Kerry boss Éamonn Fitzmaurice says that it's part of the Kerry DNA to "expect a tough challenge from Cork" as the sides prepare to meet in the Munster SFC final this weekend.

The Kingdom posted an impressive 32 points against Clare on their way to booking a place in this provincial decider against a Cork outfit who comfortably accounted for Tipperary in their respective semi-final.

Fitzmaurice admits that Kerry's 22-point win over the Banner earlier this month was a "very pleasing" performance, but stresses that his charges will face tougher assignments, including Saturday evening's clash with old rivals Cork.

"It's exciting for all of us," he told RTÉ Sport. "It's exciting for the fans and it's exciting for the players to be heading up to the new Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the first time.

"We know with Cork, there's going to be nothing easy up there, there never is. I think it's part of our DNA to expect a tough challenge from Cork and that's the way it will pan out I'm sure for the Munster final.

"I suppose the gap between the games is quite short. We hadd three weeks and [that was] perfect in many ways, going well so far."

Kerry had seven championship debutants in the side that faced Clare. That number included last year's minor star David Clifford, who came away with a personal tally of two points.

Fitzmaurice says that those newcomers will mature as the season progresses and "grow into those challenges as they come".

Seasoned defender Paul Murphy adds that the more experienced members of the squad are blending well with the young arrivals.

"It worked well against Clare, there's a good mix at the moment it's nearly half and half," he said.

"We feel training has been going well lately and are looking forward to getting down to Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the stadium looks great.

"We were looking forward to going there last year but unfortunately it didn't work out. Really looking forward to getting out there."

Follow all the football this weekend via our live blogs on RTÉ.ie and the News Now App, watch exclusive television coverage of Cork v Kerry (Saturday), Donegal v Fermanagh, and Dublin v Laois on RTÉ1, or listen to exclusive national radio commentary of all games on RTÉ Radio 1. Highlights on The Sunday Game at 9.30pm on RTÉ2.