All-Ireland SFC: Kerry break Tyrone hearts in epic quarter-final

Malachy O’Rourke opted for a tactical change at the start of the second half, handing Niall Devlin the task of tailing David Clifford.

The All-Ireland champions outscored Tyrone 0-5 to 0-2 in the opening 10 minutes of the half, Dylan Gainey and David Clifford (free) extending their lead to five from two-point range.

In reply Darren McCurry came off the bench and immediately sprung into action nailing a solid two-point free.

The Ulster side had a chance to level from the next attack, Donnelly feeding McElholm, but a brave stop by Shane Murphy saw his corner narrowly narrowed.

Kerry held off a Tyrone charge on around 50 minutes. Sean O’Shea, upfield, squared the ball to Dylan Gainey on the edge of the area and his pass was hit over the goal gap.

The warning shot fired up the men in white and red, as they hit the next three points, with McElholm and McCurry shooting over, before McElholm put one through the crossbar between the fiery side as many waited for the net to explode.

Dylan Gainey was in inspired form and kicked the next three scores, including his second two-pointer.

Not to be outdone, McCurry landed his second two-pointer from the free, as Carey was penalized for failing to keep three players on the attack. When Donnelly followed up with his third of the day, the sides were just a point apart with 15 minutes remaining.

McCurry and David Clifford began their own individual battles on the scoreboard with little to separate the teams, before Paudie Clifford went down in the 45′ after a controversial try, which Tyrone players felt, only for the umpire to award 45′.

Super-sub McCurry kicked his eighth and ninth points to keep it at one with three to play.

Paudie Clifford and McCurry traded tries heading into the final play of the match, with Kerry winning their own kick-out as Armin Heinrich netted at the hooter as Tyrone desperately tried to win the ball back in the death.