For the first time since 2017 Kerry are sitting at the top step in Munster as a stunning second half performance saw the Kingdom banish their previous disappointments over their old foes Cork.

They say a game is never won in the first half and Kerry showed that this afternoon. Trailing by three at the break Kerry kicked on and with Emma Dineen finding the net late in the opening half and in the final minutes of the second it gave Kerry a boost to end their wait for silverware.

Danielle O’Leary was a superstar for Kerry and was their main catalyst when it came to scoring. Dineen back this year was also a big boost as after three final defeats since 2017 to their old foes they finally got over the line.

Kerry shot out of the trap the better of the sides, O'Leary opened the scoring after four minutes before the sharpshooter added two quick scores to put Kerry into a three point lead by the 11th minute. 

Cork responded as Katie Quirke pointed in the 13th minute and Rachel Leahy did similar seconds later to carve the deficit to a point. Melissa Duggan levelled matters at the end of the quarter as Cork started to find their rhythm.

A pointed Qurike free from close range gave Cork the lead and it was one they would not squander in the opening half. The final ten minutes Cork started to get some breathing room against their neighbours. 

Laura O’Mahony, Quirke (free) and Aoife Healy all added scores for a 0-7 to 0-3 lead after 27 minutes. Quirke and O’Mahony added further scores to push Cork six clear as half time was closing in.

Kerry did spring to life in the closing stages of the opening half, Danielle O’Leary pointed a free to end a 19 minute wait for a score, Kerry closed the deficit further when Emma Dineen pounced on a dropping ball into the square and fisted to the net. Cork ahead 0-10 to 1-4 at the break.

O’Leary gave first blood to Kerry at the start of the second half, Lydia McDonagh soon replied to cancel any momentum Kerry built up in the early exchanges. When Kerry needed an answer O’Leary delivered.

Converting three points to level the tie ten minutes into the second period. Off the bench Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh pointed at the end of the third quarter and Kerry nudged themselves ahead 1-9 to 0-11.

O’Leary made it a two point game with 47 minutes elapsed and two minutes later captain Niamh Carmiody struck a rocket from range to make it a three point game. Dineen soon delivered a second goal, piercing the heart of the Cork rearguard and Dineen rolled the shot to the bottom left hand corner for a 2-11 to 0-11 lead after 52 minutes.

Quirke replied with a free but Ní Mhuircheartaigh slotted over a free in between Quirke adding another score. Kerry ended the game with a flurry, Carmody, Ní Mhuircheartaigh and O’Leary with scores to put the game beyond doubt.