Kerry fightback falls short

Smiles all round after this encounter even if Kerry’s were more of the wrier variety having been on the wrong end of a harsh penalty call.

A second consecutive win for Monaghan brings them closer to another season in Division 1 while Kerry, having travelled north for a second time in seven days, may have not made the trip to Inniskeen worthwhile league table-wise but redeemed themselves in performance after a listless first half.

Eight points conceded after 15 minutes, seven points down after 20, Kerry could have drawn the curtains on this one, especially with so much youth on show but they persevered and when Seán O’Shea added a free in the 58th minute they were a point behind.