Anthony Maher believes Kerry's substitutes got them over the line today.

Paul Geaney, in particular, made a big impact by scoring three points after replacing Kieran Donaghy at half-time as the Kingdom finished strongly to edge out Tyrone at a rain-soaked Croke Park. 

"In fairness fellas dug in when it went level, you could see our subs coming in again today taking the ball when we were under pressure and driving it on," the Kerry midfielder told RTE.

"Paul Geaney came on in Omagh (in the league last April) and changed the game as well for us that day. Every sub was hungry to get on the ball and make an impact."

Maher wasn't surprised by the ferocity of Tyrone's challenge.

"It was a big game for us as a group. We've come up against a lot of tests and this was another step along the way. We played Tyrone in Omagh in the league and we'd a fierce battle up there as well," he continued.

"You have to give credit to Tyrone. In fairness to Mickey Harte he's building another team again, they won the U21 All-Ireland. We gave them fierce respect coming in here today, it's just great to get over the line."

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