Kerry find right blend

NO DISRESPECT to Derry, but it was a blessing we werespared extra-time in yesterday’s Allianz NFL Division One final in Croke Park, after a game which was never less than competitive but almost completely lacked atmosphere.

Better balanced Kerry never trailed from the time Donncha Walsh got the game’s only goal in the ninth minute and the holders failed to get nearer than two points after that.

Nearing the end, the possibility of a draw loomed briefly, especially since Derry had Paddy Bradley back on the field after he had been forced off injured late in the first half. However, when substitute Bryan Sheehan and Colm Cooper added late scores to stretch Kerry’s lead to four points, there was going to be only one outcome.