All-Ireland SFC: Kerry reach decider
David Clifford starred for Kerry against Tyrone at Croke Park. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final
Kerry 1-20 (1-1-18) Tyrone 0-17 (0-2-13)
By Cian O'Connell at Croke Park
This was a satisfactory Saturday evening at Croke Park for Kerry.
Jack O'Connor's charges will return to GAA headquarters in a fortnight for the All-Ireland SFC decider following an impressive win over Tyrone.
Another second half burst proved decisive as Kerry reeled off nine points without reply to seize control. In that spell, Tyrone endured 22 minutes without a score. Having narrowed Kerry's lead to the minimum, Tyrone then trailed by 10.
There was no way back for Tyrone. Initially, Malachy O'Rourke's charges had caused Kerry some bother early on.
Ciarán Daly was dashing about craving involvement as Tyrone edged 0-4 to 0-1 ahead inside the first 12 minutes. Darren McCurry also forced a save from Shane Ryan, but Kerry, with David Clifford prominent, responded.
Clifford, Dylan Geaney, and Seán O'Shea struck efforts as Kerry moved 0-7 to 0-6 ahead by the 23rd minute. Tyrone, though, were crafting chances with Mattie Donnelly and Darragh Canavan clipping points.
Darren McCurry, Tyrone, and Jason Foley, Kerry, in All-Ireland SFC action at Croke Park. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Kerry pounced for a crucial 29th minute goal. Once more, it was chiefly down to David Clifford's class as the Fossa forward supplied another key moment in a crucial match.
The energetic Graham O'Sullivan subsequently added a point as Kerry departed 1-9 to 0-9 in front at the interval.
After the restart a gorgeous Darragh Canavan two pointer gave Tyrone hope. Paudie Clifford and Cavanan swapped points as Kerry led 1-11 to 0-13 in the 42nd minute.
Kerry seized the initiative. Jason Foley was effective, while Brian Ó Beaglaíoch and Gavin White thundered forward for Kerry, who enjoyed a productive stint.
David Clifford (3), the influential Joe O'Connor (2), substitute Killian Spillane (2), Paudie Clifford, and O'Shea supplied points for Kerry, who pulled 1-20 to 0-13 clear.
In the dying embers Seánie O'Donnell, Darragh Canavan (free), and Ruairi Canavan (two pointer) rifled over scores for Tyrone. Sufficient Kerry damage had already been inflicted.
Scorers for Kerry: David Clifford 1-9 (4fs, 1 2pt), Seán O'Shea 0-3 (2fs), Paudie Clifford, Killian Spillane, and Joe O'Connor 0-2 each, Dylan Geaney and Graham O'Sullivan 0-1 each.
Scorers for Tyrone: Darragh Canavan 0-7 (2fs, 1 2pt), Seánie O'Donnell, Ciarán Daly, Mattie Donnelly, and Ruairi Canavan (2pt) 0-2 each, Kieran McGeary and Eoin McElholm 0-1 each
Kerry: Shane Ryan; Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Dylan Casey; Brian Ó Beaglaíoch, Mike Breen, Gavin White; Mark O'Shea, Seán O'Brien; Joe O'Connor, Seán O'Shea, Graham O'Sullivan; David Clifford, Paudie Clifford, Dylan Geaney.
Subs: Killian Spillane for D Geaney (48), Evan Looney for Casey (59), Tadhg Morley for Breen (62), Micheál Burns for O'Brien (62), Tony Brosnan for P Clifford (65).
Tyrone: Niall Morgan; Cormac Quinn, Niall Devlin, Padraig Hampsey; Peter Teague, Ben McDonnell, Kieran McGeary; Brian Kennedy, Conn Kilpatrick; Seánie O'Donnell, Darragh Canavan, Ciarán Daly; Mattie Donnelly, Darren McCurry, Eoin McElholm.
Subs: Michael McKernan for McDonnell (48), Mark Bradley for McCurry (48), Peter Harte for Daly (52), Ruairi Canavan for McElholm (56), Michael O'Neill for O'Donnell (67).
Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).
