Derry, even without key players such as Oliver Collins, retained Division One status, something they feel they should have achieved long before the relegation play-off business at Parnell Park on Saturday.

With no small influence from former Tipperary under-aged star John O'Dwyer, it was a lot easier than the score suggests. O'Dwyer knocked home 1-3 while Geoffrey McGonagle and Gregory Biggs shared 11 points.

Coach Kevin McNaughton feels that this, the only NHL success enjoyed by his side, will instil the confidence they need for the upcoming Ulster championship with Down.

For Kerry, positional switches at the start did not inspire confidence - Tommy O'Halloran, originally listed at left-half forward, lined out in goal.

Derry: K Stevenson; E McKeever, C Murray, N Mullan (0-1); B Ward, C McEldowney, D McCloskey; S McCartney, M Conway (0-3 one free, and 65); R O'Hagan, K McKeever (0-1), D Doherty (0-2); G Biggs (0-5), G McGonagle (0-6 two frees), J O'Dwyer( 1-3). Subs: M Collins for McKeever 57 mins.

Kerry: T O'Halloran; A Begley, M McCarthy, A Cronin; W O'Leary, I Brick, P Cronin; K O'Sullivan, D Slattery; J Maher (0-1), O Diggins, B Shanahan (1-1); C Walsh (0-2), JJ Canty, S Morris (1-0).

Referee A MacSuibnhne (Dublin).