David Moran manfully carried the kick pass torch during a dark age

When Gaelic football was held captive by conservatism, endless handpassing and mindless retention, he waged a one-man crusade in the name of positive, go-forward football

RISK TAKER: David Moran, Kerry, in action against Paddy McGrath, right, Donegal. GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship Final, Kerry v Donegal. Croke Park, Dublin. Pic: David Maher/Sportsfile

The date is most fondly remembered for the anointing of the king. Fitzgerald Stadium was heaving, the sun was soaring, the ball was flowing. A day glittered in Kerry’s alternative kit gold.

In his second season out of minor, David Clifford rubber-stamped his status as the jewel in the Kingdom’s crown with seven superb points against Mayo in the opening round of the 2019 Super 8s. It was a remarkable tally and deserved headline.