Goals Prove Decisive as Kerry Overcome Dublin
Paudie Clifford delivered a man of the match performance, contributing five points as Kerry secured a 2-18 to 0-20 victory over Dublin in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final on Sunday.
In challenging heat at Croke Park, Jack O'Connor's team managed to overcome a resilient Dublin side. Despite Dublin's efforts, including 12 wides and missed goal opportunities, Kerry maintained their advantage. This match marked the first championship encounter between the two rivals since Dublin's triumph in the 2023 All-Ireland final. While Dublin, managed by Ger Brennan, had a productive campaign with wins over Donegal and Galway, Kerry remained a step ahead.
David Clifford, although subdued for significant periods, finished with 1-6, benefiting from Kerry's strategy to involve him in play. Meanwhile, his older brother Paudie was instrumental, orchestrating play and scoring five points.
For Dublin, Con O'Callaghan was effectively contained, but teammates Cormac Costello and Colm Basquel contributed well. However, their efforts were insufficient as Kerry advance to face Mayo in the final scheduled for Sunday, 26 July.
Clifford Strikes Early but Dublin Stay Competitive
David Clifford opened the scoring with a goal in the third minute.
Dublin initially took the lead with a two-point free from Costello, but Kerry responded swiftly when Sean O'Shea was fouled inside the penalty area by Peadar O Cofaigh-Byrne. Clifford's penalty attempt was saved by Evan Comerford, but he scored on the rebound.
This early exchange set the tone for the first half, with both teams trading scores and demonstrating caution in their attacks. Kerry showed greater efficiency, with Clifford adding one more point, and contributions from Graham O'Sullivan, Dean O'Shea, and Paudie Clifford, each scoring two points.
Dylan Geaney missed a significant chance to double Kerry's lead when he failed to convert a loose ball near the goal, opting to score a point instead.
Dublin created multiple scoring opportunities but were hampered by five wides in the first half. Basquel scored two points, Costello added three (from frees and play), and O'Callaghan, closely marked by Jason Foley, managed a two-pointer when given space.
Approaching halftime, Dublin scored three consecutive points to briefly regain the lead, but an O'Shea score leveled the game at 0-11 to 1-8, setting up an engaging contest.
Kerry Secure Second Goal to Gain Control
Dublin dominated the early stages of the second half, controlling restarts by goalkeeper Shane Murphy and scoring three points.
It took nearly five minutes before Murphy found a Kerry player. After a patient build-up, David Clifford's shot was blocked. Dublin countered with O'Callaghan advancing on goal, but Murphy's save deflected the ball onto the post, preserving Kerry's lead.
Kerry responded with a second goal when Clifford's shot was deflected by Sean O'Brien off the underside of the crossbar, nullifying Dublin's momentum.
Dublin's Charlie McMorrow replied with a point, but Paudie Clifford scored two points as Kerry gained more possession and Dublin's shooting difficulties persisted.
David Clifford and Sean O'Shea added points on either side of a Costello score, extending Kerry's lead to five points entering the final quarter, with Kerry's confidence growing.
Dublin's wides increased to double digits as they created another goal chance when substitute Ross McGarry was through on goal. Murphy made a crucial save onto the post, and a subsequent attempt was cleared off the line by Paul Murphy and Mike Breen.
Despite this threat, Dublin managed only a point from Costello during this period. Kerry continued to add points, maintaining a comfortable lead.
With four minutes remaining and Dublin trailing by four points, their wides continued to mount. They reduced the deficit to a goal in the final minute, but Kerry regained possession, and Clifford secured the victory with an insurance point.
Kerry's experience ultimately secured the win, while Dublin will reflect on a missed opportunity.
Teams and Scorers
Kerry: Shane Murphy; Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Dylan Casey; Graham O'Sullivan (0-2), Mike Breen, Gavin White; Mark O'Shea, Sean O'Brien (1-0); Joe O'Connor, Paudie Clifford (0-5, 1x2p), Diarmuid O'Connor; David Clifford (1-5, 1x2p), Sean O'Shea (0-4, 1x2p, 1f), Dylan Geaney (0-1).
Subs: Brian O Beaglaoich for G O'Sullivan (43), Keith Evans for S O'Brien (47), Evan Looney for P Murphy (59), Armin Heinrich for G White (59), Tomas Kennedy (0-1) for D Geaney (63)
Dublin: Evan Comerford; Alex Gavin, Eoin Kennedy, David Byrne; Lee Gannon, Theo Clancy, Charlie McMorrow (0-2); Peadar O Cofaigh Byrne, Brian Howard (0-2); Niall Scully (0-1), Ciarán Kilkenny, Colm Basquel (0-3); Paddy Small (0-2), Con O'Callaghan (0-2, 1x2p), Cormac Costello (0-7, 1x2p, 1x45).
Subs: Cian Murphy for A Gavin (50), Ross McGarry for P O Cofaigh-Byrne (55), Sean Bugler (0-1) for E Kennedy (58), Sean Guiden for P Small (63)
Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare)
