Kerry have booked their place in the TG4 Ladies All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final.
The Kingdom were worthy winners over Mayo in Croke Park by 4-10 to 0-13.
Kerry had a strong goal chance in the very opening minute but Danielle O'Leary was denied by the Mayo keeper and the danger was cleared. Mayo proceeded to score the opening point but 5 minutes in Kerry's Aishling O'Connell found the net The Kingdom quickly tagged on two points to open up a 4 point advantage. Mayo pulled a point back but Kerry netted again soon afterwards, Cait Lynch the architect with a defence splitting run before setting up Siofra O'Shea Mayo though kept plugging away and brought the deficit back to 3 with 13 mins left in the half; 2-3 to 0-6. With ten minutes left in the half and Kerry ahead by 2-4 to 7 points the Kingdom found the net again, Siofra O'Shea grabbing her second of the half A point quickly followed and Kerry were now leading by double scores at 3-5 to 7 points. The sides each tagged on a further point before the half time hooter.
Mayo had the first 3 points of the second period but two scores from Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh steadied the ship. It was now 3-8 to 0-11. Mayo were next to point but 2 quick Kingdom scores extended their lead to 7 at 3-10 to 0-12. The next score, a Paris McCarthy goal, put Kerry clear by double digits The result was never in doubt after that.
Kerry joint manager Declan Quill
Kerry joint manager Darragh Long
Kerry captain Anna Galvin
Kerry player Louise Galvin
Kerry will play Meath in the final on July 31st.
The Royals came from behind to beat Donegal in the semi-finals by 12 points to 1-7 at Croke Park.
Niamh McLaughlin scored a penalty for Donegal just before the break but 3 points from Emma Duggan late on won the game for Meath.
