Munster JFC Final/ Kerry 0-12 Cork 1-8: Cork had their attempt at a four-in-a-row of titles thwarted by a fired-up Kerry in this mediocre final at Austin Stack Park, Tralee.
Kerry, who last claimed the title in 2002, were rocked by a goal scored in the opening minute by Billy Dennehy.
Kerry responded with points from John Buckley, Stephen Wallace and Ronan McAuliffe as they levelled the contest, but both sides were guilty of dreadful shooting.
Three late Kerry points from Niall Fleming, Wallace and John Buckley saw Kerry lead 0-6 to 1-2 at the interval.
Kerry, with senior panellist Bryan Hickey outstanding at centre back and Wallace proving an ideal target man, took over in the third quarter, and added five points.
Cork rallied with two Colin Weste frees and a point from Fiachra Lynch, but a magnificent effort by team captain Wallace saw Kerry take a four-point advantage into the final 10 minutes.
Cork got frees from Weste as their opponents brought their tally of wides to 13, but Kerry hung on to win by a single point after a far from inspiring contest.
SCORERS - Kerry: S Wallace 0-3; J Buckley 0-2; R McAuliffe 0-2 frees; A Garnett, N Fleming, M Murphy, C Daly, K Foley 0-1 each. Cork: B Dennehy 1-0; C Weste 0-4 (0-3 frees); P Cahill, M O'Sullivan, F Lynch, P Fitzgerald 0-1 each.
