Kerry demolish Tipperary with minimal fuss

Kerry shook off a little rust but were never extended beyond second gear in a 20-point thumping of Tipperary that sends them into the Munster final.

It was the type of mismatch where Tony Brosnan could bounce the ball between his legs basketball-style without fear of losing possession but otherwise offered poor entertainment for the 6,939 fans in attendance at Fitzgerald Stadium.

The only goal chance was a first-half penalty taken by Brosnan but Michael O'Reilly got down to his left to make a fine save.

Tipperary had conceded in advance they wouldn’t be winning this game. Kerry would be too respectful to admit it but they could never imagine losing it either.

Thus, it came down to whatever lessons could be gleaned from a game played at training-ground pace.

There was no hint of experimentation about Jack O’Connor’s selection, who settled on three changes from the All-Ireland final; one enforced by David Moran’s retirement, the other two for Brian Ó Beaglaioch and Stephen O’Brien, who made their seasonal returns from injury in the second half.

In came Paul Murphy, Dara Moynihan, and Brosnan in their stead.

As Tipp looked to slow down proceedings at every opportunity, the game went eight minutes without its first shot (a Jack Kennedy wide) and 10 before its first score from Paudie Clifford. As the Fossa forward kicked that point, Kerry keeper Shane Ryan was the only player outside the Tipp 65.

Kevin Fahey had produced three early turnovers, one with Moynihan bearing down on goal, and he nailed an equaliser despite slipping as he shot.

Kerry slowly warmed to their task. They kicked four in a row before Colm O’Shaughnessy’s 45-metre punt drifted over and another six from there to the half.

Three times Tom O’Sullivan picked Tipp open