Sligo are through to the All Ireland U20 Football Championship Final.

Paul Henry's side overcame Tomas O'Sé's Kerry today, making the decider for the first time in history.

Ronan Niland's early goal put Sligo into the lead, which they held throughout most of the game.

With Sligo captain Canice Mulligan was forced off early with injury, Dillon Walsh out through illness and Matt Henry out through injury, Sligo had to dig deep going up against a strong Kerry in the second half.

Four points from William Shine and a couple from Robert Monaghan kept Kerry close and they pushed Sligo to the wire.

In the latter stages, Luke Marren ticked scores over to put Sligo one up.

Substitute Brian Byrne put Sligo two up with an instant impact, before Daire O'Boyle got the insurance score to secure victory.

Kerry were reduced to 14 men just before the final whistle when Cian O'Donoghue penalised for a high challenge on Joshua Flynn.

Sligo will now wait to see their challengers in the All Ireland final, with Kildare and Down meeting in the second semi final in Parnell Park this evening.

 

Full time score from Pearse Stadium:

Sligo 1-8 (11) Kerry 0-9