Christy Ring Cup:Kerry advanced to the Christy Ring Cup semi-final for the time after today's 4-21 to 2-12 victory over Derry in Mullingar. Mayo also reached the last four with a 1-16 to 1-10 win over Kildare in Athleague.
Shane Brick and John M Dooley were the standout players for the Kingdom with the latter hitting all four goals. Brick was arguably more impressive as he recorded a personal tally of 15 points such was his impressive finishing.
Kerry’s first goal came in the opening 30 seconds after centre back Tom Murnane sent in a long range free. A disorganised Derry defence allowed Dooley in to find the net from close range.
Oisín McCloskey opened Derry’s their account from a free and were level after a succession of points 15 minutes into the game. McCloskey and Ruiairi Convery both struck accurately from frees, with the latter hitting Derry’s first point from play.
For 20 minutes were confined to scoring just one point as McCloskey edged the Ulster side in front for the first time in the latter stages of the first half.
However, Kerry came good before the break with former Tipperary player Evan Sweeney hitting a couple of excellent points, and Brick converting from a free to ensure Kerry’s 1-6 to 0-8 lead at the break.
Derry went back in front within two minutes of the restart when Convery scrambled home a goal.
Kerry were forced to move corner forward Sean Young into goal when John Healy suffered an injury, and the stand-in goalkeeper was beaten within minutes when substitute Malachy Scullen flicked to the net.
Kerry finished much the stronger and in the final 25 minutes however, with Brick firing over a series of fine long-range scores.
There was no way back for Derry when Dooley smacked home two goals in the space of a minute for his hat-trick, and he made it four in stoppage time.
Elsewhere a strong second half display saw Mayo advance to the semis. The Lilywhites led 1-7 to 0-7 at the break courtesy of a 21st-minute goal from Paul Divilly with Keith Higgins and Derek McDonnell keeping Mayo in touch.
However, the introduction of Cathal Freeman (0-5) spurred on the Connacht side with Kilkenny native David Dowling sealing victory with a kicked goal in the 67th minute.