Clifford on Irish duty

Armagh’s Ciaran Clifford is ready to make the step to international duty this afternoon as he makes his first appearance for Ireland in the Hurling-Shinty international at Bught Park, Inverness.

The teak-tough defender has had a year to remember picking up a Nicky Rackard Cup medal with Armagh at Croke Park last June.

Clifford, the sole Armagh representative on the squad, is delighted to represent his country.

“Without doubt it may be the tail end of the season but it’s a great opportunity to have,” he said.

“The training and trials brought us down to the final 18 and while I’ve had to the opportunity to play in All-Ireland finals, this is a very big thing and I am going to enjoy it — it’s a great experience.”

Seventeen of the 18-man squad trained yesterday at Bught Park, with Kerry’s Daragh O’Connell linking up with the squad last night.

Clifford says there’s a great mood in the camp.

“There is a very positive mood within the squad and boys are looking forward to it. We have been told already that the lads have won the last three years and there’s a fair confidence that we can do it again this year.”

It’s a big weekend for Clifford who will make a quick exit from Bught Park after the game to catch a flight to Dublin from Glasgow to ensure he can be in Clones on Sunday for an Ulster Club Intermediate game against Lisbellaw of Fermanagh.

Two years ago Kilkenny’s Tommy Walsh found himself in a similar situation after captaining Ireland to victory in Inverness and Clifford says Cuchulainns have been very accommodating.

“I had to make sure that the club were okay with me playing in Scotland before committing to it,” he said.

“I’m glad they allowed me the situation to do both and they are very proud that I am representing Ireland.”