Kerry ease to convincing Joe McDonagh win against Down

Last year's beaten Joe McDonagh Cup finalists Kerry looked determined to go one step further this season as they claimed a one-sided victory over Down at McKenna Park in Ballycran.

The 12-point winning margin wasn't flattering for the Munster men.

Ruairí McCrickard found a late consolation goal to provide some gloss for the off-colour Down men, but Stephen Molumphy’s Kingdom defended stoutly all afternoon.

Kerry defender Fionan MacKessy was sublime in the sweeping role and, such was his assurance, all green and gold prospered in front of him. Midfielder Eoin Ross also put his hands up for the man of the match award and his goal helped the visitors fly off to the perfect start.

When Ross finished from close range his side was 1-04 to 0-01 to the good. Starman Shane Conway landing three in a row but such was the one sided display Conway was not as relied upon by the Kingdom.

Down were on double digits in the wide column midway through the first half and Pearse McCrickard stood up to try and get his side in the game. Two long efforts from the sideline cut the gap somewhat but Kerry led 1-09 to 0-06 at the interval.

McCrickard landed the first score of the second half but it would be a false dawn for the Mourne men as Kerry duly took over in the third quarter. A scoring blitz of eight points to one sealed the game. Conway brought his tally up to eight for the day and Darragh Shanahan landed two fine points.

With Kerry rampant Down's confidence was low and matters were compounded more when they struck the crossbar and post. Substitute Ruáirí McCrickard was fouled for his effort that hit the post but his penalty was expertly saved by John B O’Halloran.

Kerry ran the bench and Niall Mulcahy and Dan Goggin contributed hansomely with