Both sides exchanged a pair of scores each in the opening four minutes; Paddy Lynch converting free-kicks to keep Raymond Galligan’s side level.
However, David Clifford slotted home a goal on seven minutes to give Kerry some daylight.
A Niall Carolan black card on 11 minutes looked like opening-up an opportunity for Kerry to take control of proceedings. However, their credit, Cavan’s defence stood firm.
The 14 men of Cavan managed to hold out for nine minutes before Conor Geaney’s goal was followed up by David Clifford’s second goal of the day. Clifford added a two-pointer.
Paddy Lynch proved to be Cavan’s best outlet, recording a pair of two-pointers of his own before the half-time interval.
Kerry keep the pressure on
However, Kerry remained prolific. Clifford and Sean O’Shea converting a two-pointer each to keep Kerry in control.
Cavan had a job on their hands in the second-half. However, but had reason to be optimistic as they were playing with the wind in the second period.
Lynch started the second-half with the same flair that he showed in the first, but a 45 from Shane Ryan and another for Clifford, making it 2-7 for Clifford at this point, kept Cavan at arms distance.
However, a goal in the 16th minute of the second half from Evan Crowe sparked inspiration into Raymond Galligan’s team.
Cavan followed up with an Oisin Kiernan two-pointer along with one for Padraig Faulkner to get back within six points.
Another Paddy Lynch two-pointer left Cavan four points behind before Kerry landed a sucker punch in form of a third goal, David Clifford once again the scorer.
A two-pointer free from Shane Ryan was the insurance that Kerry needed to seal victory and their place in the quarter-final to face Armagh.
Kerry progressed winning out 3-20 to 1-17.
