Defiant Kerry keep meeting the challenges

THERE are two distinct tales from this compelling tussle, and they fork in different directions, just as the two counties now set off on their respective routes to September.

Kerry have reached almost every dramatic pitch in a decade of Championship dominance but they’re beginning the new one with a defiance and grittiness that should be well beyond them at this stage.

Jack O’Connor is correct: at times yesterday they were hanging on by their fingernails, at times one haymaker away from the smelling salts.