CLIFFORD CAN LEAD KERRY TO HISTORIC FOUR-IN-ROW

IN case you haven’t heard, the Kerry full-forward has a bit about him. David Clifford is the name on everyone’s lips, the range of his talent making itself known beyond these shores, all the way to the AFL. This amounts almost to another public trial as to whether he follows in a welltrodden path, one which Tadhg Kennelly made famous. Cavan were well warned in advance of the All-Ireland semi-final, yet the manner in which Clifford dominated a range of opponents, it was as if he was let have the freedom of the park. His great strength seems to be his ability to generate time and space on the ball. A languid, graceful kicking style from play and placed balls means that Derry will have to be so disciplined in their tackling tomorrow. However, Clifford has an impressive supporting cast around him. Brian Friel was excellent overall last time out and hit four points while Kerry’s ability to attack from different angles saw nine different players make the scoresheet. The same can be said at the other end judging from the quality place-kicking contribution from Patrick Quigg, Ben McCarron and man-of-the-match Lorcan McWilliams against Dublin, the trio combining for 13 points of Derry’s 0-17 total, 10 of which came from frees. If the defence can combine to somehow limit Clifford’s input — no mean feat in itself — then they have the scoring power themselves to do real damage. It showed a bit of foresight to appoint minor manager Damian McErlain to the senior post in advance of this contest, the county executive joining the long list of those impressed with the way this group of players have gone about their business as they bid for a fifth Electric Ireland All-Ireland MFC title. In stark contrast to the sense of fear that has informed so many defensive set-ups at senior level, this Derry team have played a bold brand of front-foot ball, trusting in their kicking skills. Their own semi-final was a rollicking, end-to-end affair, Dublin contributing hugely to a quality contest. No county has ever put four minor titles in a row together so Kerry have a bit of history at arm’s reach. With the inquest into the AllIreland senior semi-final defeat by Mayo sure to continue over a long winter, another minor title will, at least, lift the mood somewhat in terms of the future.