Kerry secured a 3-20 to 1-17 win over Cavan in their first All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final, but the victory came at a cost with injuries to Mike Breen and Diarmuid O'Connor.

The win over Cavan was a significant improvement from their previous defeat to Meath, but concerns over the injuries of key players have raised questions about Kerry's chances in the upcoming quarter-finals.

Kerry will now face Monaghan, Tyrone, or Armagh in the next round, but with players like Mike Breen, Paul Geaney, and Tony Brosnan sidelined, the team's title-winning credentials are under scrutiny.

Despite the injuries, Kerry put up a strong performance with David Clifford scoring a hat trick of goals to lead his team to victory. However, missed goal opportunities and a brief resurgence from Cavan in the second half kept the game competitive.

Clifford's goals were crucial for Kerry, with his first two coming in the early stages of the match. Cavan managed to narrow the lead at one point in the second half, but Clifford's third goal sealed the win for Kerry.

While Kerry's performance was not flawless, they managed to outplay a struggling Cavan team. Paddy Lynch was a standout player for the visitors, but Kerry's overall dominance secured their spot in the next round against more Ulster opposition.

Key players for Kerry included Shane Ryan, Paul Murphy, and David Clifford, who played pivotal roles in the team's victory. Despite the challenges posed by injuries, Kerry's determination and skill were evident throughout the match.

As Kerry prepares to face tougher competition in the upcoming quarter-finals, the team will need to address their injury concerns and maintain their strong form to advance further in the All-Ireland SFC.