14-man Kerry dig deep to edge Tipperary

Fourteen-man Kerry produced a resilient performance to take down the reigning Munster champions last night and, in the process, secure the county’s first victory at U21 level since 2012.

Kerry captain Jack Savage urges his side on after kicking a free at Austin Stack Park. Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

Having entered the contest without seven of their leading players, including Conor Keane and Marc O’Connor, Kerry were dealt another blow when reduced to 14-men on 22 minutes as midfielder Matthew O’Sullivan was sent to the line after his yellow and black offences forced referee Kevin Murphy to reach for the back pocket.

Ahead by 0-3 to 0-1 at the time, momentum swept away from Kerry in deflating fashion as Tipperary midfielder Liam Casey, set-up by Kevin Fahey, slotted the ball beyond ‘keeper Eoghan O’Brien in the ensuing play to move the visitors in front. The home outfit were in trouble, big trouble.