Whelan: Fresh Dublin faces central to Tralee victory

A first win in Tralee for more than four decades will be a huge boost for Dessie Farrell's new-look Dublin, according to former player Ciarán Whelan.

Playing into a stiff breeze at Austin Stack Park, the Boys in Blue toiled in the opening 35 minutes as Kerry found their range. Despite dominating possession, Farrell’s could find little penetration and trailed by 11 points at the interval.

The wind was always a significant factor, so while a Dublin comeback was always likely, limiting the hosts to just three points after the resumption – one of those a tap-over Sean O’Shea free for a breach of the three-up rule – was a real statement from the visitors.

Ciarán Kilkennyand player of the match Seán Bugler led the Dublin charge, but Whelan says the performances of those looking to stake claims for starting championship spots was most pleasing.

"The new players stood up," Whelan said. "Luke Breathnach came on and kicked a two-pointer, Lorcan O’Dell kicked two two-pointers.

FT: Kerry 1-15 Dublin 0-19 Lorcan O'Dell got two two-pointers as a big impact sub.