GREEN AND SOLID GOLD

KERRY 2-25 TYRONE 0-27 All-Ireland SFC Quarter-final

- BY PADDY TIERNEY

KERRY survived an almighty scare to edge past a gallant Tyrone challenge in a tense quarter-final dogfight in Croke Park yesterday.

It took a last-minute goal from substitute Armin Heinrich to finally settle this contest in favour of the Kingdom.

Tyrone appeared to have the All-Ireland champions on the ropes in the second half but couldn't land a knockout blow, despite another brilliant appearance off the bench from Darren McCurry.

The Edendork sharp-shooter kicked 0-6 when introduced against Mayo and plundered 0-10 against Kerry, including a brace of two-point frees.

However, Malachy O'Rourke's men will rue two missed goal chances in the second half.

Shane Murphy made a point-blank save to deny Ronan Cassidy and then Eoin McElholm then appeared to have the goal at his mercy when put through by Mattie Donnelly, but his effort clipped the topside of the bar and went over instead of under.

Tyrone could not afford to pass up such opportunities.

The Kingdom ended Tyrone's season last year with a more comprehensive win than their six-point margin of victory would suggest.