Despite Meyler admitting after the game that his side "hadn't much preparation put in beforehand", the Kingdom dug deep to qualify for another All-Ireland decider.

Kerry led by 2-6 to 0-10 at the interval thanks to two goals from Dara O'Connell.

Very little could separate the sides for the majority of the opening half - they were locked level at 1-5 to 0-8 in the 22nd minute.

Although Kildare broke two points clear thanks to the efforts of Paul Fitzgerald, Kerry finished strongly with O'Connell netting his second goal to open up a two-point interval.

Kildare did well to battle back and take the lead on the restart, but Kerry showed the greater resilience as they held on to a two-point buffer at the death.