Kerry are through to the Christy Ring Cup final but must wait to learn who their opponents will be.

In this afternoon's semi-finals, on-song Kerry claimed a comfortable-in-the-end 1-14 to 0-9 victory over Kildare at Tralee while Meath and Down played out a scintillating draw at Trim, which ended 1-25 to 2-22 after extra time.

In Tralee, there was little to separate the teams during the opening period but the Kingdom just about shaded it to lead by 0-7 to 0-4 at the turnaround. It would have been even closer had not the Lilywhites seen an early first-half penalty saved.

Daylight appeared between the sides shortly after the restart when Shane Nolan's goal made it double scores, 1-9 to 0-6. Kerry never looked back from that point and went on to book their place in the final with plenty to spare.

Those who attended the other semi-final at Trim were treated to an unforgettable match.

The Ardsmen led by 2-11 to 1-9 at the end of a pulsating first half. Paul Braniff hit the Down goals after four and 26 minutes, while Peter Durnin netted for the Royals at the midway stage of that riveting opening period.

The second half continued in a similar vein and the impressive Stephen Clynch clipped over a late point to force extra time: 1-20 to 2-17 after the regulation 70 minutes.

Three more Clynch points - including two 65s - brought his personal tally to 0-13 as the Royals led by 1-23 to 2-18 at half time in extra time. Midfielder Donal Hughes was the visitors' only scorer during that ten-minute period.

Down had the slight breeze behind them again for the crucial last ten minutes and they were quickly level thanks to Conor Woods and Braniff.

In a tense finale. Braniff edged the Ardsmen ahead before Clynch levelled again with two minutes of the 90 remaining. Amazingly, there was still time for Johnston to put Down back in front … and for Clynch to equalise right at the death from a 20-metre free!

Thus, a replay will be needed to determine who goes on to face the Kingdom at Croke Park on June 8th. Tweet

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