer. The second minute saw Kerry awarded a penalty following a foul on Joe O’Connor. David Clifford’s spot kick was saved but he netted the rebound When Kerry had back to back points through Paudie Clifford and Dylan Geaney then led 1-3 to 0-3 after ten minutes. A Con O’Callaghan two cut the deficit to the minimum. After Sean O’Shea doubled that advantage another Cormac Costello point cut the lead in half in the 18th minute at 1-4 to 0-6. Graham O’Sullivan’s second point put the Kingdom 2 to the good. With 10 minutes to go to half time Kerry led 1-7 to 0-8. Charlie McMorrow pointed Dublin level 2 minutes from the half-time hooter. Cormac Costello then put them in front by one. Sean O’Shea equalised for the Kingdom just shy of the half-time hooter It was Kerry 1-8 Dublin 0-11.
Dublin started the second half stronger, Paddy Small, Brian Howard and Colm Basquel all pointing. The Kingdom hit back with a goal from Sean O’Brien, who flicked home a Dylan Geaney effort which dropped short Charlie McMorrow pointed Dublin ahead only for a Paudie Clifford two pointer to nudge the Kingdom in front; 2-10 to 0-15 after 46 minutes Paudlie Clifford then doubled the Kerry advantage. A David Clifford two pointer put 4 between the sides at 2-13 to 0-15 in the 51st minute After Dublin pulled a point back a Sean O’Shea two pointer made it 2-15 to 0-16 after 52 minutes Superb defending by the Kingdom denied Dublin on the double; Shane Murphy firstly and then a combination of Paul Murphy and Mike Breen keeping the Kerry goal intact. When Tomas Kennedy fisted over with 3 minutes remaining the Kerry lead was 5 at 2-17 to 0-18. Dublin got back to back points but a David Clifford pointed sealed the victory Kerry won by 4 and will meet Mayo on Sunday July 26th.
