BANK OF IRELAND ALL-IRELAND SFC QUARTER-FINAL:

Kerry 2-15 Mayo 0-18

It was a strange second half for Mayo who, having got themselves back into their Bank of Ireland All-Ireland SFC quarter-final clash with Kerry, allowed the initiative to slip and the defending champions to run out 2-15 to 0-18 winners to seal an All-Ireland semi-final date with Cork.

Mayo trailed 1-7 to 0-9 at the interval with Kerry's goal coming from a splendid 5th minute finish by Colm Cooper, but the Westerners surged back on the resumption with a Ciaran McDonald point to bring the sides level.

When it looked as if Mayo were about to put it up to the All-Ireland champions, Kerry responded with a crucial second goal, midfielder Darragh O'Se gathering a Colm Cooper sideline kick on the edge of the square to finish to the net, giving his side a three-point advantage again.

It was a cruel blow for Mayo but Kerry went on to control most of the remainder of the game, kicking some splendid points with substitute Paul Galvin picking off three fine examples.

During the closing 10 minutes Kerry used their compliment of substitutes and their play became somewhat sloppy, allowing Mayo to claw away at their lead. With three minutes remaining Kerry led by six points, but it was Mayo who put in a storming finish with points from substitute Andy Moran, Ciaran McDonald and Austin O'Malley to leave just three points separating the sides.

But time ran out for last year's All-Ireland finalists, and it is Kerry that move on to the semi-finals and a repeat of the Munster final meeting with neighbours Cork.

Kerry manager Jack O'Connor was not happy with his sides finish, describing it as sloppy. "I was happy with the performance but not too happy with the way we finished up at the end. We got very sloppy and allowed Mayo to get back within three points of us. But I would like to compliment Mayo on their display," he said.

Mayo boss John Maughan pointed to Darragh O'Se's goal as the crucial score. "It was a real killer blow coming so quickly after we got level. I cannot fathom out how we did not control that crossfield sideline kick from Colm Cooper. Our defence was caught ball watching and paid the penalty.

"Despite the defeat," he continued, "I'm proud of the way the team kept battling right to the end. We kicked a total of 0-18. That's a score that would win many games but you cannot afford to give away goals to a side like Kerry."

SCORERS:
Kerry - C Cooper 1-1, MF Russell, P Galvin 0-3 each, D O'Se 1-0, E Brosnan 0-2, M O'Se, A O'Mahony, W Kirby, D O'Cinneide (45), L Hassett, D O'Sullivan 0-1 each.
Mayo - C McDonald 0-6 (3fs), A O'Malley 0-5, A Dillon 0-4 (4fs), B Moran, D Heaney 0-1 each.