GAA: Kerry firm favourites for All-Ireland title

Kerry 2-12, Dublin 1-12 (full-time)

Kerry continued their quest for All-Ireland glory when they held out for a dramatic three point victory over Dublin in their quarter-final replay at Thurles.

As in the drawn game, Kerry corner-forward Johnny Crowley proved a central figure during the opening 35 minutes.

With the sides deadlocked at 0-01 each Crowley broke inside the Dublin defence to finish expertly to the net over the diving body of goalie Damian Byrne after 13 minutes.

Kerry went on to hit a real purple patch with points flowing from Mike Frank Russell, Dara O'Cinneide and Noel Kennelly before Dessie Farrell helped to lift the siege for Dublin with an 18th minute point.

Kerry set about turning their dominance into further scores.

It was once again Crowley who fastened onto a long ball out of defence after Dublin defender Paddy Christie had slipped and he went on to finish to the corner of the net.

Dublin's character was being well and truly tested. Making runs into the heart of the Kerry defence, they managed two Declan Darcy pointed frees and a further point from Ciaran Whelan but they still trailed 2-06 to 0-05 at the interval, only managing two scores from play during this opening period.

Kerry seemed to be dealt a crucial blow four minutes into the second half when wing-back Tomas O'Sé was red-carded following a heavy challenge on Colin Moran.

However, Kerry never lost their composure and were still leading 2-09 to 0-08 after 49 minutes.

It was at this stage that big Dublin midfielder Darren Homan crashed a ball to net past Declan O'Keeffe who managed to get his hand to the ball but could not keep it out.

However, Kerry showed why they are champions and the double inside-forward threat of Johnny Crowley and Mike Frank Russell responded with crucial points.

As Dublin pressed strongly in the closing minutes, Kerry goalie Declan O'Keeffe proved equal to the task with two fine saves.

In the end, there was to be no fairytale finish for Vinny Murphy, who on this occasion failed to make his usual impact on entering the game as the Kerry defence, inspired by captain Seamus Moynihan, held out for a deserved victory.