KERRY GOLD

Armagh put to sword as Clifford shines for Kingdom in Killarney

- By PADDY TIERNEY

KERRY laid down a serious marker for their All-Ireland title defence with a 13-point win over Armagh in Killarney yesterday.

Jack O'Connor was able to get crucial minutes into the legs of Sean O'Shea with the Kingdom's All-Star attacker making a great late block on Oisin Conaty.

"It was fantastic to get Sednie (O'Shea) back," said O'Connor.

"A couple of weeks ago we didn't think he'd make it back, but the man is such a leader in the group that getting him out on the field and getting minutes into him is crucial. It just increases our options." Kieran McGeeney hopes the elder statesmen of his Armagh squad defer thoughts of retirement following their devastating defeat yesterday.