Houlihan the inspiration as Kingdom back in top flight

Galway 1-10 Kerry 1-13

The Kingdom returned to the top flight after a three-year absence with a three-point victory over Galway. Kerry led by six points at half-time – 1-8 to 0-5 – and by eight in the final quarter.

But Galway ensured a nervy finish by reducing the deficit to two points approaching the finish. Houlihan said: “Galway had the breeze in the second half and we knew it would be tough. But we put the shoulder to the wheel. We’ve been three years in Division 2 and we wanted to get back to Division 1.