David Clifford and Seán O'Shea ensure Kerry are doubly insured in clutch moments

As he stood over his late free kick in Croke Park on Saturday, David Clifford trusted the rituals, routine, and mindset which have always governed his freetaking process, writes Christy O'Connor.

As he stood over his late free kick in Croke Park on Saturday, David Clifford trusted the rituals, routine, and mindset which have always governed his freetaking process.

Ball in his hands, feet parallel to the sideline, Clifford’s knees slightly bobble for four seconds as he half-squats to stabilise his stance, before taking one deep breath to fill his lungs, pen his shoulders back, and straighten his body.