The first of many.
David Clifford has settled in smoothly to life as a Kerry senior.
The Fossa youngster blazed through the Kingdom underage ranks over the last few years. Those displays earned his senior debut last weekend against Donegal a label as one of the most highly anticipated in GAA history.
He created the hype for himself. He’s well able to manage it.
Last weekend, the 19-year-old acquitted himself well. He was man-marked, obviously, by a sticky Donegal rearguard, but that didn’t stop him winning a number of frees and setting up a goal for teammate Barry John Keane beside him.
The pressure that comes with a debut was gone after that. Clifford is now going to get down to business and make himself a part of the furniture in Eamon Fitzmarices’ side.
He went about it the right way in his 18 minutes on the field in MacHale Park, Castlebar on Saturday evening, with his side renewing acquaintances with their conquerors in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final, Mayo.
Clifford kicked a fine point from play, his first for the Kerry seniors after 15 minutes of play in this Allianz League clash.
The youngster got out in front of his man, despite being obviously hampered by a leg injury.
He soloed the ball, with the limp coming to the fore again.
Unperturbed, undeterred, he slotted it over the bar.
Not even an injury can stop this man from doing his thing.
We're sure it wont be his last, but here's David Clifford's first score from open play for @Kerry_Official. #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/PkMEnAymUu
— eir Sport (@eirSport) February 3, 2018
Three minutes later, that injury took its toll and he was subbed off by Eamon Fitzmaurice. The logic of playing him in his 3rd game in a week – he starred for Tralee IT’s surprise midweek Sigerson win – will undoubtedly come under scrutiny.
Kerry meanwhile, have started like a train in Mayo. Their forward unit have been slick. Their kick passing from deep to the forwards has been a joy to watch.
Diarmuid O’Connor has struck them for two goals, though, and Kerry’s lead is only one point at half-time. The score is 2-3 to the home side to Kerry’s ten points.
