David Clifford: Kerry ability to take 'punch in the face' and keep fighting is better than ever

David Clifford believes the Kerry team of previous years would have lost the Munster semi-final against Cork. 

DEPTH: David Clifford said building a stronger squad has been a "big focus" for Kerry. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Such was their breathing space on the Fitzgerald Stadium scoreboard, Jack O’Connor could afford in the final quarter of an hour to shoehorn in three championship debutants. A first summer taste for Mark O’Shea, Evan Looney, and Keith Evans.

Players for future campaigns, absolutely, but no harm either to throw them in on a stress-free afternoon just in case, for argument’s sake, there is a midfield requirement for Mark O’Shea on a more stressful afternoon deeper into this championship.