KINGDOM IN HEAVEN

O'Shea shines as Kerry get revenge on holders Armagh

- By KARL O'KANE

JACK O'Connor hailed Sean O'Shea's "different level" leadership after the Kenmare star kicked Kerry past Armagh and into an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Tyrone in a fortnight.

O'Shea hit 12 points at Croke Park in yesterday's All-Ireland quarter-final as the Kingdom emphatically avenged last year's defeat in the final four by Kieran McGeeney's holders.

A stunning 10 of those 12 points came from play, with O'Shea nailing three two point-ers — all from play — and not having a miss from nine shots.

What the stats don't show is O'Shea's response after Rory Grugan crashed to the Kerry net on 28 minutes to put Armagh ahead for the first time, after Dylan Casey erred in backed off a Shane Ryan short kickout, which was dribbling out of the arc.

Ryan immediately put the ball down and seconds later, up at the other end, O'Shea kicked for one point. Soon afterwards, he launched over a two pointer, meaning he'd effectively wiped out the goal in less than three minutes.

Armagh gave O'Shea far too much space, probably preoccu pied with closing off David Clifford's goal threat, and he took full advantage, shooting the lights out, while goalkeeper Ryan was superb, making an incredible fingertip save from Tiernan Kelly in the first half.

"He's (O'Shea) just such a genuine young fella," said O'Connor. "Just the way he speaks and the way he commands the dressing room. David (Clifford) is a one-off and he's just a massive talent.

"But Seánie is just a very mature young fella who commands the room and commands the group. We missed him more than anyone in the Meath game when he wasn't there. Not alone does he play well himself, he just commands the boys around him.