CLIFFORD WILL BE JASON EVEN MORE SUCCESS

THE 2025 season will be remembered as a year when David Clifford (below) cemented his status as one of the all-time greats of Gaelic football.

- BY PADDY TIERNEY

Yet, it isn't that long ago that he was being courted by several AFL clubs, including Geelong, following his remarkable exploits as a minor when he won two All-Ireland titles including the unforgettable 2017 win over Derry when he scored 4-4 in the final.

It is unfathomable for Kerry to think that a talent as rare as Clifford could have been lost to professional sport, but his decision to stay at home to play for the Kingdom ought to serve as both a lesson and an inspiration according to Kerry coach Jason McGahan.

“Any young lad, growing up in Kerry, they want to play for Kerry,” said McGahan. “They want to play Kerry football. They want to wear the green and gold.