Kerry’s Kieran Donaghy saw red in Castlebar as Mayo beat Kerry 1-11 to 0-11 to avenge last year’s All-Ireland final defeat.
Donaghy was dismissed for his second yellow card eight minutes into the second half, as John O’Mahony’s Mayo side deservedly took the Division 1A points.
The hosts, inspired by new captain Kevin O’Neill, led 0-06 to 0-05 at the interval.
Only Colm Cooper and Bryan Sheehan offered Kerry hope up front, and Pat Harte’s 59th-minute goal gave Mayo the necessary buffer.
Alan Dillon (0-04) and Peader Gardiner (0-03) looked sharp for the victors who had Trevor Mortimer sent off late on.
