Kerry's quarter‑final win leaves Tyrone's Kilpatrick braced for recovery

Kerry secured a 2-25 to 0-27 victory over Tyrone in the All‑Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter‑final, a result that will linger for the Red Hands. Conn Kilpatrick, Tyrone midfielder, described the defeat as one that “will take a while to get over.”

Jack O'Connor's side booked a spot in the last four and moved a step closer to defending their title. The win puts Kerry on the brink of a repeat championship.

Malachy O'Rourke was left frustrated by “really, really harsh calls” in Dublin. Kilpatrick echoed his manager's thoughts on the officiating.

"It's a disappointing result and one that'll take a while to get over to be honest," Kilpatrick told NI. He added that they were right in the game for large parts and a few decisions didn't go their way.

Kilpatrick said the boys put a massive shift in the game. He noted that Kerry are champions for a reason but Tyrone's belief fell short on the day.

Kilpatrick described the campaign as tough, including an Ulster Championship preliminary‑round exit to eventual winners Armagh. He reminded that Tyrone are still waiting for their first Sam Maguire title since 2021.

Tyrone now await their next opponent Monaghan, who face Louth in their quarter‑final, the Ulster final team. The upcoming match keeps Tyrone's hopes alive for next year.

Kilpatrick concluded that the squad will return, add to the team, and that Tyrone are not finished yet. He expressed optimism for future campaigns.