Cork produced a superb all-round display to power past Kerry by 10 points in Tralee, sealing their place in the Munster Minor Football Championship final with a game to spare. Despite missing key players, the Rebels showed composure and quality throughout, taking control after a steady start and never looking back.

Playing into a strong breeze in the first half, Cork were clinical and efficient, building a commanding nine-point lead by the break. Their attacking play was sharp, highlighted by a well-worked goal finished by Eoghan Ahern, while Ben Hegarty kept the scoreboard ticking with accurate frees.

With the wind at their backs, Cork maintained their grip in the second half. Strong defending, including crucial blocks from Gabriel Oronsaye, ensured Kerry never gained real momentum. Late goals from Riley O’Donovan and Luke O’Neill capped an impressive performance.

Scorers for Kerry: D Keane 0-7 (1 2pt, 0-2 f), D Laide 1-1, D Lane 0-3 (0-1 f), L Mac Gearailt, D Murphy, C Moynihan 0-1 each.

Cork: B Hegarty 0-6 (0-5 f), R O’Donovan 1-3, E Ahern 1-2 (0-2 f), A O’Herlihy 0-3, L O’Neill 1-0, K O’Shea, R Twohig (1 2pt f) 0-2 each.

KERRY: C O’Donnell (Tarbert); E Mangan (Austin Stacks), J Breen (Listowel Emmets), C Clifford (Dr Crokes); D Murphy (Listry, capt), S Clifford (Listry), M Corridon (Ardfert); M Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht), T Slattery (Na Gaeil); L Mac Gearailt (An Ghaeltacht), D Keane (Kilcummin), J Collins (Ballymacelligott); D Lane (Austin Stacks), O Buckley (Beale), S Scroope (Legion).

Subs: J Ziober (Milltown/Castlemaine) for C Clifford (11-14, temp), C Moynihan (Rathmore) for S Scroope, D Laide (Finuge) for O Buckley (both h-t), T Lenihan (Churchill) for T Slattery (45), P O’Sullivan (Firies) for M Corridon (51), T Kenneally (Listowel Emmets) for J Collins (55).

CORK: R Twohig (Kilmeen); R McCormack (Midleton), G Oronsaye (Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels), C Garvey (St Finbarr’s); D O’Sullivan (Erin’s Own), C Downing (Adrigole), E Lynch (Ballincollig); K O’Shea (Urhan), P Kelly (Naomh Abán); E Ahern (Carrigaline), B Hegarty (Ballinora), J Miskella (Ballincollig, capt); A O’Herlihy (St Finbarr’s), J Barry (Aghinagh), D Herlihy (Shamrocks).

Subs: R O’Donovan (Barryroe) for J Barry (42), L O’Neill (Carbery Rangers) for D Herlihy, P O’Connor (Lisgoold) for R McCormack (both 50), M Corkery (Nemo Rangers) for J Miskella (51), M Power (Charleville) for C Garvey (58).

Referee: Eoin Keane (Clare).