PLAYER RATINGS

Brian KELLY

It was probably harsh on Shane Murphy that he was dropped for the game, but you’ve got to say that Kelly fared better in Clones than Murphy did in Croke Park. Kerry retained 75% of their own restarts compared to 65% the previous weekend.

Ronan SHANAHAN

The Austin Stacks man hasn’t let the Kingdom down whenever he’s been entrusted with a jersey and he certainly didn’t on Sunday. Took on the task of curbing a rampant Conor McManus in the second half and did pretty well all things considered.

Mark GRIFFIN

Griffin is a fine footballer, but he’s simply not a full-back or a man-marker. It was a strange decision by the management to ask him to pick up Conor McManus – who had a ball in the first half. Did have a better second half on the half-back line.

Tom O’SULLIVAN

O’Sullivan was something of a revelation in Clones on Sunday. Looked at times to be keeping tabs on Conor McCarthy, but a lot of the time he had free rein to bomb forward. Scored two points and was directly involved in another two. Very impressive.

Paul MURPHY

This was more like the Paul Murphy we’re used to seeing in the green and gold. It wasn’t him at his absolute peak – looked to be picking up Ryan McAnespie at times – but he did kick one of his customary points and was a lively probing presence.

Peter CROWLEY

On kick-outs the Laune Rangers man had a good afternoon – won a mark and claimed two breaks – but it wasn’t quite the all-action performance we’ve come to expect from him. There’s more to come.

Gavin WHITE

Was in contention for man of the match with a combative and industrious performance. He won four kick-outs (two marks and two breaks) and did so against a Monaghan side not known for their generosity. There’s a real steel to this guy.

David Moran

The first half in particular seemed to pass the Strand Road man by, but he was more prominent in the second half. Started the third quarter really well – claiming a couple of early kick-outs and kicking a point – but faded somewhat after that.

Jack BARRY

This was a better performance from Barry without necessarily being an outstanding one. He works hard and did well on kick-outs (winning five), but he was still a bit understated. What’s happened to those driving runs from last season?

Kevin McCARTHY

The odd thing from McCarthy’s point of view was that he’d just started coming into the game – he assisted Clifford for a point – before he was hauled ashore at the break. Overall he can have few complaints, but might feel there was more to come.

Seán O’SHEA

The Kenmare youngster was simply outstanding. Unerring from the placed ball and a menace for the Monaghan rearguard. It was more than a little odd to see him withdrawn when he was – what seemed like seconds after he won a mark.

Stephen O’BRIEN

Started the game pretty well and was probably Kerry’s most prominent player in the opening quarter. Assisted O’Shea for a point on twelve minutes, but never had the type of influence on the game after that he would have hoped for.

David CLIFFORD

We’re beginning to run out of superlatives for this guy and it’s only his fourth game as a senior footballer. Only for him Kerry would be out of the championship it’s as simple as that. Kicked some outrageous scores and his goal was instantly iconic.

Kieran DONAGHY

The guy is just remarkable. When you need him to deliver something that’s just what he’ll do – he assisted Clifford’s goal and wreaked havoc in the Monaghan fullback line. Won two kick-outs too, but seemed caught between two stools at times.

Paul GEANEY

One of the quietest games the Dingle man has played for the Kerry senior footballers. For whatever reason it’s just not happening for him in the Super 8s. He did well enough last week, but against Monaghan he didn’t hit the heights he’s capable of.

Subs: Micheál Burns James O’Donoghue Anthony Maher Brian Ó Beaglaoich

ball. the end. kicked a point.

was an improvement upon McCarthy, looked lively and played some good again was a little below his best, but he did send in the all important ball at was probably the most successful sub on Sunday, won two kick-outs and came on for Griffin and for O’Shea.

Darran O’Sullivan