David Clifford crowned Footballer of the Year aiming for legendary status alongside Kerry icon Jacko
David Clifford has achieved a remarkable feat in Gaelic football by winning his third PwC Footballer of the Year award. This victory, announced recently, places him just one award shy of Kerry legend Jack O’Shea, who is celebrated for his four accolades.
Clifford’s Achievements in Context
With this latest honor, Clifford solidifies his status as the most decorated player in the 30-year history of the All Star Footballer of the Year award. He now shares the title of three-time winner with two other notable players: Brian Fenton and Trevor Giles, both of whom have secured the accolade twice.
A Legacy of Excellence
The legacy of individual awards in Gaelic football dates back to before 1995 when the Texaco Footballer of the Year was the premier accolade. Jack O’Shea claimed this honor in 1980, 1981, 1984, and 1985. Clifford’s six All-Star awards place him joint fifth on the all-time list, closely following icons such as:
- Pat Spillane (9 awards)
- Colm Cooper (8 awards)
- Mikey Sheehy (7 awards)
- Jimmy Barry-Murphy (7 awards)
Recognizing Other Talents
This year’s awards highlighted other exceptional players as well. Kerry teammate Joe O’Connor, along with Donegal’s Michael Murphy, was shortlisted for the top personal accolade alongside Clifford. In a separate category, Finnbarr Roarty from Donegal was honored as the Young Footballer of the Year (U22), joining the ranks of past winners like Ryan McHugh and Michael Murphy.
2025 Hurling Awards
In hurling, Tipperary’s John McGrath captured the Hurler of the Year award for 2025. McGrath outperformed duel nominees Jake Morris and Cork’s Brian Hayes. His impressive performance included seven goals during his county’s All-Ireland triumph, with two goals coming in the final against Cork. He joins a prestigious list of Tipperary legends who have previously earned this award, including:
- Seamus Callanan (2019)
- Lar Corbett (2010)
- Tommy Dunne (2001)
Despite his fellow nominee Robert Doyle receiving an All-Star, Darragh McCarthy was selected as the Young Hurler of the Year. McCarthy’s standout performance included 13 points in the All-Ireland final and a remarkable display in the semi-final against Kilkenny.
A Year of Surprises
This year’s awards marked the first occurrence since 2014 that a Young Hurler of the Year nominee did not win the overall award while also earning an All-Star. The trend underscores the competitive nature of these accolades and the depth of talent in Gaelic games today.
