In this post, we have a Kerry v Tyrone prediction for you ahead of what is set to be an absolute cracker in this All-Ireland SFC semi-final.
The two counties share one of the great rivalries of modern Gaelic football, with Tyrone having beaten Kerry en route to all four of their Sam Maguire wins. Kerry won the most recent Championship encounter between these teams in 2023 and will be hoping to repeat that feat this Saturday.
Below is a comprehensive betting preview, including team form, key players, injuries, betting odds, and tips.
Kerry v Tyrone Match Details
Date: Saturday, 12 July 2025
Throw-in: 5:00 PM
Venue: Croke Park, Dublin
Broadcast: RTÉ 2, RTÉ Player, BBC Two. gaaplus.ie will provide coverage of the game for those outside of Ireland.
Referee: Joe McQuillan
Kerry v Tyrone Odds
Team | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Kerry | 1/2 | 66.7% |
Tyrone | 9/4 | 30.8% |
Draw at full-time | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Kerry are comfortable favourites going into this All-Ireland semi-final against Tyrone at odds of 1/2.
Tyrone (9/4), on the other hand, will need to upset the odds if they are to advance to their first All-Ireland Final since 2021.
The sides being level when the full-time whistle blows can also be backed at 7/1.
Team By Team Preview
Kerry
Path to the Semi-Final : Kerry delivered a stunning performance in the quarter-finals, defeating defending champions Armagh by eight points (0-32 to 1-21) with a remarkable 0-14 unanswered rally in the second half.
Strengths : Kerry’s attacking line, led by Sean O’Shea (0-12 vs. Armagh) and David Clifford (0-7), is in scintillating form. Their ability to dominate kick-outs, as seen against Armagh, and their depth with players like Paudie Clifford make them formidable.
Weaknesses : Kerry have been inconsistent at times this season, with a loss to Meath in the group stage. Their reliance on key players like O’Shea and Clifford could be exploited if Tyrone’s defence is disciplined.
Motivation : After falling short in last year’s semi-final to Armagh, Kerry are highly motivated to reach the final and end a 3-year wait for an All-Ireland title since their last win in 2022.
Tyrone
Path to the Semi-Final : Tyrone topped their All-Ireland Group, defeating Donegal in Ballybofey and pulling off an impressive late surge to beat Dublin in the quarter-finals. They’ve been under the radar but consistent.
Strengths : Tyrone’s midfield duo of Conn Kilpatrick and Brian Kennedy is one of the best in the country, providing a platform for their kick-out strategy led by Niall Morgan. Forwards like Darragh Canavan and Darren McCurry can be game winners when on form.
Weaknesses : Tyrone’s attack has been less prolific than Kerry’s, with key man Darragh Canavan just notching up 3 points last time out against Dublin. Darren McCurry is another key attacker who underperformed as he went scoreless from play in that game. They also face injury concerns, with Michael McKernan ruled out due to a shoulder injury.
Motivation : Tyrone, managed by Malachy O’Rourke, are aiming for their first All-Ireland final since 2021, when they last beat Kerry in the semi-final. Their history of raising their game against Kerry adds an interesting historical context to this matchup.
The Kerry v Tyrone Rivalry – Head-to-Head Context
The teams last met in the 2023 All-Ireland quarter-final, where Kerry won convincingly (2-18 to 0-12).
Tyrone’s semi-final wins over Kerry in 2003 and 2021 (after extra time), plus All-Ireland Final wins against the Kingdom in 2005 and 2008, show that they can upset Kerry in big games.
There will be plenty of talk about the historical context of this rivalry in the lead-up to the game. Is it overrated? Probably. With that said, there is no doubt more pressure on this Kerry squad to advance against a Tyrone outfit.
Key Players to Watch
Kerry
Sean O’Shea : His 0-12 against Armagh showcased his accuracy from frees and play. Tyrone will need to limit his influence.
David Clifford : Despite a quieter first half against Armagh, he finished with 0-7. Padraig Hampsey, who struggled against him in 2023, will look to redeem himself.
Paudie Clifford : A playmaker who links defence and attack, his vision is crucial.
Tyrone
Darragh Canavan : The son of Tyrone legend Peter Canavan, his pace and scoring ability are vital. Will likely need to produce 5 points or more for the Red Hand County to have a chance of winning this semi-final.
Niall Morgan : His kick-out precision will be key against Kerry’s press. Also, his place kicks, both from ‘45s and long-range 2-point efforts, will be important to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Tyrone.
Injury News
Kerry
Out : Tom O’Sullivan (injury), Diarmuid O’Connor (injury), Barry Dan O’Sullivan (injury).
Doubts : Tony Brosnan, Tadhg Morley, Mike Breen, and Paul Geaney are fitness concerns, which could impact squad depth.
Despite these absences, Kerry’s performance against Armagh showed they can cope, but further injuries could stretch them.
Tyrone
Out : Michael McKernan (shoulder injury, confirmed to miss the game).
Tyrone’s squad is relatively healthy otherwise, giving O’Rourke flexibility.
Key Betting Tips
Under 46.5 Points (Evens) : High-stakes semi-finals often produce low-scoring games. In light of Kerry’s second-half semi-final scoring outburst, expect Tyrone to employ a more defensive approach here, which will likely make this a game of fewer possessions and scores.
Seanie O’Shea 3+ Points Each Half (5/6, boosted from 8/11) : O’Shea’s 0-12 against Armagh shows his scoring reliability. His free-taking and accuracy from play make this a great value. Tyrone’s physical style will likely see them concede fouls, giving O’Shea opportunities.
Kerry to Win Both Halves (7/4): At odds of 7/4, this looks value. When Kerry are at their best, nobody can live with them. Evidence of this was on display in their quarter-final hammering of All-Ireland champions Armagh. A danger to this bet could be if The Kingdom are up by a big score at half-time and they let their foot off the break, but I think at these odds it’s worth a bet.
Kerry v Tyrone Prediction – The Kingdom To Book Spot in another Final
Prediction : Kerry 1-22, Tyrone 0-19
Kerry’s attacking depth and experience give them the edge, despite missing O’Sullivan and O’Connor. Tyrone’s counter-attacks, led by Canavan, could exploit defensive gaps, but their injuries and lack of goals may limit them. The Clifford-Hampsey duel and midfield battle will be key.
Kerry’s second-half performance against Armagh makes them favourites, but Tyrone’s ability to raise their game against the Kingdom cannot be underestimated. Expect a close first half, with Kerry pulling away late if they maintain their kick-out press and O’Shea/Clifford deliver the goods.
Best Bet: Kerry -3 – Evens
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