Being the hunted has often led to misery in Gaelic football’s new era, but few could have predicted the astonishing manner in which Kerry flipped the script on Armagh in Sunday’s All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park.
Twenty four hours after Monaghan squandered a seven-point lead to lose by six to Donegal, Kerry turned a five-point deficit into a nine-point cushion during a second-half spell of unchecked power that prised Sam Maguire from Armagh’s grip.
The key to Kerry triggering Armagh’s capitulation was the Orchardmen’s kick-out, which many thought would be an integral platform for the holders.
But during the third quarter, Kerry destroyed Armagh in the middle of the field.
Time after time, Ethan Rafferty – whose kicking prowess has been a big weapon for Armagh this year – failed to find his team-mates, leading to a green and gold wave and score.
Galvanised by Paudie Clifford’s half-time introduction, Kerry scored 14 unanswered points – including a couple of two-pointers – to effectively kill the contest with 15 minutes to spare.
By the end, Kerry lost just six of their 27 kick-outs, while Armagh only won 20 of their 33. It opened the door for Kerry to score 30 points from play.
In terms of shot conversion, Kerry scored 27 times (32 points in total) from 36 shots, while Armagh scored 18 (24 points in total) from 34 efforts.
Inspired by the irrepressible Seanie O’Shea, who struck 0-12, Kerry showcased a clinical edge while Armagh were left to reflect on chances not taken.
