FLAWLESS KINGDOM OF GOLD

On what we saw at HQ, Kerry may be building new Dubs-like dynasty

- BY GARRY DOYLE

THE predictions came true. Clifford couldn't be stopped. He dictated the terms and conditions.

Except no-one bothered to read the small print.

For this wasn't David Clifford's final - although with 0-9 to his name he hardly had an off-day.

Instead the 2025 All-Ireland football final will be remembered for Paudie rather than David - the guy, who in familial terms, is more Noel than Liam, Jackie than Bobby, Robert than JFK.

While you could easily make the argument that he is the second-best footballer in Ireland, you could never pretend he is the most talented player in his own home.

Until yesterday, when he got 76 possessions, four points, the keys to the Kingdom and the walk up the steps of the Hogan Stand as the man of the match.

As he made his way along the oak-panelled walkway, the President watched on.

Next to him, the Taoiseach... Ireland's two most powerful men straining their necks to be photographed next to Ireland's most talented brothers.

Like schoolchildren.

Excited.

In awe.

And why not?

They had watched Gaelic football at its best, Kerry's most complete performance of the century, a combination of the Cliffords' sorcery, Dylan Geaney's understated excellence and Gavin White's surges.

Jack O'Connor came up with the plan, Joe O'Connor executed it.

They were flawless.

Ahead after 20 seconds, they started fast and kept motoring; two points clear after five minutes, four ahead after seven, six points in front after 10, nine to the good after 17.