Kerry in a different class as forwards let loose

Kerry 4-26 Waterford 1-4:KERRY CRUSHED an outclassed Waterford side at Austin Stack Park last night. The Waterford defence was at sixes and sevens for most of the first half as Kerry ran riot.

Kerry, with James Walsh lording matters at midfield, raced 0-5 to 0-1 clear inside the opening quarter with points from Chris Brady, Conor Cox, James Walsh, and Kieran Hurley (two), while Gavin Nugent got Waterford’s sole reply.

Kerry moved up a gear in the second quarter with goals from Galvin in the 19th minute, Cox on 21 minutes, Hurley after a superb catch in the 27th minute and a bullet-like drive from Stephen O’Brien just on half-time to leave them leading 4-12 to 0-2.

The second half was exhibition football from this free-scoring Kerry side. Excellent scores followed from Cox, Hurley, Marc Reen and Shane O’Carroll as Kerry moved 4-19 to 0-2 clear by the 40th minute, a lead of 29 points they maintained to the end.

Kerry boss Eamon Fitzmaurice emptied his bench and with Éanna O’Connor kicking three points and Reen two Waterford failed to raise a gallop. They finally scored after a 26 minutes drought when Paul Power converted a 48th minute free and five minutes later Blake O’Connor got a consolation goal.

KERRY: P O’Sullivan; M Galvin, M Griffin, F McNamara; P Kilkenny, J Sherwood, P Murphy; D O’Sullivan, J Walsh (0-1); S O’Carroll (0-2), C Brady (0-2), S O’Brien (1-2); I Galvin (1-1), C Cox (1-7, 0-2f), K Hurley (1-5). Subs: M Reen (0-2) for S O’Brien (half-time), G O’Grady (0-1) for K Hurley (36 mins), P Lucey for D O’Sullivan (36 mins), E O’Connor (0-3) for C Cox (47 mins), M Brennan for S O’Carroll (47 mins).

WATERFORD: E Cahill (0-1); B Power, C Flaherty, R Ó Ceallaigh; M Power (0-2, frees), D Foley, J Power; D Connolly, R Cahill (0-1); E Walsh, M Scurry, B O’Connor (1-0); P Power, G Nugent, S Kirwan Subs: M O’Halloran for D Connolly (22 mins), M Wyse for M Power, C Crowch for Ó Ceallaigh, J Prendergast for S Kirwan (all half-time), D Purcell for E Walsh (59 mins).

Referee: Keith O’Brien (Tipperary).

Next Up . . .

The Munster final, between Kerry and Cork is scheduled for Wednesday, April 11th at Austin Stack Park, Tralee (extra-time if necessary).