Analysis: Ultimately the difference between Kerry and Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday was a little composure in front of goal. Kerry's Declan O'Sullivan took his opportunity extremely well and that was the difference.

Cork were certainly up for it in the first half, taking the game to the reigning Munster and All-Ireland champions, but for all their dominance they never quite racked up enough scores during that period.

Kerry soaked up a great deal of pressure despite the fact that they were largely outplayed until the closing stages of the half, when they responded strongly.

That late surge before the interval seemed to be a catalyst of sorts for the Kingdom as they came out after the break with renewed purpose.

The Cork half-back line of Anthony Lynch, Noel O'Leary and Owen Sexton had been excellent in the opening 35 minutes, surging forward and providing their team with a numerical advantage in attacking terms.

The second half saw the Kerry half-back line, and in particular Tomás Ó Sé, take up the gauntlet and become equally effective in the other half of the pitch.

The winners increased the pace and tempo of their display - it was noticeable that the pace and quality of this match was a significant step up from the Connacht final - and worked very hard in sweltering conditions.

I thought the Kerry defence was magnificent in the second half. They worked very hard to back up one another, breaking up attacks and then surging forward to counter.

Cork were unfortunate in the injury sustained by Niall Geary that required him to be replaced at half-time. He had done a superb job on Colm Cooper, limiting him to just a single point.

Cork's attacking gambits were undermined a little by some of the substitutions; Philip Clifford was a case in point. He kicked one great point but was a little too charged when coming on and it took him a while to settle.

The introduction of Brendan Jer O'Sullivan also provided an example of a player whose industry was not matched by his finishing.

He created several opportunities for himself but kicked some poor wides from favourable positions. Conor McCarthy was also guilty of one bad miss.

For their part, Kerry will look at the opportunity spurned by Eoin Brosnan when he might have had a goal rather than a point.

Kerry will undoubtedly and deservedly remain favourites for the All-Ireland.

They demonstrated good teamwork, good leadership, strong defence and a touch of class in front of the posts, all prerequisites for championship-winning teams.

Cork have no need to despair. They pushed Kerry to the pin of their collective collars and contributed enormously to yesterday's spectacle.

They have some fine young players in John Hayes, James Masters and the hard-working Kevin McMahon, and if the team can improve a little and guarantee a greater return from the possession they earn, then they will prove very difficult to beat in the qualifiers.

Billy Morgan is definitely on the right track.