John Fogarty: GAA forget everybody should belong

David Clifford has the awareness to mention players currently numbered 27 to 36 after Kerry's league triumph

David Clifford’s acceptance speech after Kerry’s league final win over Mayo was as polished as his performance. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Tue, 12 Apr, 2022 - 09:15

John Fogarty is the Irish Examiner’s GAA correspondent, with unique insights into the action on the pitch and in the Gaelic games’ corridors of power.

In the absence of a minute’s silence for Red Óg Murphy at last Sunday’s Division 1 and 2 finals in Croke Park, Kerry captain David Clifford’s heartfelt words about the late Sligo and DCU star were even more poignant.

Clifford’s acceptance speech was as polished as his performance: Short enough to reflect what was another league title for Kerry and succinct enough to send a message to his team-mates. “This is only the start of it,” he declared to them. “So, it’s time to build on it from here.”