Kerry 3-19 Mayo 0-13
If we learned anything today it’s that, joining a long list of other failed containment plans, mouthing is not the thing that’s going to stop David Clifford.
Neither are hypnosis techniques or attempts to rip his jersey because, after yet another outrageous display in Croke Park, it seems that things like these only spur the Fossa Freak on.
Padraig O’Hora tried it all in this Division One National League final, as any right-minded corner back in his position would do, but none of it worked. And by the end of it, after such an outstanding display by the imperious Kerryman, it had gotten to the stage where even O’Hora felt the need to pay his respects.
That came in the form of a tap on the leg just seconds after the Fossa freak had mowed him down for what must have been the fourth time today. Clifford left the Ballina man in his wake and on this occasion, he decided to chip the Mayo goalkeeper to score his first goal, bringing his tally to 1-5 from play. The National League title was in the bag and O’Hora admitted defeat and gave him his dues.
66 nóim #KERvMAY@MayoGAA 0-11 (11)@Kerry_Official 2-18 (24)
Ciarraà go mór chun tosaigh agus gan cúig nóimead fágtha
GOAL for Clifford#AllianzLeagues #GAABEO@GAA_BEO @AllianzIreland
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/kL8wcCSXe9
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) April 3, 2022
His plucky techniques have come in for plenty of flak online in the aftermath of Kerry’s convincing win over Mayo but put yourself in his shoes for a second. You’re a competitor and you’re marking the player of his generation – you’re hardly going to give him an easy ride. To Clifford’s credit, he takes it well and as he’s done so many times before, he did his talking on the scoreboard.
Clifford did his talking on the scoreboard pic.twitter.com/dVOHO2VkXI
— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) April 3, 2022
Afterwards, as he accepted the cup on the steps of the Hogan Stand, he paid a tribute to Red Óg Murphy, sending his regards to the family.
“These kinds of days are yeres as much as ours,” he said of Kerry’s extended panel.
“I just want to send regards from everyone in Kerry GAA to the family of Red Óg Murphy in Sligo. We were lucky enough to see him play in the Sigerson this year. Sending our best wishes to the family from everyone in Kerry GAA.”
