Kerry hurlers kept yesterday's early supporters in the canal end happy with victory in the under-21 "B" hurling final.

At times it didn't seem right for Kildare to be relegated to the catching up role but that was their fate each time Kerry struck the net.

All three goals were well taken. The first by Paul Galvin in four minutes, the second two minutes into the second half by Collin Harris, a neat flick off a Galvin centre, and the third by substitute Maurice Murnane with eight minutes remaining.

Kerry can also boast of their manner in which their final tally was compiled, only two of their points coming from placed balls by Willie Joe Leen.

Kildare were strong down the middle with Ronan O'Malley at full back Robbie Spain at centre back and Tom Carew, scorer of eight points, on the 40 doing really well.

Kildare captain Tony Spain got his team on level terms with some four minutes remaining but Sean Twomey's point saw Kerry home.

Kerry: J Whelan; T Cronin, M Hannafin, S Harty; G Barrett, P Sheehy, P Deeihan; WJ Leen (0-2, free and 65), C Flaherty (0-1); C Harris (1-0), I Maunsell (0-1), P Galvin (1-2); S Twomey (0-3), B Darcy, M Regan. Subs: T B O'Connor for T Cronin (18 mins). T McKenna for S Harty (28 mins). M Murnane (1-0) for P Deenihan 41 mins.

Kildare: P Ryan; S Gleeson, R O'Malley, A Carr; S Brennan, R Spain, A Walshe; N O'Callaghan (0-1), A Flaherty; C Buggy (0-4), T Carew 0-8 (four frees and 65), A Dunne (0-1); B Byrne, T Spain (0-3), J Gleeson. Subs: S Buggle for Carr (48 mins).

Referee: E Morris (Dublin).