Kerry had too much power for Tyrone in the last game of Sunday’s card as they easily annexed the win. Winning all the individual battles paved the way for the substantial victory, with the displays of Mike Fitzgerald and Robbie Moran excellent.
It was all Kerry in the first half at the end of which they had a six point advantage, 1-6 to 0-3. It could have been much more, but they were taking the foot off the gas on occasion.
The goal arrived 13 minutes in from Darren Moore, who finished well when given the opportunity. Liam Carthy did have back to back points from distance in the 23rd and 25th minutes, but they were the only reasons to cheer on a tough afternoon for Tyrone.
As the game continued into the second half, the Kerry scores mounted. Robbie Moran and Darren Moore added goals to the total with clinical finishes. As the subs were introduced off the bench, the training exercise was a stroll.
While Kerry will not read much into this encounter, they will be happy with the early season form of Sean Kelly, Mike Jim, Moran, Moore and Gary Driscoll.
The long, drawn out Paddy Kelly transfer affair also came to a close, with the powerful midfielder donning the shirt of his native Kerry for the first time.
While Tyrone was decimated in the transfer window, they showed spirit in battling against the odds in this encounter. Joe Bell never gave up; Daniel Jackson, Liam Carthy and Barry McElduff were others who showed flashes.
Kerry: 1 Shane Clifford, 2 Darren Courtney, 3 Kieran O’Connor, 4 James Huvane, 5 Sean Kelly (0-1), 6 Mike Nester, 7 Kieran Scannell (0-1), 8 Paddy Kelly, 9 Mike Fitzgerald (0-1), 10 Keelan Hickey (0-2), 11 Robbie Moran (1-2), 12 Ross Donovan (0-1), 13 Darren Moore (2-1), 14 Gary Driscoll (1-2), 15 Niall Fitzgerald (0-2). Subs: Steve Gomez, Ger Sullivan, Dermie Foley.
Tyrone: 1 Aiden Donnelly, 2 Brian McNaughton, 3 Joe Bell, 4 Niall McGuire, 5 Steve Keating, 6 Daniel Jackson, 7 Michael Gallagher, 8 John Power, 9 Darren Docherty, 10 Adam Fitzgerald (0-1), 11 Liam Carthy (0-3), 12 Paul Hagen, 13 Gerard McFettridge, 14 Barry McElduff (0-3), 15 Barry Lennon.
Referee: Brian Quinn.
Man of the match: Mike Fitzgerald (Kerry).
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