Monaghan suffered their first defeat of the new Allianz League division one campaign after losing 3-15 to 1-12 to Kerry at Clones.
Just four points separated the sides at the interval before a dominant second-half display saw Kerry run out convincing winners.
The game started slowly but the deadlock was eventually broken on seven minutes when Jason Irwin slotted over a score.
Suddenly Kerry found another gear. Points from Sean O'Shea (two), Dara Moynihan, Dylan Casey and Conor Geaney saw the visitors lead 0-5 to 0-1 on 11 minutes.
The hosts almost gained the upper hand three minutes later; Ryan O'Toole went for goal but his effort was saved by Shane Ryan.
O'Toole atoned for the missed opportunity on 15 minutes. The Scotstown clubman palmed the ball into the net giving Monaghan a one-point lead.
Kerry's Tom O'Sullivan restored parity eight minutes later. The Kingdom moved two points clear on 27 minutes when Cillian Bourke found the net.
Further points from Sean O’Shea and Sean O’Sullivan saw the visitors lead 1-9 to 1-5 at half-time.
O’Shea gave Kerry a five-point cushion on 39 minutes. Scores from Monaghan’s Stephen Mooney and Gary Mohan left three between them six minutes later.
O’Shea restored Kerry’s five-point buffer on 56 minutes. 60 seconds later, substitute David Clifford found the net as the Kingdom moved eight points clear.
O’Shea registered Kerry’s third goal 60 seconds from time. Stephen Mooney replied with a point deep into injury time as the Farney men suffered a heavy defeat.
