Cooper super as Kingdom eye back-to-back titles

CHAMPIONS Kerry yesterday edged closer to what many thought impossible in the modern game - back-to-back titles.

The Kingdom battered their oldest rivals, Cork, by 13 points in a one-sided football semi-final at Croke Park, and await the winners of Sunday's clash between Ulster giants, Armagh and Tyrone.

"The losses to Armagh and Tyrone in 2002 and 2003 will always be thrown at us," said Kerry attacker Dara Ó Cinnéide, "and whatever one emerges from next Sunday, we'll meet that challenge head on."

Kerry coach Jack O'Connor has yet to lose a championship game since taking over from Paidi Ó Sé at the start of last season. Yesterday was Kerry's 13th game in a run which extends to May 2004, and they will become the first county since Cork in 1990 to win successive titles if they prevail on September 25.

But he admitted yesterday that the final will be the ultimate test of his tenure, and his players.

"It's a great challenge for management and the players, and a fascinating contrast in style between northern and southern football," he said.

Colm Cooper was again the hero for Kerry yesterday, claiming five points and rubber-stamping his standing as the marquee name in Gaelic football today.

"The key was the quality of the ball into the forwards," explained Cooper. "We knew we needed to step up a level, and everyone weighed in with a big performance today."

Cork coach Billy Morgan vowed that the Rebels would put yesterday's mauling behind them, and return a stronger outfit next season.

Injured midfielder Derek Kavanagh was a surprise starter for Cork, but Kerry dominated this key sector.

The Kingdom won't have a double outing on All-Ireland final day. Their minors lost yesterday's semi-final by a point, despite their thrilling comeback in the final five minutes.