David Clifford Nears Historic Milestone with Third Footballer of the Year Award
David Clifford, the standout player from Kerry, has achieved a remarkable feat by securing his third PwC GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year award. This prestigious recognition was awarded during the All Stars ceremony held at the RDS in Dublin.
Clifford’s first two awards came in 2022 and 2023, showcasing his consistent excellence on the field. This year, he played a pivotal role in Kerry’s triumphant campaign, which saw them sweep the league, Munster, and All-Ireland titles.
Key Contributions to Kerry’s Success
In a season marked by significant moments, Clifford’s performance in July’s semi-final against Tyrone was particularly noteworthy. He scored a critical two-pointer just before half-time in the All-Ireland final against Donegal. His impact was felt even when Kerry faced challenges, like their earlier loss to Meath. Following a preliminary quarter-final victory over Cavan, Clifford inspired fans with an impactful interview.
Impressive Championship Performance
Kerry’s road to the All-Ireland final was challenging. They faced formidable opponents, including:
- Armagh in the quarter-final
- Tyrone in the semi-final
- Donegal in the final
Clifford was instrumental in each match, leading the team to victories with a cumulative winning margin of 24 points. Throughout the championship, he scored a total of 1-25, becoming the top scorer overall with 8-61 points, including 8-48 from play.
Near Record Achievement
With this latest honor, the 26-year-old Clifford is now just one award shy of matching Jack O’Shea’s record of four Footballer of the Year titles, achieved in the 1980s.
Other Award Winners
The evening also celebrated other remarkable athletes:
- Hurler of the Year: John McGrath from Tipperary, who had a resurgence this season, scoring a total of 7-16, including two goals in the All-Ireland final against Cork.
- Young Hurler of the Year: Darragh McCarthy from Tipperary, who claimed All-Ireland medals with both the senior and under-20 teams.
- Young Footballer of the Year: Finbarr Roarty from Donegal, recognized for his outstanding rookie season.
The awards highlight exceptional talents and contributions to Gaelic games, voted on by their intercounty peers, while All-Star teams are chosen by panels of journalists.
