In the recent football match between Kerry and Mayo, Kerry emerged victorious after a hard-fought contest. This was the semi-final stage of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, one of the most prestigious competitions in Gaelic football. The final score was 1-18 to 0-13 in favor of Kerry.
The Build Up
Coming into the match, there was plenty of anticipation and speculation over the outcome. Kerry and Mayo are two of the strongest counties in Gaelic football, with a long history of success. Mayo were hoping to make their first All-Ireland final since 2017. Meanwhile, Kerry were aiming to reach their first final since 2019, when they claimed their 37th All-Ireland title.
In the lead up to the match, Kerry were slight favorites. They had home advantage, with the match taking place at Croke Park in Dublin. Kerry also had the benefit of rest, having played their quarter-final a week earlier than Mayo. However, Mayo’s performances in the earlier rounds were impressive, hinting that this could be their year. Most pundits predicted a tight contest that would come down to fine margins.
First Half
The first half was a cagey affair. Both teams started slowly, feeling each other out and unwilling to take too many risks. Kerry edged into an early lead with a pointed free from Sean O’Shea. David Clifford then found the net for Kerry’s goal in the 18th minute. However, Mayo responded well with points from Cillian O’Connor (2), Kevin McLoughlin and Aidan O’Shea to keep in touch. At halftime, the score was Kerry 1-5 to Mayo’s 0-6.
Second Half
Mayo got off to a good start in the second period. Cillian O’Connor cut Kerry’s lead with another point. But Kerry kicked into gear, with David Clifford landing three excellent points. As the game entered the final quarter, Kerry led by 1-11 to 0-9. It was a pivotal stage of the match.
Kerry effectively put the game to bed with an unanswered burst of 1-3 between the 55th and 60th minutes. Sean O’Shea, David Clifford and Stephen O’Brien all raised white flags. Then, in the 60th minute, David Clifford set up Paul Geaney for Kerry’s second goal. Although Jason Doherty pulled a goal back for Mayo, Kerry finished stronger to run out 1-18 to 0-13 winners.
Key Moments
Here are some of the key moments that decided the outcome:
- David Clifford’s 18th minute goal gave Kerry an early platform to build from.
- Kerry’s strong start to the second half denied Mayo momentum after the break.
- The period between the 55th and 60th minute when Kerry seized control with an unanswered 1-3.
- Paul Geaney’s goal in the 60th minute realistically ended the contest.
Match Statistics
Kerry | Mayo |
---|---|
1-18 (21) | 0-13 (13) |
12 Scores from Play | 6 Scores from Play |
45% Possession | 55% Possession |
While Mayo had more possession, Kerry were far more clinical. They scored 1-18 from just 45% of possession, while Mayo scored 0-13 from 55% possession. Kerry’s goals proved crucial in deciding the outcome.
Player Ratings
Here are some player ratings from the match (out of 10):
Player | Rating |
---|---|
David Clifford (Kerry) | 9 |
Sean O’Shea (Kerry) | 8 |
Cillian O’Connor (Mayo) | 7 |
Aidan O’Shea (Mayo) | 6 |
David Clifford was man of the match after scoring 1-5 for Kerry. Sean O’Shea also impressed by finishing with 0-7. For Mayo, Cillian O’Connor worked hard for 0-5, while Aidan O’Shea battled well but failed to make an impact on the scoreboard.
Manager Reaction
Kerry manager Jack O’Connor was understandably delighted after the match:
“I’m absolutely thrilled with the performance and the result. We started a bit nervously but once we got the goal I felt we settled. It was a real team effort. Mayo are an excellent side and were always going to take stopping.”
Mayo boss James Horan was magnanimous in defeat:
“Disappointing obviously to lose but I have to credit Kerry. They took their goal chances, were clinical with their shooting and deserved the win. We just didn’t do enough in those key moments to prevail.”
What Next?
Kerry’s reward is a final showdown with Galway in the All-Ireland decider on July 24. It will be the first meeting of the sides in the final since 2000. Kerry will be chasing a 38th All-Ireland title, while Galway are seeking their 10th crown and first since 2001.
For Mayo, another All-Ireland dream is over for another year. Since last winning Sam Maguire in 1951, Mayo have lost 11 All-Ireland finals. James Horan faces a big job to lift his talented but unlucky team ahead of the 2023 championship.
Conclusion
In the end, Kerry had too much class and took their scoring chances when it mattered. David Clifford proved the difference with a world class display, ably supported by Sean O’Shea’s accuracy from frees. Mayo can have few complaints after being outscored 1-18 to 0-13. Kerry now look forward to another All-Ireland final and the chance to claim a 38th Sam Maguire crown.