David Clifford credits winter break for return to top form

Clifford and Kerry manager Jack O'Connor "laid it all out on the table" during a chat following a disappointing 2024 season for the Kingdom. 

Kerry's David Clifford was named footballer of the year for a third time on Friday night. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

David Clifford said a strategic break during the winter of 2024 into early 2025 was "a help" in finding the form which saw him named footballer of the year for a third time. After a busy time with club and county in previous years, the pause was crucial. 

"Jack [O'Connor] and myself sat down at the end of 2024, we laid it all out on the table, really as to why it didn't go well for Kerry and for me, too," said Clifford.