It’s 2 out of 2 for Kerry in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
The Kingdom put in an impressive second half display in the Group 2 encounter to win by 1-28 to 0-20 in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
A David Clifford point meant Kerry were ahead by 2 points to 1 after 6 minutes. A poor Cork kickout followed and Clifford netted to put the Kingdom 4 clear. It was 1-4 to 0-2 after 12 minutes, with the Kerry forwards on top at this stage. After a Cork 2 pointer, only a Shane Ryan save kept the Kingdom net entact. Cork narrowed the gap to 1-4 to 0-6 before another Shane Ryan save denied Cork their opening goal. It was level after 21 minutes at 1-5 to 0-8. It remained a draw only because Brian Ó Beaglaoich's goal bound effort was superbly saved.
Cork edged a point ahead after 27 minutes. Paudie Clifford then had Kerry on terms at 1-6 to 0-9 after 29 minutes. A Brian Hurley two pointer on the hooter meant Cork were ahead at half time by 13 points to 1-7.
After Cork went 4 in front, back to back Kerry 2 pointers had the Kingdom level at 14 points to 1-11. David Clifford and Sean O'Shea were the Kerry scorers. Killian Spillane then pointed the Kingdom in front. A Brian Hurley two pointer had Cork ahead but another Spillane point meant Kerry were on terms once more. Kerry went ahead by 1-15 0-16 thanks to a David Clifford 2 pointer after 46 minutes. That same man put over again to make it a 3 point game. Sean O'Shea followed with a two pointer, a 4th of the occasion for the Kingdom, midway through the second half. O'Shea's 3rd two pointer moved Kerry to 1-21, with Cork remaining on 16 points; 53 minutes on the Cork. The Rebels then registered their first point in 13 minutes to cut the gap to 7. Kerry owned that second half, opening up a 1-23 to 0-18 advantage with 5 minutes to go. Cork were then awarded a penalty, which Mark Cronin took but was saved by Shane Ryan. The Kingdom prevailed by 11.
Former Kerry captain Billy O'Shea reviews the game
Kerry manager Jack O'Connor
