Kerry’s kick-out homework pays off against Dublin

Kerry 0-15 Dublin 1-10

Dublin’s 92% retention rate against Cork last month from the kick-out highlighted the imperativeness, on two fronts, of Kerry establishing a foothold around the middle yesterday; disrupt the Dublin game-plan and safeguard a susceptible defensive unit. On both fronts they succeeded.

Mind you, the home rearguard finished the game in most confident fashion – holding firm in the face of a barrage of Dublin raids. They had assistance in the form of Kieran Donaghy, the Kerry captain, positioned on his own goal line, fielding Shane Carthy’s free on 70 minutes.