Kerry overcome brave Clare challenge to set up final date with Cork

Kerry 1-17 Clare 1-13

Kerry advanced to a Munster final showdown with old rivals Cork but only after overcoming a brave challenge from Clare at Cusack Park.

The Kingdom had to come from behind and finished with 14 men when Anthony Maher picked up a second yelliw card, but they finished strongly to advance.

Clare deservedly led by 1-8 to 1-7 at half-time despite suffering an early double blow when wing-back Shane Hickey received a black card after five minutes and then three minutes later Kerry debutant corner-back Paul Murphy drilled low into the net from a tight angle to put the Kingdom 1-1 to 0-2 in front.

But Clare, with Podge Collins full of running, did not panic, even when another debutant Paul Geaney increased Kerry’s lead after 13 minutes.

The Bannermen enjoyed their best spell with Shane Brennan, Shane McGrath and Enda Coughlan all hitting points to tie the match after 18 minutes.

Then Clare hit the front when a great run by Podge Collins ended with McGrath blasting to the back of the net.

The Kerry response was impressive. Declan O’Sullivan settled them with a point and further efforts from Paul Geaney and Anthony Maher restored parity again at 1-5 apiece after 22 minutes.

Sean Collins and Stephen O’Brien exchanged points before Geaney hit his thirtd point of the half.

However, Clare finished the half strongly with David Tubridy levelling from play and then edging them in front at the break with a 20 metre free.

Bryan Sheehan was outstanding for Kerry in the third quarter and they surged ahead with points from Stephen O’Brien, Paul Geaney and Sheehan.

Enda Coughlan pulled one back for Clare and there were just two between them 15 minutes from the end.

But Sheehan and Declan O’Sullivan doubled that lead and further scores from Paul Geaney and Barry John Keane put them two goals to the good.

Clare never gave up and late points from Eoin Cleary and David Tubridy kept them in touch but they were unable to bridge the gap.

Scorers — Kerry: P Geaney 0-6; B Sheehan 0-4 (0-1f); P Murphy 1-0; S O’Brien 0-2; Declan O’Sullivan 0-2 (0-1f); A Maher 0-1; M Geaney 0-1; BJ Keane 0-1.

Clare: S McGrath 1-2; D Tubridy 0-4 (0-2f); E Coughlan (0-2); S Brennan 0-1; M O’Leary 0-1; S Collins 0-1; R Donnelly 0-1; E Cleary 0-1.

Kerry: B Kelly; P Murphy, M O Se, S Enright; P Crowley, K Young, F Fitzgerald (P Kilkenny 67); A Maher, D Moran (A O’Mahony 22); Darran O’Sullivan (D Walsh 36), B Sheehan, M Geaney (J Lyne 55); S O’Brien (BJ Keane 63), Declan O’Sullivan, P Geaney (K Donaghy 67).

Clare: J Hayes; M Mc Mahon, K Harnett (S McNelis 53), D Ryan; C Russell, G Kelly, S Hickey (J Malone, black card, 7); G Brennan, S McGrath; S Collins, P Collins, S Brennan (C O’Connor 60); M O’Leary (R Donnelly 44), D Turbidy, E Coughlan (E Cleary 69).

Referee: D Gough (Meath).