A goal and three points apiece for corner-forwards Mike Frank Russell and youngster Colm Cooper sent Kerry roaring into an early first-half lead as Kerry went 12 points up at one stage.

However, a Phillip Clifford goal just before the break pulled Cork back into the game.

Kerry's full-forward line of Dara Ó'Cinnéide, Colm Cooper and Mike Frank Russell had scored within four minutes.

A point from Liam Hassett, two further points from Mike Frank Russell, and points from Cooper and Dara Ó Sé saw the Kingdom lead Cork by 0-07 to 0-01 - Cork's solitary point scored by captain Colin Corkery.

Mike Frank Russell blasted to the right corner of the net for Kerry's first goal, but Colin Corkery pulled two points back from frees.

However, youngster Colm Cooper scored Kerry's second goal coming up to the half-hour mark, and added a point.

Cork began a mini-revival with a Fionan Murray point before Phillip Clifford raised the crowd's spirits with a goal before the interval.

Kerry's Sean O'Sullivan tacked on another score to see Kerry take a nine-point lead to the dressingroom.