THE GAME IN 60 SECONDS
MAN OF THE MATCH
Paudie Clifford played a telling role in Kerry’s victory. As good a teamplayer asheisan individual talent. Finished with 1-3 to his name but contributed so much more. Notable shout-out to Mark Grace, who took command of a suspect Kildare defence and gave them a platform to build from.
TURNING POINT
The throw-in; Kildare were so far off the pace of the game that Kerry eased into a 1-6 to 0-1 lead after 15 minutes. Worryingly, thatlead could have been considerably greater. At the time Iasked myself why Kildare felt the need to be out on the pitch 28 minutes before throw-in to go through their warm-up? And in thatheat?
SCORE OF THE GAME
Clifford’s 11th minute goal was as good individually asit was shocking from a collective Kildare perspective; their is no way Clifford should have been allowed to glide towards goal from upwards of 40 metres out without a hand been laid on him.
WHAT NEXT?
Kerry advance to the All Ireland final against Galway, where they will bid to win a fourth successive junior championship. Impressive form. Kildare’s season is over.