Kerry have ground out a five-point win over Derry to book their spot in the All-Ireland Football semi-final against Armagh after a subpar performance from their stars.
Despite being the most hotly anticipated game of the weekend, the reality of today's performance was far from lighting the world on fire, with both sides cruising through the motions, trading point for point in an opening half that was devoid of any excitement. While the second half was marginally better, it was far from the spectacle we were treated to in last year's semi-final.
Speaking to RTÉ after the game, a visibly muted Paudie Clifford summed up the reality of the game - saying exactly what everyone else was thinking about watching the game and explaining why Kerry went down that route.
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Paudie Clifford highlights the difficulty of providing entertaining football against Derry
While he was happy with the win, Clifford was well aware that the performance was far from the spectacle people were expecting but explained that it was the reality of playing against the blanket defence.
You're trying anything really (to score against a blanket defence) just trying to get a yard to get a shot off, to try keep the shots as high percentage as possible but obviously you can't at all times.
It was never gonna be the greatest watch in the world but you just can't play open football against that kind of a style - its just gonna be a up and down like a game of tennis.
"We've put a big emphasis on having a big impact from the bench."
Paudie Clifford was "absolutely delighted" with the Kerry subs #sundaygame pic.twitter.com/ehstvbpvda
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 30, 2024
If Paidí's words weren't enough, his smirk and reaction say it all - as the Kerry captain visibly attempts (to no avail) to find the words to describe the game.
While it was Kerry's first big test of the Championship, their top stars struggled to get out of the blocks, with their late changes ultimately proving the difference and breaking the deadlock that for long parts of the game seemed everlasting.
With Kerry leading by three at the end of regular time, we seemed set for a championship finish. However, barring an uncontested point from a roaming Odhran Lynch, little phased Kerry as they returned swift retribution and comfortably saw out their five-point win.
Paudie's assessment summed up what was a muted performance from both sides, but ultimately a controlled execution from Kerry that saw them deprive Derry of possession in the second half and ensure that they were in poll position to keep their summer rolling.
Kerry will now take on Armagh in the All-Ireland Football Championship semi-final, where they'll have had plenty of practice against the blanket defence.
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