All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Kerry 0-18 Tyrone 1-11
KERRY turned in a clinical display of scoring in the driving rain at Croke Park to book their place in this year's All-Ireland final. Tyrone will rue missed frees and several goal chances that came their way in either half, but there was no doubting the Kingdom's superiority as they ended with four points to spare.
There was a point between the sides at the break, with the sides going point-for-point. Kieran Donaghy’s late point, his last contribution before being replaced at the break, left Kerry with the advantage. Tyrone had led early on with two Darren McCurry points, but Kerry quickly found their touch and soon led 5-3 - Buckley with 0-3, O’Brien and O’Donoghue among the points.
Tyrone went close for a goal when Conor McAliksey blasted over the bar and they opened up Kerry at times. Mark Bradley had a great goal chance well saved by Brendan Kiely and that, perhaps, was the turning point as Kerry went 14 -9 up midway through the second half.
Peter Harte gave the Ulster side hope when he converted a penalty after Barry Tierney was fouled and the sides were level for a fifth time when Mark Bradley landed a great score. That was that for Mickey Harte's side, though, as Kerry pressed on to add four points and close the game out .
Kerry boss Éamon Fitzmaurice produced a good second half game plan to edged out Tyrone. Red Hand boss Mickey Harte suggested he would be remaining in the hotseat, while Seán Cavanagh said he would be thinking long and hard after such a disappointing loss as he felt Tyrone had more to give on the day.
