Cork 1-25 Kerry 3-21
Kerry were pushed for the entirity of 90 minutes as they edged out Cork in a classic in Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
The game started off as most would have expected, Kerry looked to be in full flight kicking early and often with plenty of free space as David and Paudie Clifford ran riot coasting to a 0-07 to 0-02 lead.
Cork looked out of their depth as they trailled 0-11 to 0-04 at the half hour but suddenly Cork came to life with the last four scores of the second half, including a second two-pointer from Brian O'Driscoll to trail by just two at the break.
The hosts came out with intent as Brian Hurley scored a two-pointer to level things up but Kerry decided to kick into gear to pull four points clear.
The game looked done and dusted at the hour mark when Paul Geaney scored the first goal of the game to stretch the lead to seven but Cork remarkably battled back.
Cathal O'Mahony scored a much-needed two-point as Paudie Clifford saw red while Sean McDonnell scored a two-pointer of his own. A Chris Og Jones goal drew things level and a Ruairi Dean point put the Rebels ahead for the first time all game.
That, of course, was not the only twist that this game would take before the end of regulation. Sean O'Shea scored a goal upon his playing return but Cork held their nerves with points from Mark Cronin and a beauty from Eoghan McSweeney to force extra time.
In a week that saw Rory McIlroy and Manchester United cook up some of the best sporting drama you're bound to see, Kerry and Cork made sure to add themselves to that list.
It looked as if Cork might breeze extra time as they dominated the ball with their man advantage but after squandering a few chances they were handed a hammer blow as Sean Brady was given a soft red card.
David Clifford kicked the subsequent free and two-pointer and suddenly Kerry had momentum and a three-point lead.
Cork would rattle off four of the next five scores, includng an Eoghan McSweeney two-pointer to lead by one but Joe O'Connor, who was superb all game, scored a sucker punch of a goal with a stunning long range finish.
The hosts would try work one more two-point score to keep their day alive but saw the final effort drift wide with Kerry progressing to the Munster final.
Darragh Culhane
The winning goal
— GAA+ (@GAAPlusOfficial) April 19, 2025Joe O'Connor buries it - no stopping that one!
GAA+ clips brought to you by @AIB_GAA#TheToughest #CORVKER pic.twitter.com/BcSPB3YtUG
Darragh Culhane
Full time! Cork 1-25 Kerry 3-21
Shane Murphy's kick out goes out of play. It all comes down to the last play. This is it. for Cork and it HAS to be a two-pointer.
The hooter goes.
Brilliant pressing from Kerry.
Cathal O'Mahony shoots but it goes NARROWLY WIDE!
Kerry survive but we have probably watched the best game of 2025.
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-25 Kerry 3-21
David Clifford is penalised for throwint he ball and there can be no complaints. Cork get a reprieve and the ball is moved up.
89 minutes on the clock and O'Mahony takes a shot at the two-pointer from the free, but it's wide!
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-25 Kerry 3-21
Play resumes and guess who fielded the ball? Joe O'Connor. Sensational game from him.
Kerry happy to run down the clock with their two point lead
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-25 Kerry 3-21
Conor Cahalane's goal chance goes wide! What a game
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-25 Kerry 3-21
Joe O'Connor has been colossal in the middle of the park and it's another timely mark from him.
SPEAK OF THE MAN! WHAT A GOAL OUT OF NOTHING! Top corner from outside the 14 metre line.
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-25 Kerry 2-21
Brian O'Driscoll with a badly timed miskick that sails wide
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-25 Kerry 2-21
Cork take the lead! Conor Cahalane scores
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-24 Kerry 2-21
What a game this is. Kerry win the kick out and kick the ball in. Spillane with the equalising score.
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-24 Kerry 2-20
Cork win the next kick-out. Again, they are happy to slow things down. McSweeney scores a two-pointer, and Cork are in front!
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-22 Kerry 2-20
Chris Og Jones with a brilliant score
Darragh Culhane
Underway for the second half!
10 minutes to go as Cork trail by two, we're back underway
Darragh Culhane
Half time of extra time! Cork 1-21 Kerry 2-20
Cork just struggling to get a scoring opportunity. Chris Og Jones puts it wide and their shooting has abandoned them.
They win the next kick out as the hooter goes. Cork just lacking something to open up the Kerry defence.
Chris Og Jones has an advantage, and they'll have a chance of a two-point free after he misses.
Brian O'Driscoll surprisingly steps over this from the deck, but it's wide.
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-21 Kerry 2-20
Great work rate from both teams here as the clock ticks towards 80 minutes. Kerry force the turnover but Kerry disobeyed the 3v3
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-21 Kerry 2-20
Cork pressure the ball and win a free from close range for steps. The free is scored
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-20 Kerry 2-20
An absolute peach and a two-pointer from David Clifford
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-20 Kerry 2-18
Kerry back in front as David Clifford pops a score.
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-20 Kerry 2-17
Seán Brady is shown a red for a hit to the head. That looks like a bad call
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-20 Kerry 2-17
Mark Cronin's shot goes wide and Kerry will be thanking their lucky stars
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-20 Kerry 2-17
Goalscorer Chris Og Jones goes for goal but it's saved and goes for a 45.
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-20 Kerry 2-17
Another wide for Cork
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-20 Kerry 2-17
Taylor had too much time and put it wide in open space
Darragh Culhane
Ready to go!
The teams are back out and the coin toss made and we are ready to go.
Darragh Culhane
Extra time needed!
What a match in Pairc Ui Chaoimh! We'll have extra time now, starting in a couple of minutes. Hard to see who'll win this one with Kerry down to 14 men and without talisman Paudie Clifford
Darragh Culhane
Full time! Cork 1-20 Kerry 2-17
Kerry have possesion. Dylan Geaney's shot goes WIDE! Extra time it is.
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-20 Kerry 2-17
The hooter goes! There is time for one play. David Clifford thinks he has won the game, but it comes back for a free in the middle of the park.
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-20 Kerry 2-17
Cork win a free from the kick out. One minute to go and it comes down to this. Cork slow it down and you wonder will they go for a one pointer or two pointer?
Kerry defending the arc really well.
IT'S OVER AND IT'S LEVEL!
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-19 Kerry 2-17
This kick-out is huge. Joe O'Connor wins it and it's a massive moment in the game. David Clifford does all the hard work but MISSES right in front of goal from about five yards out!
Darragh Culhane
Cork 1-19 Kerry 2-17
High crossfield ball finds Sean Brady and that is the risk reward football Cork need. Kerry turn the ball over but Cork then swarm Kerry and win a free in front of goals.
Tapped over the bar and the gap is back to one. Mark Cronin the scorer.
Darragh Culhane
GOAL! Cork 1-18 Kerry 2-17
Great goal by Sean O'Shea, absolutely dire defending from Cork there. Great finish by the Kerry forward.
