All-Ireland SFC SF: Kerry reach decider

All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final

Kerry 2-18 Dublin 0-20

By Cian O'Connell at Croke Park

Stern questions were posed by Dublin, but Kerry summoned the answers to book a place in the All-Ireland SFC Final.

Ger Brennan's defiant and dynamic team got so much right at GAA headquarters, but Kerry were that bit slicker converting opportunities. In a tight match, the efficiency mattered deeply.

Dublin will reflect on missed opportunities, but the past month has brought plenty of encouragement for Brennan's outfit.

Jack O'Connor's savvy Kerry side pounced to score goals at crucial times in a keenly contested encounter, especially after the restart. Dublin had commenced the second half admirably, edging three points ahead, but Seán O'Brien's goal was a decisive moment.

Charlie McMorrow replied with a Dublin score, but Kerry, promoted by Paudie Clifford, seized the initiative. The Clifford brothers landed two pointers either side of a single from Paudie as Kerry moved four clear.

Dublin battled until the end, but it wasn't enough. Kerry closed out the deal.

An early two point free from the splendid Cormac Costello signalled Dublin's intent, but Kerry netted a third minute goal.

Peadar Ó Cofaigh was adjudged to have fouled Joe O'Connor resulting in a Kerry penalty. David Clifford's effort was saved by Evan Comerford, but the Fossa attacker netted the rebound.

The first half was hard fought with Kerry accumulating a 1-7 to 0-8 advantage by the 26th minute. Then Dublin enjoyed an enterprising burst as Costello (two) and McMorrow contributed points.

Kerry, though, restored parity on the cusp of half-time courtesy of a sweet Seán O'Shea effort. Delicately poised.

When the action recommenced Paddy Small, the inspirational Brian Howard, and Colm Basquel guided Dublin three in front. Kerry survived a subsequent scare when a Con O'Callaghan goal attempt was blocked.

Kerry were back on terms in the 43rd minute as O'Brien connected with a Dylan Geaney delivery to supply a critical goal.

Dublin went ahead, but Kerry, with Paudie Clifford hugely effective, accumulated a 2-15 to 0-16 lead when O'Shea thumped over a 52nd minute two pointer.

Ross McGarry was denied a goal by a Shane Murphy save on 57, but Dublin continued to persevere. Substitute Tomás Kennedy palmed over a point with three minutes left ensuring Kerry were 2-17 to 0-18 ahead.

Seán Bugler and Niall Scully pointed, trimming the deficit to three prior to David Clifford's insurance score. Kerry did enough.

Scorers for Kerry: David Clifford 1-5 (1 2pt), Paudie Clifford 0-5 (1 2pt), Seán O'Shea 0-4 (1 2pt, 1m), Seán O'Brien 1-0, Graham O'Sullivan 0-2, Dylan Geaney and Tomás Kennedy 0-1 each.

Scorers for Dublin: Cormac Costello 0-7 (1 2ptf, 1 45), Colm Basquel 0-3, Paddy Small, Brian Howard, and Charlie McMorrow 0-2 each, Niall Scully and Seán Bugler 0-1 each.

Kerry: Shane Murphy; Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Dylan Casey; Graham O'Sullivan, Mike Breen, Gavin White; Mark O'Shea, Seán O'Brien; Joe O'Connor, Paudie Clifford, Diarmuid O'Connor; David Clifford, Seán O'Shea, Dylan Geaney.

Subs: Brian Ó Beaglaíoch for O'Sullivan (43), Keith Evans for O'Brien (47), Evan Looney for Murphy (59), Armin Heinrich for White (59), Tomás Kennedy for Geaney (63).

Dublin: Evan Comerford; Lee Gannon, Theo Clancy, David Byrne; Eoin Kennedy, Alex Gavin, Charlie McMorrow; Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne, Brian Howard; Paddy Small, Ciarán Kilkenny, Niall Scully; Colm Basquel, Con O'Callaghan, Cormac Costello.

Subs: Cian Murphy for Gavin (51), Ross McGarry for Ó Cofaigh Byrne (55), Seán Bugler for Kennedy (58), Seán Guiden for Small (63).

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare).