Kildare save best for big day

CHRISTY RING CUP FINAL:

Kerry had won Division 2 of the league, Kildare had been relegated. Kerry beat Kildare by 17 points in that campaign and, just three weeks ago, dished out an eight point Ring Cup defeat.

Even on the basis of Kildare’s workmanlike semi-final win over Meath, it seemed inconceivable that they might conjure 4-18 at Croke Park to deny such an experienced Kerry side.