MICK O'DWYER made a successful return to managerial duties when Kildare defeated his native county in Division One at Newbridge yesterday.
There was little to choose between the sides for most of the game and the decisive score, an Eddie McCormack goal, arrived five minutes before the end.
Kerry started the game without the influential figure of Maurice Fitzgerald who picked up an injury playing for his club in the South Kerry final on Saturday. Sean Burke, named at full back, was also ruled out because of injury.
The wet and windy conditions contributed to many errors during a free ridden game. Two scores by Dara O Cinneide helped Kerry to a 0-3 to 0-1 lead at the end of the first quarter. This advantage was gradually eroded and three successive Kildare scores gave the home side a lead they never subsequently lost.
Kildare's first goal arrived five minutes before half time when full forward Martin Lynch score from a penalty. O Cinneide, the afternoon's top scorer, replied with another point but Kildare went on to lead by 1-5 to 0-5 at half time.
Kildare upped their performance in the second half. Three unanswered points from Johnny McDonald put them ill a particularly strong position.
Kerry recovered to come within two points of the visitors, but McCormack's goal restored Kildare's winning position.
Kerry finished the game with 14 players following the dismissal of Eamon Breen shortly before the end. An injury time penalty by O Cinneide was goaled, leaving Kerry a point down at the whistle.