THE GAME IN 60 SECONDS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Paudie Clifford played a telling role in Kerry’s victory. As good a team player as he is an 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, that lead could have been considerably greater. At the time I asked 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 that heat?

SCORE OF THE GAME

Clifford’s 11th minute goal was as good individually as it 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.