AFTER the weekend’s All-Ireland minor final victory, it’s two down, one to go for the Red Hands, who now focus on capturing Sam Maguire to complete the set of national football titles.

They say that things always come in threes, so who are Malachy O’Rourke and co to upset a good storyline after the perfect set-up by the U20s and the minors?

Many a football fan could have predicted the Kingdom’s appearance at this late stage, especially after their National League title in the spring, but the Ulster side were only touted for the last four in quiet corners of Omagh, Coalisland and Magherafelt by the most optimistic of fans early in the season.

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Their relegation from the top flight in the Allianz National Football League led to doubt growing like weeds in the O’Neill county; however, an agonising defeat to the bitter neighbours to the southeast in the provincial semi-finals gave a glimmer of hope, as it showed they could still stay within touching distance of the top teams.

Despite being drawn into what turned out to be the tightest group in this year’s All-Ireland series, with every score counting by the third round of fixtures, Tyrone came out on top, even beating Ulster champions Donegal in Ballybofey on the way, a statement win for the 2021 All-Ireland winners.

A hard-fought result against Dublin at Croke Park was the latest step in their roadmap to a historic All-Ireland success, ending what turned out to be Dessie Farrell’s swansong season early.

Up next is a familiar foe in Kerry, who have undergone a revival this season after a couple of scares along the way have shocked the Kingdom into form.

A close call with Cork in the Munster championship and a loss to this year’s surprise package of Meath have been the fuel that was needed for the green and gold to dig in and show out, making a statement to teams and fans that they never left.

Cavan never stood a chance against a fired-up Kerry side in Killarney, and they came the real test of Armagh in Croke Park, a repeat of last year’s semi-final, which caused the Orchard county’s fans to spread the Orange fever up and down the country.

Kerry stopped the steamrolling reigning champions from getting a step closer to a repeat of last summer’s glory with a phenomenal performance in which they neutralised the attacking threat altogether for a large chunk of the second half.

These two teams are evenly matched, with attacking options on both sides capable of turning the tide in this game, from Kerry’s David Clifford and Seánie O’Shea to the Canavan brothers and U20 star Eoin McElholm of Tyrone, but this could be won and lost in between the sticks for a different reason, with every ball won counting for so much more this year and kickouts becoming more crucial than ever, as well as distance scoring.

Niall Morgan and Shane Ryan are two of the country’s top shot-stoppers and boast three All-Stars between them in the last decade, so a clash of the keepers could ensue in Croke Park this Saturday.

When and where will Tyrone take on Kerry in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final?

Tyrone will take on Kerry in their All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final on Saturday, July 12 at Croke Park, Dublin.

Throw-in is scheduled for 5pm.

Where can I watch the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final between Tyrone and Kerry?

Tyrone and Kerry’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final meeting will be available to watch on RTÉ2’s ‘The Saturday Game’ and BBC Two NI’s ‘GAA Live’.

Also, you can keep up to date with the All-Ireland semi-final between Tyrone and Kerry on The Irish News’ website through our live blog.

Where can I get tickets for the All-Ireland football semi-final between Tyrone and Kerry?

Tickets for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-finals are available through Ticketmaster.ie