It was 7 points between them in the end but it took until the 70th minute for Dublin to break free of Kerry. The 2011 All Ireland champions will have the chacne to reclaim their crown as they triumphed over Kerry at Croke Park this afternoon by a score of 3-18 to 3-11.
A Kevin McManamon goal in the final moments of normal time put Dublin 3 points ahead and from there a point from Kevin Connolly and a final goal from Eoin O’Gara rubbed salt into Kerry’s wounds.
Kerry led for most of the game following an early flurry of goals and it wasn’t until 50 minutes into the game that the Dubs regained the lead. From there on it passed back and forth, with points from Darran O’Sullivan, Colm Cooper and Dean Rock were exchanged.
In the end however the Dubs burst free as substitute - and hero of the 2011 final between these two sides – McManamon surged into the Kingdom half and sent his shot beyond the reach of Kealy in the Kerry goal and into the top corner. From there on there was only going to be one winner.
Dublin will now face Mayo in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park on September 22nd.
Image: Dublin's Bernard Brogan celebrates a score
©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
