Cian O'Neill optimistic of Kerry's next generation 

Kerry did the bulk of their scoring early on, using the wind to run up a 1-8 to no score lead, hitting the interval 1-14 to 0-6 clear and holding on then for a two-point win as Kildare rallied with the stiff breeze.

NEXT GENERATION: Kerry's Liam Smith in action against Kildare's Callum Bolton during the Gaelic Football Challenge Match. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

SF Challenge: Kerry 1-18 (1-1-16) Kildare 0-19 (0-2-15)

Cian O'Neill is optimistic about some of Kerry's promising development squad members being retained throughout January and on into the National League campaign.