Longford 0-11 Kerry 1-12:The theory that Kerry cannot win the All-Ireland without Kieran Donaghy on the pitch was further strengthened today after 'Star's' departure in the second half prompted the Kingdom's implosion and a near heroic Longford revival at Pearse Park.
As the focal point for the Kerry attack throughout the first half, Donaghy played no small part in establishing a nine-point lead at the break, but when an ankle injury saw him replaced by Barry John Walsh in the 47th minute Kerry’s game was unrecognisable for the loss.
After scoring 1-10 in the first half, Jack O’Connor’s side managed just two points in the second and recorded no wides. Though Longford battled back valiantly, they ultimately paid the price for some wasteful finishing.
On the evidence of the first half, they should have never been anywhere near Kerry.
Donaghy was targeted with the long ball from the off and repeatedly secured possession for Colm Cooper and co, though it was Tommy Walsh’s ninth minute goal that really set Kerry on their way after each side had registered a point each.
Seán O’Sullivan, Cooper, Donncha Walsh and Declan O’Sullivan then pointed as Kerry threatened to run riot.
Paul Barden replied for Longford but Cooper and Donaghy combined again for another Gooch point.
Given the chance though, Barden looked a danger and Diarmuid Murphy had to be at his very best in the Kerry goal when producing a superb double save to deny the Longford man a lifeline of a goal.
David Barden was soon added to the attack and immediately pointed to announce himself with the last score of the half.
Tommy Walsh scored first after the break but the Barden’s and Longford had found something during the break. Both pointed either side of a Kevin Smith free before Walsh added what was to be Kerry’s last score of the half.
Donaghy left the pitch after landing awkwardly and the Kingdom never recovered.
Longford, however, wasted a number of chances before Paul Barden scored seven minutes later and David brought them within six with 10 minutes to go.
Paul added another, as did Smith, but in between there were too many costly wides form the homeside and Kerry limped over the line.