Kerry booked their place in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final after overcoming Dublin 2-18 to 0-20 in a gripping semi-final at Croke Park on Sunday afternoon.

Jack O’Connor’s side will now face Mayo in the All-Ireland final after a composed second-half display saw the Kingdom pull away from Dublin in the closing stages.

The game burst into life inside the opening three minutes when Kerry were awarded a penalty. Although Evan Comerford saved David Clifford’s initial effort, the Fossa forward reacted quickest to hammer home the rebound and hand Kerry the perfect start.

Dublin responded well and gradually settled into the contest. Cormac Costello led the way with a series of frees, while Colm Basquel and Con O’Callaghan helped the Leinster champions edge in front. However, Sean O’Shea’s late point ensured the sides went into the break level at 0-11 to 1-8.

Dublin started the second half brightly and opened up a two-point advantage, but Kerry responded devastatingly. Sean O’Brien found the net in the 42nd minute after getting the final touch to Dylan Geaney’s delivery, swinging the momentum firmly in Kerry’s favour.

The Kingdom continued to turn the screw as Paudie Clifford and Sean O’Shea added crucial scores before David Clifford produced when it mattered most, landing a superb two-pointer and a late insurance point to keep Dublin at arm’s length.

Despite late scores from Brian Howard, Sean Bugler and Niall Scully, Dublin couldn’t find the goal they desperately needed as Kerry’s defence stood firm.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-18 to 0-20 victory for Kerry, sending the Kingdom into an All-Ireland final meeting with Mayo at Croke Park in what promises to be a fascinating decider.

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