On a sizzling summer evening at Croke Park, Kerry showcased their championship pedigree by securing a hard-fought 1-20 to 0-17 victory over Tyrone in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final on July 12, 2025. This win propels Kerry into the All-Ireland final, where they will face either Donegal or Meath on July 27, continuing their storied pursuit of Sam Maguire glory.
The match began with Tyrone asserting early dominance, capitalizing on Kerry’s slow start to take an initial lead. Points from Ciarán Daly, Darragh Canavan, and Kieran McGeary put the Red Hands ahead, while Shane Ryan’s crucial save from Darren McCurry kept Kerry in the contest. Despite the early pressure, Kerry gradually found their rhythm with scores from Dylan Geaney, David Clifford, and Seán O’Shea, leveling the game and setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
David Clifford, the Fossa forward, was the standout performer of the night, finishing with an impressive tally of 1-9, including a goal and a two-pointer. His defining moment came in the 29th minute when he received an inch-perfect pass from Mike Breen, deftly rounded Tyrone goalkeeper Niall Morgan, and slotted the ball into the net, igniting the Kerry supporters and swinging momentum firmly in the Kingdom’s favor.
Despite the goal, Tyrone remained resilient, with Mattie Donnelly scoring just before halftime to keep the deficit to a single goal. The half-time scoreboard read Kerry 1-9, Tyrone 0-9, reflecting a tightly contested battle with both sides eager to seize control in the second half.
Manager Malachy O’Rourke expressed his frustrations post-match, highlighting Tyrone’s difficulties in securing frees, with referee Joe McQuillan awarding only one free in the first half. “You don't like complaining about referees and one thing or another. You're always sort of biased towards your own, but I did think that we were finding it hard to win frees, there’s no doubt about that,” O’Rourke said. He also lamented Tyrone’s shooting woes and poor shot selection, which ultimately cost them dearly in the crucial stages.
In the second half, Tyrone initially looked to capitalize on the wind advantage, with Darragh Canavan quickly adding three points within seven minutes. However, Kerry responded emphatically, producing a stunning 0-9 unanswered run in the third quarter that effectively sealed the contest. Tyrone’s inability to convert scoring opportunities was glaring, as they registered six wides in this crucial period, undermining their efforts to claw back into the game.
Joe O’Connor was a revelation for Kerry, earning the Man of the Match accolade with a commanding midfield performance that stifled Tyrone’s advances and contributed vital scores. O’Connor’s two points in the second half helped Kerry extend their lead and maintain control. Killian Spillane also made a significant impact off the bench, adding two points and injecting fresh energy into the Kingdom’s attack.
Kerry manager Jack O’Connor, now preparing for his eighth All-Ireland final as manager, praised his team’s maturity and composure. “This is a mature team. A lot of these guys are a good age and they’ve been around a while. This was a mature performance,” he said. Reflecting on the match, he noted, “We got to grips around the middle of the field in the second half. That was the big thing. It was a more rounded performance than the Armagh game. The Armagh performance was a bit freakish. This was a more rounded performance.”
Despite Kerry missing several goal chances that could have doubled their lead, their dominance was undeniable. David Clifford’s clinical finishing and the collective effort of the team ensured that Tyrone’s late rally was insufficient. Ruairí Canavan’s late two-pointer and other scores from Darragh and Seanie O’Donnell proved to be too little, too late for the Red Hands.
The match was played under scorching conditions, with temperatures soaring and players visibly affected by the heat. Kerry’s back-room staff were seen providing ice packs to players during warm-ups to combat the heat stress. The physical and mental demands of playing in such conditions added another layer of challenge to this high-stakes encounter.
Team changes ahead of the match saw Kerry start with Paudie Clifford and Mark O’Shea, while Tyrone introduced Eoin McElholm and Ben McDonnell in place of Peter Harte and Rory Brennan. These tactical decisions added intrigue to the clash, with McElholm’s inclusion receiving a warm reception from Tyrone supporters.
The semi-final kickoff at 5pm set the tone for an evening of intense Gaelic football, with both teams determined to book their place in the All-Ireland final. Kerry’s victory adds to their illustrious history, marking their return to the final after their 2022 championship triumph. David Clifford will be eyeing his second All-Ireland medal, while Jack O’Connor’s leadership continues to be a cornerstone of Kerry’s sustained success.
Looking ahead, Kerry now await the winner of the upcoming Donegal versus Meath semi-final, scheduled for July 13, 2025, with coverage available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two NI. The anticipation builds as the Kingdom prepares for what promises to be a thrilling All-Ireland final showdown on July 27.
Ultimately, Kerry’s blend of experience, skill, and tactical nous proved decisive against a determined Tyrone side. The Red Hands fought valiantly but were undone by missed chances and Kerry’s clinical finishing. As the season progresses, Kerry’s focus will sharpen on adding another chapter to their rich footballing legacy.
