Kerry struggled to dispose of a determined Louth side at Austin Stack Park, Tralee, yesterday. The game was littered with too many frees and referee Kevin Walsh penalised players frequently for breaches of the hand-pass rule.

Kerry looked uninspired in the forward line, trainer Paudi O'Se Paidi O Se pulled a trump cards with the introduction of Maurice Fitzgerald in the 41st minute changed the game - he had a major influence and kicked two very valuable points from frees. Newcomer Gerry Murphy from Rathmore was a revelation on his introduction; he also scored two excellent points in the closing stages.

Kerry led 1-4 to 0-3 at half-time, their goal coming in the 18th minute when Donal Daly won possession at midfield and kicked a long pass to John McGlynn, whose efforts rebounded off the upright; but Daly followed through decisively. Louth hauled themselves back to within a point by the 54th minute when Alan Doherty converted a disputed penalty. Fitzgerald came to the rescue for Kerry, and his two points steadied the ship.

Kerry: D O'Keeffe; E Fitzmaurice, B O Se, K Burns; T O Se, M Hassett, E Breen; D O Se, D Daly (1-0); P Laide; D O Cinneide (0-2), J McGlynn, N Kennelly (0-1), L Hassett, J Crowley (0-2). Sub: M Fitzgerald (0-2) for P Laide; G Murphy (0-2) for D O Cinneide; W Kirby for J McGlynn.

Louth: C Nally; B Philips, B Keenan, G O'Neill; J Clerkin, J Donaldson, A Hoey; S O'Neill (0-1), S Melia; O McDonnell (0-2), C Kelly, M Farrelly; S White (0-1), C O'Hanlon, N Sharkey. Subs: A Doherty (1-0) for Sharkey; V Gargen for C Kelly; C Fitzpatrick for M Farrelly.

Referee: K Walsh (Clare).